bulldog puppy training

Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The American Bulldog is an agile, confident and loyal protector for his human family, as well as of personal property. He is a gentle, affectionate and loving companion, albeit fearless and ready to strike should any intruder cross his path. An energetic, active working dog, the American Bulldog exudes a dominant, powerful and athletic appearance, with strong muscles and substantial boning. He gets along well with young children, as well as dogs and other pets so long as he was raised with them from the start. The American Bulldog does not do well when left alone for prolonged periods of time. With proper socialization, training and regular exercise, the American Bulldog is a true companion and excellent watchdog. Upkeep Because of his working past, the American Bulldog is quite familiar with being outdoors, but like most dogs, he thrives on living indoors with his owner. As such, he should be frequently exercised with plenty of engaging activity to burn off energy and combat boredom, avoiding consequential destructive behavior. Otherwise, the American Bulldog is a relatively low-maintenance breed, requiring not much else than mopping up his regular drool and slobber and minimal grooming for his short, fine coat. Known for his strength, courage and ease around livestock, the breed began being used for bull baiting before it was outlawed in England. Consequently following the ban, the breed was replaced with the less athletic, shorter and stockier English Bulldog. Meanwhile, the original bulldog type was preserved by working class immigrants, who brought them on their journey to America to use as all-around working dogs on farms and ranches in the South. Johnson worked to revive the breed alongside Alan Scott and other breeders. Today, the modern American Bulldog as we know it remains a well-rounded working dog, courageous guard dog and faithful family companion. Related Content.

In business since .We are proud to offer you beautiful, healthy and quality purebred Pug and Boston Terrier puppies. We are a respectable kennel that will never operate as a puppy mill. All our dogs have plenty of running space at all times. Both day and night, they have the freedom to run outside to inspect their territory. When you drive in our lane you will surely be met with lots of friendly, happy faces and wagging tails. They get even more excited to see you walk toward them and are ready and willing to give you a hundred kisses if you will stay long enough to receive them. We are a member in good standing with AKC. Many of our sales are repeat customers and referrals, giving us a high satisfaction rate. See our Reviews for the notes and pictures from those who are enjoying one or more of our dogs in their home and life. Click here to view price and payment options. Also check here for a rough estimate of wait time. That can change and vary and is sometimes impossible to know for sure. All our puppies are purebred. Our puppies come to you with AKC papers, 1st shot, several dewormings, records, micro chipped and 12 month health guarantee. All parents of puppies are owned by Howling Hill Kennels. Our moms are born and raised here and dads come from other respectable breeders. We take great care to ensure that we do not breed any that are related. If you are interested in giving one of our puppies a warm, loving home, you are welcome to visit, but by appointment only. See our visiting hours at the bottom of each page. Our puppies stay with mom till 8 weeks old. Learn more about Pugs here Learn more about Boston Terriers here. Puppies are not eligible to be seen until they are eight weeks old, and we require a form of deposit in order to book the appointment. Also due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pony Tails Kennel has seen an incredible increase in inquiries. We are a individually owned small business, and answer our emails as quickly as we can. We answer from oldest to newest, and are only able to do a small amount at a time. We appreciate your inquires, but providing for our puppies is our number one inquiry. Please be patient in awaiting for our response. Located in Woodbine, Maryland, Pony Tails Kennel is both woman owned and operated, ran by a single mother and her two daughters. We can assure that all our dogs have nice, open fields to run on, and have been socialized within our home. While puppies enjoy their time with us, we want to assure they also enjoy their time with you, and live a long, happy life. Pony Tails Kennel has been breeding dogs for over 14 years, and personally, adore them. We see them as a joy to raise, and make sure they are adopted by good families. Often, our adult dogs have come from a champion bloodline. Last AKC inspection was in November of .Hopefully, by the end of , our video editor will be able to meet with us and make a new end of year video! Life Span Did You Know? A Bugg is a cross between a Boston Terrier and Pug. These dogs tend to be small and are known for their adorable faces and gentle, fun, and comedic personalities. As a designer breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. Buggs are a great fit for single owners as well as families. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They tend to be sweet, affectionate, and love to cuddle. They also tend to have an upbeat, fun-loving, and sometimes clownish personality. If left untrained or not socialized properly, barking can become a nuisance behavior and they can also become territorial. Although they are very sensitive to heat, the Bugg is a highly adaptable dog. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in most climates, aside from heat. But, they have a short coat, so they may need some winter dog products to stay warm in colder temperatures. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time because they are devoted to their families. Potential health conditions to be aware of in the Bugg breed include luxating patella , cataracts, deafness, hip dysplasia, and encephalitis. As a brachycephalic dog breed, they will be prone to breathing problems, allergies, and will be very sensitive to heat. Their protruding eyes can also become irritated in the cold and you need to be careful to keep them clear of debris. As a small dog breed, they are also more prone to developing dental disease. So, practicing good dental care for dogs is also important. Buggs are intelligent dogs that are eager to please even though they can be stubborn at times. This tends to make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a good idea as they strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and also offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. As a small dog breed, house training can be a challenge. But, with consistency, some house training tips , and a lot of patience, you can get through it. Bugg puppies are also quite curious and energetic. They also tend to be prone to jumping up and climbing over people and furniture. The Bugg has a short coat that will shed a little year-round and potentially a little more as the seasons change. Monthly nail trimming can be enough to keep nails from growing too long. Floppy ears are more prone to ear infections than ears that stick straight up all the time, but all ears need to be checked regularly. Many dog owners overlook dental care, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. But, gum disease in dogs is serious and can lead to many other health issues. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. The Bugg tends to have a moderate activity level. Daily walks plus some playtime or other activity are usually enough for this dog. Although they may have bursts of energy, they are small dogs and can wear themselves out quickly. They love being around you, so they will likely be up for more activity if you are. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they are not overdoing it. As a brachycephalic dog, they are more sensitive to heat and can easily become overheated. But, there are safe ways to exercise brachycephalic dogs to help your Bugg get the movement they need to stay healthy. A fully-grown Bugg usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Bugg generally lives for years. Bugg Puppies for Sale Thanks for visiting our Bugg page! Currently, we do not have any Bugg puppies available, but we can alert you when new Bugg puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds.

Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Reviewed by Monica Tarantino Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. Think of puppy shots as insurance against disease that prevents illness and saves you money—and potential heartbreak. Not too long ago, 50 percent or more of dogs died of canine distemper or parvovirus before their first birthday. These little victims suffer through painful vomiting and diarrhea and too often must be humanely euthanized to end their suffering. These diseases today are entirely preventable. Once programmed, these cells recognize, find, and destroy viruses, bacteria or other pathogens both in the bloodstream or at the cellular level—in the nose or eyes —before they cause disease. Passive immunity fills this gap when the puppies nurse from the vaccinated mother's milk. The exceptions are some newer vaccinations made with recombinant DNA technology such as the recombinant distemper vaccination. Vaccinations and Schedules A variety of vaccinations are available for several conditions. But not all puppies need every vaccination. The shots your puppy needs is based on exposure risk. Your veterinarian offers you the best advice on the right protection for your furry babies and adults. All puppies should receive these, and often there are combination vaccines for all but rabies. Sometimes these are including as part of the core combination shot. Your veterinarian determines when to start and how many boosters your pup should receive based on health status and exposure. Usually, puppies receive a series of either three or four boosters three weeks apart, starting at either six weeks 6, 9, 12, 16 weeks of age or starting at nine weeks 9, 12 and 16 weeks. Rabies is given at 16 weeks, and all of the core vaccinations are repeated a year later. Puppy Vaccination Schedule. Summary of dog vaccination schedules Why do we vaccinate dogs? This helps their body build immune cells that are specifically designed to respond effectively when the real thing comes along. And in fact, the diseases they prevent are irritating at best, and potentially deadly at worst. Vaccines are also relatively painless, easy, and cost-effective to administer. What do we vaccinate dogs against? There are a number of vaccines for dogs, which can be broken down into core and non-core vaccines. Your veterinarian can help you decide which non-core vaccines are right for your dog. What are the core vaccines for dogs? Rabies: Rabies is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease transmitted via a bite from an infected animal, such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. It can be transmitted to humans, for whom it is also fatal. The Rabies vaccine is legally required in most U. These are all serious, highly infectious diseases that can result in pain, organ damage and may be fatal. Whilst some vets do not consider this a core vaccine, at Small Door we strongly recommend it for all dogs in New York, as leptospirosis is found across all five boroughs and is even more prominent outside of the city. What are the non-core vaccines for dogs? Bordetella: Bordetella is also known as kennel cough , a nasty respiratory disease. The vaccine is required by dog groomers, boarding and daycare facilities. Lyme: Lyme Disease is a bacterial disease that can affect pets and humans, causing fever, painful joints and, at times, organ damage. When do puppies get their first shots? Puppies should typically receive their first shots as soon as they are weaned or around 8 weeks old. This is generally completed during three vet visits in the first few months. Geographical location and lifestyle are factors that may come into play, so not every dog will need every vaccine. However, here is what a typical puppy vaccination timeline looks like for year one. This maternal immunity can also interfere with the vaccines we administer, and make them less effective. So, to make sure puppies acquire a high enough level of antibodies to be effective, we have to vaccinate them multiple times — in other words, administer boosters. I'm not sure if my dog is up-to-date on shots, what should I do? Your veterinarian may be able to run an antibody test to determine if the dog needs additional vaccinations or if their vaccination process needs to be started over. Adult dog vaccine schedule Adult and senior dogs need regular boosters to maintain their immunity levels. Boosters are required yearly or every three years depending on the vaccine. Previously this vaccine was recommended every six months, but guidelines now recommend yearly boosters. Some groomers and daycare facilities may still request the six month booster shot. Canine influenza: every year Lyme disease: every year Vaccinations for adult dogs: boosters and titers Although vaccines are very safe, some owners may have concerns about providing boosters to their pets. In these cases, they might consider a titer instead. Titers may also be required for international travel to some countries. A titer test is a procedure for testing and measuring the amount of antibodies proteins that provide protection from certain diseases a dog has in its blood for a specific disease. This is accomplished by repeatedly diluting a sample of blood and then exposing the diluted blood to an antigen. They can be a way to measure if your dog needs to be revaccinated or if they can forgo the booster. By law, the only shot required in most U. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative then animal shelters often offer low-cost vaccine clinics, although they might not offer all of the vaccinations that your pup might need. Related articles. This gives the owner an opportunity to see their dog at such a young age and then watch them quickly grown into strong and large adults. If you are purchasing a Boxer puppy, the dog should be at least 8 weeks old. In many regions it is illegal to have a puppy at a younger age. Up until 8 weeks, the puppy will need to be nourished by its mother. We're Home! That Boxer newborn puppy that you picked out has rapidly matured into an 8 week old and it's time for your new family member to join the household. Bringing a puppy home should be well planned in advance. If you have a large family, other members must be told to keep the environment calm and peaceful until your Boxer puppy has a chance to gain their bearings and become used to its new home. Have everything you need so that you do not need to suddenly run out to the store for a forgotten item. Do not allow the puppy to be rushed at by many people wishing to hug, pat and smother him or her with kisses. That can come a bit later. Your new Boxer must be approached gently and with warm voices. Puppies are a good, robust size but are still fragile. It is very sad when a puppy is stepped on accidentally; this can cause great harm. From birth to the 1 year mark, trauma is the leading cause of fatalities with this breed. Children must understand how to gently treat a pup. Very young children should be watched during interaction. All members of the home must be very aware of what may be underfoot. Your Boxer puppy should be given a tour of the home. Do not expect your new pup to know where everything is! Show him or her where they can find their water, where to expect their meals to be served, their dog bed and their toys. A puppy needs the security of knowing where to find what they need. Puppies will need quite a bit of care from you. This includes: Feeding - A puppy should be fed times per day. More feeding information can be found in our Feeding section. Only high quality puppy food must be given. This will be a time of rapid growth and your Boxer puppy needs the right dog food for optimal health. Vaccinations - All puppies will need the full schedule of vaccinations. This is absolutely vital to the health of the pup. If the budget is tight, your dog's veterinarian should be able to provide a discount or recommended animal clinics which provide shots for a very minimal fee. This includes that absolutely necessary Heart worm prevention medication, as well. Comfort and safety - Boxer puppies are rambunctious. They will jump, bounce and play. They will need loving attention and interaction with their owner or owners. Plenty of room to play, lots of toys and acts of love are crucial to the physical and emotional growth of a pup. A puppy is just learning about its world; yelling or hitting is never called for. Through love, patience and understanding a puppy will learn what is expected. Negative reactions from its owner will simply teach the puppy to be afraid. Housebreaking - This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Read more in our housebreaking section. When started early and with consistency, your Boxer puppy will soon learn where it is appropriate to eliminate. A schedule - Puppies know nothing about the world except for what you show them. It is important to keep a puppy on a schedule that they can depend on. Normal times for baths, exercise , walks, feedings, grooming , play time and sleep time are recommended. Some Things to Expect The first year will be full of changing behaviors and a change in physical appearance. Here's what you can expect: A Boxer puppy will whine if he is hungry, wants attention or once he is learning house training, if he has a bathroom need The time to instill training for barking and other behavior is now - before habits can form Puppies are super hyper , but will also sleep quite a bit - Anywhere from 15 to 18 hours per day including night time and daytime naps The first year is one of rapid growth, but do expect starts and stops. As your Boxer reaches adolescence, there is sometimes a brief period of stalled weight gain at which time a Boxer may appear too skinny. This typically only lasts a few months before that final gain happens that allows him to fill out. Puppyhoood is the time to do socialization training - You'll want to introduce your puppy to as many people, other dogs, events and situations as possible so that he learns control and gains self-confidence. Health Check A Boxer puppy should be checked over every day to check for certain issues. Eyes- The eyes should be clear and bright. Any excessive discharge is a reason to go to the veterinarian Ears and nose - These areas should be cleaned each day with a damp, soft washcloth. Discharge of any color is a reason for a checkup with the vet Breathing - A puppy's breathing should always be clear and easy. Forced breathing, wheezing, coughing or other strange sounds must be taken care of immediately through the dog's veterinarian or closest animal hospital Limping - Puppies may be a bit clumsy or wobbling when very young. However limping is never normal. This must be brought to a vet's attention ASAP Tank - 9 months old Photo courtesy of owner: Jaymie Conner Skin - It is normal for a Boxer puppy to have some loose skin around the neck area and there will be some facial folds. These areas can hold in moisture which can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection. Moisture can accumulate when the pup drinks or when he drools. Keep the area nice and dry to prevent any problems. After the initial puppy trance lets go of you, it may now be dawning on you that you have a big responsibility. Your head spins as you try and figure out what you have to do to keep this little girl safe. Calm Down. Why Vaccinate Your Dog? When puppies are born, they feed nurse from their mothers which provides them with all antibodies they need to fight off illnesses while their immune systems develop. As soon as they stop nursing, they are at risk of becoming ill. Vaccinations provide them with what they need to boost their immune systems and fight off these illnesses, which can become life-threatening in non-vaccinated puppies. Vaccinations Needed There are a few different types of shots that you should be aware of. Your local veterinarian should be well aware of these and put your puppy on a schedule. They used to be given separately, but now they are combined into one easy vaccination. D — Canine Distemper Virus — Serious viral illness with no cure. H — Hepatitis — Viral infection that affects the liver. L — Leptospirosis — Bacterial infection that affects the kidneys. P — Parainfluenza — Can cause upper respiratory infections. P — Parvovirus — Serious intestinal virus. C — Coronavirus — Also an intestinal virus, but not as severe. Bordetella — An airborne bacterium that is a common cause of kennel cough. Rabies — Contagious and fatal viral disease. Giardia — Intestinal parasite that causes the infection Giardiasis. Lyme — Common tick-transmitted disease. Giardia shot. Bordetella shot. Every 6 Months: Bordetella shot check with vet. Every Years: You should check with your local veterinarian about the frequency of a Rabies shot, but generally it is every one to three years. So, there you have it! You can call you local vet, schedule a few appointments, mark your calendar and clear your mind. Make sure to get your puppy a full check-up tip-to-tail, as they say and discuss what shots will be necessary. You now have a full puppy shot schedule and can stop worrying about it. Feel free to enjoy your new addition to the family and start worrying about new things like puppy training, what food to buy, what medicine works best…CRAP! Worried about training your boxer puppy? Check out this post that gives you a good boxer training overview. Other Vaccinations — Kennel Cough: Two initial vaccinations plus annual booster — Babesiosis: Two initial vaccinations plus annual booster When and how should my Dog be Vaccinated? Vaccination for Babesiosis Frequently-asked questions: — Should I take any special precautions before the vaccination? The dog to be vaccinated should be in the best possible physical health and should not have a large meal in the twelve hours preceding the vaccination. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if the dog has had any problems within the last twelve months. Vaccination is a treatment that should be given only to patients in good health, so a thorough physical examination is justified, with checks for fever, anorexia, adynamia, and anemia. If necessary, the absence of early babesiosis can be confirmed by a blood sample. No vaccine can protect all individuals. Some individuals are incapable of producing a sufficient number of antibodies, for various reasons age, poor health, intercurrent infectious diseases, physiological condition, origin, some treatments, recurring babesiosis, etc. While not contraindicated, the babesiosis vaccine is not recommended for such dogs. The initial vaccination requires two injections, and immunity does not appear until a few days after the second. Between injections, the dog is completely susceptible to the disease, and so must be watched carefully during this period. Puppies less than three months old should not be vaccinated due to their immunological immaturity with regard to babesiosis. Immunological maturity is not complete until about five months of age. The initial vaccination requires two subcutaneous injections three or four weeks apart. This interval should never be less than fifteen days nor more than six weeks. Boosters are given annually. The presence of canine babesiosis is related to the biology of its arthropod vector, the tick. As a general rule, ticks are less active during cold, dry winters than during the summer. However, depending on the area and the local climate, cases of canine babesiosis can occur year-round. Your veterinarian knows about the regional epidemiology of this disease, and can advise you on this point. In rare cases, there may be temporary fatigue twenty-four hours , and possibly slight edema at the injection site, which should disappear within a few days. In the vast majority of cases, the vaccine is very well tolerated by dogs. Nevertheless, it is recommended that the dog be allowed to rest for twenty-four hours after the vaccination, and that no great effort hunting, long walk, training session, etc. However, it occasionally happens that a dog receiving the vaccine is already incubating babesiosis and that the disease flares up within a few days of the vaccination. This is why the veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination before administering the injection. Currently, anti-rabies vaccine and leptospirosis vaccine can be given with the babesiosis vaccine. Should I have the dog vaccinated? Although not contraindicated, vaccination is not recommended for such dogs. These animals seem to be unable to protect themselves against this disease. When can it be vaccinated? You must wait eight weeks after treatment before giving the initial injection. Sciences administration, Merial laboratory Vaccination for Rabies The initial vaccination at three months of age includes two injections at least fifteen but not more than thirty days apart for vaccines including the Rabiffa valence Leptorab, Pentadog, Rabiffa. Alternatively, a single injection of Rabisin, Hexadog or Leptorabisin can be given. To maintain protection, the booster shot Rabiffa or Rabisin should be given less than one year after the second injection of the initial vaccination or the previous booster shot. If this deadline is not met, the next vaccination must be considered as a new initial vaccination. To be valid, the certificate of vaccination must be signed by the veterinarian. Initial vaccination For distemper, infectious hepatitisI Adenovirus type 2 and Parvovirus — First vaccination: Between seven and nine weeks of age. Initial vaccination for Leptospirosis Two injections one month apart. The first should be at about seven weeks of age if the dog lives in a contaminated area and ten to twelve weeks of age if the dog lives in an uncontaminated area. Boosters The first booster for distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus should be given one year after the initial vaccination. Subsequent boosters are given every two years. Current French law requires that rabies boosters be given every year. Leptospirosis vaccinations also require an annual booster, or a semi-annual booster in areas where the disease is endemic. Vaccines that can be given together make annual booster shots much more practical. Important recommendations 1. It is better not to vaccinate dogs that are in poor general health, particularly those that are heavily infested with ecto- or endoparasites. The dog should be treated for parasites. If the vaccination program cannot be followed beginning at the age of 7 to 9 months, it must be started over as soon as possible, no matter how old the dog is, with the same intervals between vaccinations. Related posts:.

One of the other considerations that go along with getting a free German Shepherd puppy is that there will be housebreaking requirements. Free German Shepherd Puppies Indiana You may be in the market to find German Shepherd puppies for sale, and looking on the Internet at free dog adoption sites can sometimes be your best bet. These are not always a scam, but you do have to take the time to find them. You could also check out your local pet store as well, but most of the time if they offer puppies at no cost, they will not be from puppies that were adopted or are going to be adopted. Also, remember that these dogs are going to have to go through training and be brought up with a set of very specific behaviors. When you look at free German shepherd puppies in Indiana, you are not guaranteed to find what you are looking for. There are many reasons why a breeder would want to offer their dogs up for adoption at no cost. They could be having financial difficulties, or they could have bad dogs that are sickly and need to be sent to live with another dog owner in the area. Most of these animals were either abandoned or put up for adoption by someone who could no longer keep them. Once the puppy has been checked over by the veterinarian, they will be to come up with an adoption fee. The fee is usually less than half of what you would pay for a dog at the local pound and sometimes even less. If they are free German Shepherd puppies for sale, there is usually no fee for the training that is needed before they are fully adaptable. These puppies need training just like any other puppy. As soon as the dog is fully grown, they are going to have to get a collar and tags. These are required by law in most places, and if you want to adopt one, you are going to have the collar and tags ready when you bring the puppy home. You can either get the collar and tags locally, or you can ask the people at the shelter if they know anyone that can help you with this. This is not a very big deal, and most of the shelters have plenty of people who are willing to help you. They also give you the option of buying a puppy that already has its collar and tags on. You can also look online to see if there are free German Shepherd puppies for sale anywhere in Indiana. The only thing to remember about finding free German Shepherd puppies is that you may come across some scams. There are people out there that are more than willing to take your money and run. When you find the puppies for sale, you need to make sure that you are checking the papers thoroughly. Different things are going to be checked for, like pedigrees and AKC records. If the puppy that is being offered for free is a purebred dog , it will have all of its paperwork in order, and it should be microchipped and have a tag that can be easily removed. There should also be an interview by the shelter workers. You will want to know what happened to the animal, and what type of health problems it had as a puppy. Ask questions if you have any concerns, and make sure that the dog you get is free from any kind of genetic defects. Most of these puppies will need to go to daycare and be cared for during the day. Make sure that you can meet these requirements, and that the daycare is located near you. It can be hard to travel long distances with a dog, so this is something that you will need to be prepared for. German Shepherds make wonderful pets, and they do make great parents. The longer you wait, the worse your financial situation will become. Get that free German Shepherd for sale today! Share this:. Our focus is on senior and adult German Shepherds. We will never settle for second best — not in our board members, volunteers, fosters or adopters. Our commitment to the highest quality of care for our dogs will Adoption Policy Anyone interested in adopting or fostering a dog from Redemption German Shepherd Rescue RGSR should start out by filling out an application. Every successful adoption starts here! RGSR will contact you and let you know the status of your application and keep you informed every step of the way. We try to match you with the RGSR dog who best suits your lifestyle. If RGSR doesn't have the type of Shepherd you want, we contact other reputable German Shepherd Rescues we work with, to see if they can meet your request. Our goal is to make the best match possible, for the dog and you! All dogs are temperament tested prior to RGSR accepting them. We start basic obedience while they are in foster care, but you will need to follow up with an obedience class or two on your own. It is the best way to insure that you get off on the right foot with your canine companion. Only dogs that pass the temperament test are offered for adoption. What we know about the dog, or discover in foster care, is passed on to y Recommended Pets. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Redemption German Shepherd Rescue is a registered c 3 corporation founded in .Based in Indiana, we do our best to assist German Shepherds in need throughout the country. Each dog that comes into our program is carefully evaluated and then placed into a foster home. We passionately believe that by living with our dogs we can learn more about them. Once we have spent some time getting to know each dog, we make the dog available for adoption. When you apply to adopt one of our dogs you will go through an adoption process where we learn more about you, your experience and your lifestyle. Our goal is to offer you a service wherein you find a great furever companion! Happy National Rescue Dog Day! No matter the breed, size or color, every rescue dog deserves a shout out today. Many often have overcome extreme obstacles and horrible situations to go on to provide comfort, love and security without hesitation. How can you help celebrate? Get involved in the lives of rescue dogs. There are a variety of ways to share the puppy love. Volunteer at your local shelter or rescue. Taking dogs for walks, grooming and giving them plenty of affection improves their socialization. Shelters and rescues always need donations. Most shelters have a list of constant needs, such as blankets, bleach, toys, treats, and leashes. If there is room in your life for a rescue dog, consider adoption and giving one a forever home. Consider fostering. Many dogs abandoned to shelters and rescues require some medical care or rehabilitation. Familiarizing them with a home again, helps set the dog up for success in their new life. Overpopulation is the number one reason shelters and rescues exist. What Can You Do? Sometimes, you may find a GSD, German Shepherd for free in Indiana to a good home listed by an owner who may no longer be able to look after them because of personal circumstances. Our Ads are always free! If you are interested in other breeds or need to look for German Shepherd Dog puppies in other states please use the search option. She is playful, friendly, eating well and has a great temperament. She gets along great with other cats, dogs, and children. You can vis.Read More German Shepherd Babies. Big, Impressive Pups. EXIT 1, Ca.He will make sure you are happy you did. Healthy happy outgoing. Can see parents on property. Has so.Superb bloodlines. Working dog type. Both parents on property to be seen. Have girls and a boy available. Both mom and.House trained, crate and dog door trained. Started on basic commands Raised around children, other dogs, and horses. Loves toys and very handler oriented. Food, ball, and prey motivated.Full AKC rights breeding will be an extra .He is energetic and loves running outdoors. He is strong, very big for his age, being one of only three in his litter. He will be big! He's microchipped.Read More.

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

Adverts for the crossbreed, which is a mixture of a golden retriever and a poodle, attract more than views per puppy says rehoming site Pets4Homes. The goldendoodle received the most views per puppy advert. Image: iStock. Golden retrievers are attracting an average views per tiny pooch with maltipoos placing third in the list of 12 most in demand breeds, with views per advert. The information has been gathered from two million weekly visits to the Pets4Homes website. The figures also suggest interest in poodle cross breeds remains very strong, making up four of the top seven popular breeds with the labradoodle and cavapoo also in the mix. Further down the top 12 are whippets with views per dog advert, Hungarian vizlers with and the cavalier king Charles spaniel with views per advert. Boxers were in 12th with .The cavapoo was one of four poodle cross breeds in the list. Both could be a result, suggests Pets4Homes, of more owners researching the health issues that can be associated with such breeds before choosing to rehome them. Interest in flat-faced breeds is declining says Pets4Homes. Interest in pet ownership peaked during the pandemic — when lockdown and lifestyle changes led to many more households seeking a companion while they spent more time at home. However the number of prospective new buyers is now falling, confirms the industry report, with the number of available puppies suspected to be decreasing now too as interest returns to something more akin to pre-pandemic levels. Interest in puppies and pet ownership is now returning to pre-pandemic levels.

It has a front and back clip that you can attach to the leash to train your dog. It also comes with four adjustable straps around the neck and chest for perfect fitting, even for large lab puppies. To ensure that your puppy is safe in crowds, the Rabbitgoo harness has an extra handle on the back. However, the handle is a little thin, so if your puppy is a puller, it may break. The entire vest has padding made of breathable, heavy-duty material to promise the comfort of your puppy. The downside here is that it can be tricky to adjust the straps. Pros Available with side buckles to ease the fitting Soft, breathable padding for maximum comfort Comes with an extra handle on the back for better control in crowds Fair price Straps are difficult to adjust Plastic buckles wear off with excess pulling 3. In addition, the Voyager harness has double D-rings to clip onto the leash and keep it secure. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Aside from the correct size, you should consider other features, like durability, adjustable straps, and convenience to get the best bang for your buck. Yet, the material still should be soft and breathable so that your puppy is comfortable while walking and exercising. Adjustable Straps This is a crucial feature to look for in a harness. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Tru-Fit Harness with Seatbelt from Kurgo Yes, you should prefer a harness as it is better than a collar for your Lab puppy. This is because they are safer and offer much more control. A harness can also reduce strains compared to the collar which can cause tension around the delicate neck of your Lab puppy. The following are some of the biggest advantages of using a harness on your Lab puppy. Injuries Can be Prevented Harness always takes pressure away from the neck of your Labrador puppy. So you can pull the leash without hurting the dog. More importantly, this will help Labs to pull the lead without getting any injuries by themselves. Despite this, you should still teach your dog to not pull on the leash. But with harnesses, there is enhanced space for your dog to grow and it will not put any pressure on the neck of your Lab puppy. Provide Control without Cruelty This is the reverse of the final disadvantage of dog collars. It can be used if you are losing control of your pup. In this situation, you can use sheer force to hold back your Lab without causing undue pain and discomfort. In the case of collar, when you try to stop a fleeing Labrador by applying force, it can cause serious pain. Although Labs may respond quicker when you use collar, it is a very unkind act for pups. When can a Labrador Puppy Climb Stairs? Click here to find out. First thing first, it is important to purchase a proper size harness for your Lab puppy. You should start with a small-sized harness, depending upon the age and size of your puppy. The best way to find out whether the dog harness is too small for your Lab puppy is to put the harness properly on your dog. Start with fairly loose so that your dog can easily slip into the harness. Then, tighten it and check whether the harness fits properly by fitting two fingers between your dog and the harness at any point. Harnesses are a great choice for Lab puppies. However, owners need to choose the one in which their dog remains comfortable. You should start with the small one and move to the bigger sizes depending upon the size of your puppy. A harness should be tight enough so that your dog will stop slipping from it, especially if he suddenly reverses on you. However, if there is still gap after the fitting of two fingers, then the harness is too loose or big for your Labrador puppy. Want to make a good homemade meal for your Labrador Puppy? The Lab puppies can wear a harness when they are 8 weeks old. Owners should make sure that the harness is not too heavy or uncomfortable for their dogs. The following table shows the size of Labrador puppies in comparison to their age so that the owners can choose the best size. Similar in style to the Rabbitgoo — the Winsee is both a walking and a front range harness. The harness itself is made from a D oxford fabric with high density that prevents your Lab from easily chewing or tearing it. Collar or a Harness for a Labrador Labradors have a lot of energy and require much exercise as a result. Many Labrador owners at first default to giving their Lab a dog collar and walking them that way. After a few weeks of frustration from being dragged around on the street with constant pulling, some consider an alternative to their collars and decide on a dog harness. Pulling in Labradors is not uncommon and something seasoned Lab owners will be familiar with. For first time owners, however, it can be not only frustrating but challenging. It can not only cause discomfort for you, particularly your hands but can lead to discomfort and stress for your dog. Regardless, if your dog is a puller or not — we suggest using a collar solely for ID tags to help identify them should they get lost. Types of Lab Harnesses There are several types of harness out there, which can be a little daunting at first. Labrador Vest Harness Simple, inexpensive and used as a basic walking harness. Often made from plastic, mesh or nylon — they are designed for lightweight general wear and for dogs who are already well behaved on their leash. Back clip dog harnesses have a lead attachment point at the back. A standard leash can be clipped on for normal walking. Front clip harnesses, such as the SENSE-ation, have an attachment point solely at the front of the chest area. These are very different than your traditional harnesses in that the lead only attaches to the front — which may seem odd at first — however, they can often be recommended by trainers as an easier way to reduce pulling. Front and Back clip harnesses have points at both the top back and include a secondary attachment point at the front chest of the harness. One point attaches to the back, the other to the front. This offers increased control of your dog, similar to the reins used on a horse. A no-pull harness is made to reduce the impact of the dog pulling on their lead, as well as aid in the training of your dog. Tightening and Control Harness There are more aggressive than standard anti-pulling harnesses, and tighten when your dog starts pulling. These can be uncomfortable as they can squeeze the dogs chest as they tighten. These harness types are best reserved for experienced dog handlers and trainers. Although often associated with Military and Service dogs, they are also to be found as training harnesses, hunting harnesses or general trekking. Labrador Harness Size and Measurements Standard adult labrador sizes vary, but according to the American Kennel Club , an average male labrador height is between .This places Labs in the category of a medium-large breed, with harness sizes reflecting that. Normally this will be a large-sized harness, though it will vary depending on the manufacturer. To get an accurate measurement for your Labrador and Lab puppy, follow the steps below. Measure The Chest The most crucial part of your measurement is the chest. Take a tape measure and wrap it around the widest part of the chest. This is found a few inches behind the front legs. Add a Few Inches You should all a couple of inches to the total to allow for movement and growth. Take the tape measure and measure around the circumference of the neck. What Makes a Good Labrador Dog Harness Finding the right dog harness can take not only time and effort but patience from you, the owner. Be careful not to select a harness that is likely to fall apart, snap or break when put under strain. Check that the harness fits well and allows for movement. Summary We hope you found our article on the best harnesses for Labradors helpful in making your choice. Dog harnesses are a good alternative to walking your dog on a collar and lead. Harnesses are also great if your dog is a puller. They can also be used for training your dog to stop them from tugging on their leash when walking them. You should also find a harness that fits the size of your breed, as too loose opens them up to escape and too tight can leave them uncomfortable. There's little he doesn't know about dogs. TopDog loves agility but is far too unfit to keep up. Offers advice and articles on dog harnesses, collars, travel, food and temperament. Is woeful at speaking foreign languages. Instead, they can prevent injuries from a dog getting tangled in their leash or pulling too hard with a collar. We consider them an excellent training aid that makes using a leash easier for both you and your pup. Many include other features that are handy, such as lift handles for dogs that need help standing. Type and Construction A Retriever is a good-sized dog, weighing anywhere from 50—80 ponds. Therefore, you need a harness that can control him and is durable enough to stand up to the challenge. There are several types, each one with its pros and cons. This style is an excellent choice for pups that get tangled in their leash because it keeps it away from their feet. The force of the leash goes to his back, instead. However, if your pooch is muscular with less-than-perfect leash manners, you may find him harder to manage with this type of harness. Front-Clip Harness The front-clip harness puts you in charge of your pup while requiring less work on your part. You can easily redirect him if necessary. The tightening harness takes care of that issue with a gentle tug that gets your Lab back on point. Just as with an unruly stallion, this type will give you control over your larger Retriever. Kind of Closure There are also several variations on the type of closure and how it secures on your Lab. It is the most popular option. There are also quick-release and bolt-on products. Material Nylon, by far, is the most common harness material. It offers a lot of advantages for Lab owners. They are lightweight. They will also dry quickly after a romp in the lake chasing a ball. These products are also affordably priced and excellent value for the money. You can get a blaze orange one for hunting and another in your choice of many colors and designs. Mesh is another popular choice for the same reasons. Another option for your water-loving pooch is neoprene for those winter walks. Other choices include polyester, canvas, and fleece. We prefer products that you can wash in between uses. A waterproof product is a welcome addition we appreciate. If you take your dog for evening walks, a reflective harness is a must-have. Other options you may find are padding over the chest portion for added comfort, personalization, and dual-clip items that you can attach in front or back. We liked the extra security that this last feature offers. However, the most important thing is comfort, especially if your pup pulls. Most products include a range of inches for each of the key measurements. A harness is not like buying a pair of pants for yourself. Many have different systems of adjusting the size. You need to take three measurements. Finally, you must find out the length of his back. Bear in mind that not all products will specify these three. Some only consider the chest size with adjusting parts for the others. We recommend two inches or the width of two fingers between the strap and your dog. The point is to make it snug to prevent escaping but not too tight to make your pup uncomfortable. After all, avoiding neck damage is one reason that pet owners opt to use a harness over a collar. We also suggest looking at the kind of adjustment on the harness. A sliding one with a clasp gives you a lot more leeway as opposed to a buckle, which has set holes. Of course, it is a fine balance between security on both ends of the spectrum. Its comfortable design was one of the most important features we considered. It provides the necessary snugness without the tightness that can make wearing it irritating. The Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness is our pick for best value, thanks to its lightweight design that stands up to pullers. The research for our reviews taught us a vital lesson. These products are highly specialized for the dog, its leash manners, and the amount of control you must have over your Lab. These pups often make simple things like walks a challenge. However, with the right harness, it becomes a non-issue. Featured image credit: PxHere. Front and back Long lines are best attached from the back The back-attachment point is ideal for long lines. Attaching it to the front risks the entangling of the front legs. A front and back harness gives maximum flexibility. Double ended Two leash attachment points Using a back-attachment point lets you use a double-ended leash. A single-ended leash can tighten the harness when only attached to the front. Different harnesses have variable tightness degrees. One with front and back attachment reduces gaping by balancing tension. Clipping the leash attachments at two points sounds too much, but it is best. Optimal control comes from a properly fitted dog harness. Handling large pets become effortless. Material Material quality is the first factor. Nylon, polyester, and breathable hybrid materials are a few options. The harness must not put much pressure on the neck and throat. The pull should be evenly distributed throughout the chest and body. Look for a harness guaranteeing sturdiness and comfort. Strength A 6 month old lab can also drag you in public. Labradors are naturally inclined to swim, play and have high energy. Labs are famous military dogs. Dogs without no-pull training can be challenging to maintain in long walks. A harness with extra padding provides the required strength. Look for safety features, reliable buckles, and quality stitching only. Size Labradors are medium-sized dogs that mature at six months. But they grow after maturity too. A harness with an adjustable strap is handy. A labrador retriever continues to grow for two years. Opt for a flexible harness that can be adjusted. Adjustability Adjustability is a vital consideration for young pups. Adjustable harnesses fit any body type or size. Ensure the clips are adjustable and well-built. A strong and popular breed like a labrador can break cheap clips. Comfort Double padding is a must for both young and old dogs. A soft harness is comfortable and prevents injuries. Some are only made for running and keep your dog in great shape. Safety Safety features like reflective material is a must-have. It increases dog visibility during early morning or night walks. Labrador retrievers who are likely to escape are more secure with such features. Some come with attached handles for more security. It is easier to grab your pet if they take off. Harnesses with seat belt features are also becoming popular. Durability Durability becomes vital if you buy a harness for the lab puppy. Always pick harnesses with a higher durability rating. An extremely durable dog harness will last from puppyhood to adulthood. Go for fully adjustable ones for the best results. Cost Budget is essential but comes second to quality. Buying cheaper products will make you spend again. Though cheap pet products are pocket-friendly, they lack quality. Get a good harness instead of going for cheap ones. Soft vests are best for puppies and older labradors. A front, rear, or dual clip harness is great for adult labs. From dual clip to step-in harnesses, there are several. Labrador Vest Harness These are basic walk harnesses. They are simple, lightweight, and inexpensive and made of mesh, plastic, or nylon. Dog owners with well-behaved dogs on leashes can get these. But the front and back clip harness can be attached at all the points. A double-ended leash is required for the front clip attachment. One point is attached at the front and another at the back. It provides more control over your escape artist. A no-pull dog harness minimizes the pup pulls without hurting them. Tactical Dog Harnesses These are popular for training, trekking, and hunting. Besides labs, it is ideal for other dog breeds, like German Shepherds. Military and service dogs wear tactical harnesses often. Tightening and Control Harness These harnesses are more aggressive than standard ones. They will tighten when your dog pulls. Dog chests can be squeezed on tightening. Experienced trainers and dog handlers use them best. Not sure which chest piece is right for your dog? Our list comprises of the 10 best harnesses for labradors. They are made from sturdy material and have the necessary safety features. Now lets look at all the harnesses one by one. A good labrador harness requires time, effort, and patience to buy. Avoid cheap harnesses that can snap, fall apart, or break. Ensure the chest piece fits well and is not tight. The dog must move with ease wearing the harness. The no-pull harness alone is not enough. Train your labrador retriever for adequate results. Measure the neck and the chest for an accurate fit. Add two inches to the chest measurement in case your lab gains weight. Check the tightness after fastening the clips and buckles. Your two fingers must fit to ensure it is comfortable. If not, then it is too tight. But a harness is comfortable and makes training straightforward. Lab puppies may bite the leash too much initially. However, showing patience will go a long way. Here are a few tips to acclimatize dogs:- Positive reinforcement training is best to accustom your lab. Giving them treats or toys when they follow commands is beneficial. Start slow and small. Place the harness on the floor and let them explore. Let the dog get used to the buckles and leash. You can treat them for being brave and sniffing. Put on the harness if you see progress. Let the dog walk around wearing the harness. Even if it is for a few minutes, treat them. Start with small neighborhood strolls if the dog is confident. Increase the walk durations gradually for smoothness. Irrespective of their style, you need the best harnesses for effective energy management. These athletic dogs are up for everything from trekking to hunting. You need a high-quality harness for your lively pooch. The best harnesses for labradors are:- RabbitGoo is best if you want to control your large lab easily. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart is for labradors having frequent car rides. Eagloo dog harness provides maximum comfort with its breathable material. Each harness offers unique features and benefits. The final call comes down to your requirements. Harnesses are better suited for walking dogs. Collars are more comfortable and hold the ID. Vets suggest using a harness for many dogs with breathing issues. Should a Labrador wear a harness? Labradors are athletic and sturdy. Having a harness makes them easier to manage. Be it walks, hikes, or treks, they are secured. What size harness for lab puppy is best? You will need at least a 9-inch long collar for a lab puppy. Most labrador retrievers fit into the large harness category. For accuracy, take labrador measurements. How do I stop my Labrador from pulling on the leash? Starting leash training with a harness early is suggested. Teach them self-control and practice attention. Treat them when the position is correct. Do not let pulling reinforce. Should I use a collar or harness for my Lab? Dog Harnesses are considered humane for pets. They give more control than collars. Different harness types also make it easier to choose for your lab pup. What size harness for 8 week lab puppy? The size range for a small harness for an 8-week-old Labrador puppy is: Chest: inches. The critical difference is the degree of dressing up required. This is a moment of personal reflection: do you have a tough time getting out of the house to take your Labrador for a walk? Minimizing the effort required to take your dog walking will ensure that you actually take him out. If your Labrador pulls on his lead, the pressure can quickly start producing irreversible damage. Can Trouble Dogs Even the most humane collars can bother some Labradors. Most new puppies might have trouble accepting a heavy collar. Starting with a light collar at an early age can offset this disadvantage. Some dog trainers can lead-train dogs with collars by building on a foundation of familiarity set by owners who get their dogs to accept light collars early on. This means both products need to be able to cater to different sizes. Most harnesses can house a range of body sizes. But when it comes to collars, your Labrador might start choking on the collar without you realizing it. Adjustable collars can offset this problem. In my opinion, even if you have compassionately trained your Labrador to accept his collar and even go on long walks with the lead attached to the said collar, what happens when your dog gets over-excited? It is quite literally impossible to hold him in position without choking him. Verdict on Dog Collars Dog collars are great to indicate ownership and protect your Labrador from being assumed and treated as a stray. Apart from that, I see no advantage in collars, especially when walking on a lead. So a nuanced approach would be to use a light collar and use a harness whenever you use a lead so that you can sidestep the dangers of lead walking a puppy with a collar. More importantly, your Labrador can pull the lead without hurting himself. More Room for Error If your Labrador puppy wears a collar, you need to follow his growth closely lest the collar begins choking him. Above all, it is more noticeable when your puppy outgrows his harness compared to when he outgrows his collar. In the worst-case scenario, you get to hold back your Lab with sheer force without hurting him as much. Tugging on a collar when your Labrador is trying his best to get away is heartless. That said, you should note that dogs give in more easily when their collar is tugged compared to holding back a harness. The ease, however, is mutually exclusive with kindness in this instance as a submission comes through the pain with a collar. In other words, a harness is something you would want on your pup only on walks. Most well-trained Labradors can go without a harness for short walks, and the harness is left for lead walks. Your Dog Will Take Time to Get Used to It This is a size-driven disadvantage that seems like a logical tradeoff when compared to the burden it offsets. I believe removing cruelty from the equation is well worth the relatively long waiting period. Starting with a light harness with a young Lab puppy is a perfect way to normalize it. Both collars and harnesses are uncomfortable initially, and in the long run, your dog can get used to both. While some trainers make arguments for collars, they are almost exclusively positioned as okay for larger dogs with stronger necks. This makes a harness your only option when out walking. Should a Labrador Wear a Harness? We have already established that harnesses are gentler than collars on Labradors. So, this may have you wondering, should Labradors wear a harness? A Labrador should wear a harness so that you can control him when he gets over-excited on a walk. A harness also allows your dog to keeps his neck safe when you have him on a tight leash. Doing the same with a collar could cause choking, damage to the trachea, or nerve damage. Harness vs. Collar For a Labrador Puppy Harness Advantages Prevents injuries to the neck Allows a lost dog to be identified from a tag Allows more control Easier to wear for tracking Allows room for growth. There is therefore no risk of the harness rubbing behind the legs. There are no martingale attachments anywhere on this harness, so there is nothing to tighten anywhere when the dog pulls. The Balance harness has both front-and-back attachment points. Just like all front-and-back attachment harnesses, this gives you great flexibility. The harness is really good quality and the metalware is likewise. This means that dogs that dislike having something placed over their heads, can have the Balance put around their neck in a similar way to a snap-up collar. Any gaping really is very minimal when both attachment-points are used, even less than on the Freedom. It is essentially always a black harness, but the vertical strap on the back comes in different colors. If you have multiple dogs, the colored back strap is sufficient for telling you which harness belongs to which dog. But if you are someone who loves different colored harnesses, the Balance may not suit — check out the Freedom. According to the manufacturer, you can attach just to the front-attachment point. But the Balance works best when used in conjunction with a double-fastening leash. So you will need to purchase one separately. The Balance harness does tend to rotate slightly when in use. The neck and girth straps slightly pull the colored back strap off vertical. If this troubles you, check out the Perfect Fit below. Similarly, it would be really hard for even a seasoned escapologist to back out of a Perfect Fit harness. For a growing Labrador puppy, it is possible just to purchase and replace one piece of the three needed for a harness. Should the chewing-machine that is your Labrador puppy, succeed in chewing through the front of the harness, again, just that part would need to be replaced. The Perfect Fit also has a 40mm thick option. This is a very comfortable and stylish-looking harness for large or strong Labradors. The Perfect Fit harness has both front-and-back attachment points, just like the Freedom and Balance, giving the same flexibility. It is safe to be left on the dog when running off-leash. The harness is webbing, backed by soft fleece. This makes for a really comfortable and soft harness, for your Labrador. This means that dogs which dislike having something placed over their heads, can have the Perfect Fit put around their neck. The front-attachment is a large metal D-ring. My plan is to wrap the metal D-ring in duck tape, to silence it. You will need to purchase one of those separately. I anticipate this getting worse with the next few washes. This does not affect the comfort or function of the harness, obviously. Labs love to swim, and have been known to roll in stinky things! Ordering Issues? Lastly, I should say that I had heard about the Perfect Fit harness for about a year before I finally bought one to trial. Selecting three different-sized component parts for a harness and choosing a width of strap is a much more involved process than choosing one size. The Dog-Games website has become a lot easier now, with breed recommendations, but some buyers might still find it confusing. And my top three picks of front-and-back fastening harnesses for Labrador Retrievers are:.

It is estimated that Great Danes have been around for about years. However, in Babylonian temples, around years ago there were drawings of dogs that were strikingly similar in appearance to present day Great Danes. Wealthy Germans used to have Great Danes accompany them on wild boar hunts. This is the reason cropping their ears became common—to prevent wild boars from tearing them with their tusks. They became well known for their protective attributes. Over time, breeders fine-tuned the process to breed more gentle dogs, unlike their boar-hunting ancestors. Poodle Breed History: While commonly associated with the French, the Poodle actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany over years ago. Eventually, Poodles made their way from the lake to the life of luxury as they were the breed of choice by French nobles, and eventually royalty across all of Europe. To this day, the Poodle is still the national dog of France. The Toy Poodle started in the United States in the early 20th century to be a city-dwelling companion dog. Great Danoodles, as the name would imply, are great in size. They generally weigh between 75 and pounds. The Great Dane is only bred with the Standard Poodle, so the smallest parent would likely still be around inches in height, and pounds. These coats do require some upkeep to keep them healthy and looking great. Great Danoodles should be brushed once a week at minimum. Brushing often prevents any knots or matting from occurring. Weekly brushing can also help control the shedding that a Great Danoodle will likely do. They should also be washed monthly and their teeth should be cleaned as often as possible. Additionally, to avoid any infection, cleaning their ears should be a regular activity. Avoiding any debris from building up in the ears can prevent problems. Are Great Danoodles Hypoallergenic? Do Great Danoodles Shed? A Great Danoodle dog will not necessarily be hypoallergenic. Although mixing a breed with a Poodle often greatly reduces shedding and decreases side effects for allergy sufferers, there is no confirmation that Great Danoodles are entirely hypoallergenic. When two hypoallergenic breeds are mixed, you can be sure that the mixed breed will also be hypoallergenic. However, when one parent is hypoallergenic and the other is not, there is a good chance the puppy will not be hypoallergenic. That being said, the Great Dane Poodle Mix should shed less than a pure bred Great Dane and could be slightly better for allergy sufferers as well. Pure bred Great Danes have a short, smooth single coat that sheds moderately. On average, Great Danoodles will accompany you through your life for around years. Great Danoodle Dog Breed Common Health Concerns: Mixed breeds often have fewer health concerns because there are different genetic lines in play and therefore a decreased chance of negative genetic health problems being passed down. That being said, these two larger breeds are predisposed for developing some health problems. A few other less prevalent concerns to be aware of are myotonia and corneal dystrophy. Due to the cost of treating these common health concerns, we highly encourage all dog owners invest in pet insurance. We recommend getting a free online quote from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. This means they are smart, eager to learn, and eager to please. They have a history of being hunting and guard dogs, so some of these traits still may course through their veins. If they see small animals, their hunting instincts may kick in and cause them to chase it, but without intent to cause harm. Although large, the Great Dane Poodle mix is generally great with kids—gentle giants if you will. This breed becomes very attached to their family and if separated for long periods of time they can develop separation anxiety. This can result in destructive or depressed behaviors. Around minutes of moderate activity such as walking, hiking, romping with friends, or a friendly game of fetch should be sufficient. Often oblivious to its large size, they may make clumsy mistakes in smaller settings. Photo courtesy of lunadanoodle on Instagram. Photo courtesy of macklingram on Instagram. They have an increased fondness for people but do not show it openly by jumping at or licking them when they arrive. In fact, these friendly dogs can even take time in accepting new people. Besides being affectionate and caring, they are also smart and intelligent. These dogs are good with kids and the pets in its family. Daneoodles are always eager to please and would cherish the moments with its family members only in return for a little praise and some attention. The Great Danoodles are responsible pets, and stay loyal throughout their lives. They would guard the house, and bark if they spot any unfamiliar face around. This trait makes them excellent watchdogs. Though their barks are loud, they are not incessant barkers. Take it out for a couple of daily jogs or walks of course on a leash this time , mainly, if you find your dog has started gaining some weight. Grooming This breed is a low shedder, and only some basic grooming is enough for them. Brush them two to three times every week, and bathe them once in a while if you think it needs some cleaning. But use a dog shampoo only. However, using various treats accompanied by praises would make your task simpler. Train it to collect garbage and put it in the right place. Later, throw the items randomly, and command your dog to fetch one of them. If your dog fails to understand, pick it up yourself and call your dog there. Offer the trash to it until it grasps it in its mouth. In the same way, go to the garbage bin, and call your dog there, and make it un-grasp it in the bin. Give it a treat immediately, and praise considerably. Repeat the process for a few times, and continue it regularly. Your dog will soon learn to collect trash and keep your house clean. Because your dog loves you a lot and enjoys your company, it is quite likely that separation anxiety might quickly inhibit it. So, before you leave for work, or after return home, do not make a big deal. Stay calm and indifferent, as if, living without you every day for a few hours is a part of its routine. Do not talk, do not touch, nor make any eye contact from minutes before you leave, and after you come back. Lifespan Sociability In general, Great Danoodles are one of the more expensive crossbreed puppies. The Great Danoodle is a fairly rare crossbreed and the demand for them is high. These dogs are intelligent and obedient. They would make a wonderful family dog and do equally well as a guard dog. They were first bred in the s. There is evidence that the Great Danoodle was first bred somewhere in the early s. This makes it one of the most stable crossbreeds available, particularly if you get one from a reputable and experienced breeder. They have ancient origins. The Standard Poodle breed was first recognized more than years ago, while the Great Dane has origins that stretch as far back as 3, B. While a Poodle has a reputation as a spoilt and pampered lap dog, they were commonly bred in the past as hard-working sport dogs. Great Danes were often bred for the same purpose, so the combination of these breeds makes for a highly intelligent, hard-working animal, with a long and revered history. They have infinite coat variations. The wavy coat of the Great Danoodle can come in many different lengths, and the colors are almost infinite, coming in solid or multicolored variations of black, white, blue, red, grey, etc. The combination of the curly, dense fur of Poodles with the wiry, sleek coat of Great Danes makes for a wide variety of coat differences. They are amazingly loyal and easily trainable and love to be around people. They have a deep, unconditional love and trust for their human owners, and while both males and females are highly sociable, the females tend to latch onto one owner. They will often suffer from separation anxiety if left alone, as they are social dogs who love regular interaction. They love to be in packs and are playful and full of energy with other dogs. Provided that they grow up with other dogs and cats around and are socialized from an early age, they are unlikely to hunt or display any aggression toward other animals. They will need a large amount of food to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, but they are prone to overeating and will need to be carefully monitored to prevent getting overweight. Depending on the type of food they are getting, a good gauge of daily requirements is at least 4 large cups of high-quality dry dog pellets per day. Like all dogs, Great Danoodles need constant access to fresh, clean water. An easy way to get adequate hydration for your dog is to add high-quality wet food into their diet. Great Danoodles also need a source of essential fatty acids , which are good for their coats, internal organs, and nervous system. They will need a large amount of protein, which will supply them with energy and assist with skin, nail, bone, and muscle structure. That said, carbohydrates like wheat and corn should be avoided. Most dogs need around calories per pound per day to maintain a healthy weight. This can be altered depending on how active the breed is. For a Great Danoodle, their large size and high energy levels mean they may need a fair bit more. Around minutes of brisk walking three times a day is optimal, but once a day is suitable on occasion. Their large size is better suited to homes with large yards for them to run around in, but even this is not an adequate replacement for regular exercise. Their highly trainable nature makes them easily take to a leash, and with the right kind of training, Great Danoodles will love to run alongside you on a leash. Indeed, their large, strong bodies and abundant energy levels make training essential, as they can easily sweep you off your feet if they get too excited. General play cannot be counted as exercise unless they are playing fetch or some other form of high-intensity play. Long walks or runs are the best forms of exercise for a Great Danoodle to burn off any excess energy. That said, they will love the mental stimulation provided by ball games. The use of treats also helps, and this breed can be taught a variety of tricks when trained with repetition and consistency. Female Great Danoodles tend to mature earlier and are thus are ready to train quicker than males. That said, they can become moody and obstinate at times, whereas males generally have a more consistent temperament for training. Both males and females love to impress their owners by responding to commands and calls. In general, it is on the shorter side and is thick and wavy. However, it can be more like a Great Dane coat, in which case, it will be short and wiry. In either case, this breed is known to not shed much, so they do not need frequent grooming. The occasional brush and regular bath are all a Great Danoodle needs for a healthy coat. That said, regular exercise and a healthy and complete diet will go a long way in mitigating many common ailments associated with both breeds. Big dogs tend to have more issues with joints and muscles in general, and regular checkups at the vet are a good idea to keep on top of any issues that may arise, especially with older dogs. Great Danes have huge frames, and it is not surprising that they experience joint and bone diseases like hip dysplasia, and this can be passed down to Great Danoodles. They also commonly suffer from cardiomyopathy, which is a disease that leads to the enlargement of the heart. Unless you intend to breed, neutering a male dog has many associated health benefits , including preventing testicular cancer, reducing aggression, and stopping them from wandering. Similarly, spaying a female helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, and doing so before her first heat will mitigate these complications even more. Minor Conditions. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about this unique and interesting breed. Unfortunately, there is not much information on the background of the Great Dane Poodle Mix itself. In the past, the Great Dane was used by the Germans to hunt wild boar. The large and powerful stature of the breed proved perfect to take on such dangerous game. Today, the Great Dane is known as a loyal and protective companion dog. Poodle History The Poodle is similar to the Great Dane in that there is much confusion about its home country. Despite being lauded as the national dog of France, it actually also originated in Germany. Back in the early days of the breed, they were used by nobility as water retrievers. Their dense and corded coat provided good protection from the elements. The breed was a naturally gifted swimmer, making it perfect for the job. In modern times, Poodles are well-loved for their flashy coats and incredible intelligence. They serve as companion dogs and also excel in a variety of canine sports. Both parent dogs are within the top 15 most popular breeds, according to the American Kennel Club. Yes, this mix can potentially result in the corded coat of the poodle on a dog with the height of a Great Dane! First-generation crosses are notoriously hard to predict. The puppy may take after either parent in any aspect. This applies to their height and weight as well, so the best we can provide you with is an estimated range. For the Great Dane Poodle Mix, you can expect height to range between inches, and weight to be around pounds. These ranges are very large A closer estimation of a specific puppy may be obtained by asking for the heights and weights of the parent dogs. The puppy will likely fall somewhere within the height and weight ranges of its parents. The Great Danepoo certainly has the potential to be very large, so it is very important to be prepared for that. As for the physical characteristics of the Great Dane Poodle Mix, they may take after either parent breed. They may have the strong and muscular build of the Great Dane or the more delicate and square build of the Poodle. As for the coat, the Great Danoodle can indeed inherit the curly and corded coat of the Poodle! However, it is just as possible for them to inherit the short, smooth coat of the Great Dane. Potential coat colors include yellow-gold, black, white, blue, gray, silver, apricot, brown, merle and cream. Black markings may exist too. However, there are a few potential temperamental issues within this breed. First, both breeds are very people-oriented. This means that they are very likely to be a loving dog to members of the family but it may lead to issues with separation anxiety. Leaving this dog on its own for an extended period of time may result in negative behaviors due to anxiety. It is also possible for Great Danoodles to inherit a strong urge to chase from the Great Dane parent. While good obedience training can help with this, it is still advised to not house this dog with particularly small children or animals who may be at risk from this behavior. They are very large dogs and while they may only mean to play, they may still cause accidents. There is also the possibility for this breed to have guard and territorial instincts. While this is rarely strong enough in this breed to cause a problem, it is still something to be aware of. If your Great Danepoo is exhibiting aggression or is very high-strung, they may need focused training to lessen this behavior. It is very important that they are trained in both obedience and socialization from a young age. As this cross has the potential to be a very large and powerful dog, it is imperative that you are the one in control. We have some resources below to help train your puppy to grow up into a well-mannered adult. It is a combination of the Great Dane and the Poodle. The resulting dog is usually large and athletic, with a thick coat that can come in a variety of colors. While the exact origins of the Great Danoodle are unknown, it is thought that this hybrid first appeared in the United States in the s. Since then, they have become increasingly popular as both companion animals and working dogs. They can also be the perfect pet because they are intelligent and friendly. They are also used as service dogs, therapy dogs, and even as hunting companions. As a result, they can inherit the best of both breeds — the athletic build and gentle nature of the Great Dane, combined with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. This mixed breed typically stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They have a straight or slightly wavy or curly coat that can be either short or long and come in a wide range of colors, including black, blue, silver, cream, brown, apricot, and red. Great Danoodle — Temperament Like both of its parent breeds, the Great Danoodle is an intelligent and active dog that loves to play and has a strong bond with its family. However, the Great Danoodle inherits some of the best traits of both breeds, making it an even more versatile and loving companion. For example, the Great Dane aspect of the Great Danoodle gives it a calm and gentle demeanor, while the Poodle side provides the energy and playful nature that makes this breed so special. As a result, the Great Danoodle is an ideal pet for families with children or active adults who are looking for a fun-loving and loyal companion. Great Danoodle — Training Needs The Great Dane Poodle mix, also known as the Great Danoodle, is a large and friendly dog that makes a great companion for active families. The Dane part of the mix is likely to inherit some of the independent streak common to most large breeds, so early socialization and obedience training are essential. The Poodle component means the dog will probably be highly intelligent and quick to learn new tricks; however, they may also require more patience and consistent training than some other breeds. Overall, the Great Danoodle is a smart and affectionate dog that will thrive in a home where they are given plenty of exercise, love, and attention. When raised in a loving home with plenty of attention and exercise, the Great Danoodle can be a gentle giant. This breed is intelligent and can be eager to please, making them easy to train. For this reason, it is important to make sure that your Great Danoodle receives plenty of socialization from an early age. With the right training and socialization, the Great Danoodle can be a devoted and loving companion. This breed loves to play and will enjoy a good game of fetch or tug-of-war. They also need plenty of space to run and should be taken on long walks or runs daily. In addition, the Great Danoodle benefits from having a yard to play in. Without enough exercise, this breed can become bored and destructive. As a result, it is important to make sure that your Great Danoodle gets plenty of exercise every day. Great Danoodle — Mental Stimulation The Great Dane Poodle mix, also known as the Great Danoodle, is a large and intelligent breed of dog that needs plenty of mental stimulation. This breed loves to learn new tricks and will excel in obedience training. They are also quick to learn new commands and respond well to positive reinforcement. In addition, the Great Danoodle benefits from having a job to do. This breed is happiest when they are given a task to perform, such as fetching the newspaper or guarding the home. Without enough mental stimulation, this breed can become bored and destructive. They are also prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so they are not the best choice for families with busy schedules. As a result, it is important to make sure that your Great Danoodle has plenty of toys and games to keep them occupied. This breed has a thick coat of hair that requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles. They also shed heavily and will require weekly vacuuming to remove loose hair from the home. In addition, the Great Danoodle needs to be bathed regularly to keep its coat clean and healthy. Hip and elbow dysplasia are both hereditary conditions that can cause joint pain and mobility problems. Bloat is a condition that can cause the stomach to twist and fill with gas, leading to pain and potentially death. While these conditions are serious, they can be controlled with proper medical care. Great Danoodle — What should they Eat? This mixed breed is a rather large dog that requires high-quality dog food. They do best on a diet of dry kibble or raw meat. They also require plenty of exercise and should be given two to three meals per day. In addition, the Great Danoodle benefits from having a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. This breed is also prone to bloat, so it is important to avoid giving them large meals or treats. Instead, give them small meals throughout the day to prevent this condition. Great Danoodle — Are they Dog Friendly? The Great Dane Poodle mix is very friendly. This breed loves to play and will get along well with other dogs. They are also social creatures and enjoy being around people. This breed is gentle and loving, but they can also be protective of their family. As a result, the Great Danoodle makes an excellent companion for any family. Great Danoodle — Are they Child Friendly? But are they good with kids? In fact, many Great Danoodles are patient and tolerant enough to be wonderful therapy dogs. That being said, every dog is an individual. With their calm and gentle dispositions, Great Danoodles are typically great with kids of all ages. This should occur until everyone is comfortable with each other. Great Danoodle — Do they Drool? The Great Dane Poodle mix, also known as the Great Danoodle, is a large breed of dog that is known for drooling. This breed has a very thick coat of hair that traps saliva and moisture, which can cause them to drool. In addition, the Great Danoodle has a large mouth and tongue, which can also contribute to their drooling. While this breed is known for drooling, it is important to keep their coat clean and dry to prevent infection. Great Danoodle — Barking Levels Any dog owner knows that barking is a normal part of canine communication. However, some breeds tend to bark more than others. This can be problematic for apartment dwellers or those who live in close proximity to their neighbors. Luckily, there are a number of mixed breeds that are known for being relatively quiet. One of them is the Great Danoodle! While Great Danes are known for being quite vocal, Standard Poodles are actually one of the quieter breeds. As a result, Great Danoodles tend to inherit the best of both worlds. They inherit the size and sweetness of the Great Dane with the quiet nature of the Standard Poodle. While the dog does enjoy spending time outdoors, it is not necessarily dependent on warm weather for exercise. The Great Danoodle does quite well in colder climates, thanks to the thick coat of fur that covers its body. The coat helps to insulate the dog against the cold and can even protect against snow and ice buildup. As such, the Great Danoodle makes an ideal companion for those who live in cooler climates or who enjoy spending time outdoors in all seasons. This is on par with other large breeds of dogs, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. These include diet, exercise, and genetics. Therefore, it is important to consult with a veterinarian as a pet owner. This will ensure that your Great Danoodle is receiving the best possible care. With proper care and nutrition, this mixed breed can enjoy a long and happy life. If you are interested in registering your Great Danoodle with the AKC, you may do so as a mixed breed. While the Great Danoodle is not currently recognized as a separate breed, this may change in the future as the popularity of the breed increases. This breed is not currently recognized by the AKC, which means that there are no set standards for pricing. When searching for a Great Danoodle puppy, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and happy pup. Final Thoughts Great Danes are some of the most gentle and loving dogs you could ever hope to meet. Poodles, on the other hand, are known for being highly intelligent, trainable, and eternally cheerful. Great Danoodles combine the best features of both breeds.

Boxer Dog Snoring Overview If your Boxer puppy or dog snores, you may find this endearing, insomnia inducing or worrisome, depending on how loud it is and how often it occurs. It's interesting to note that while canines can breathe through both the nose and mouth like us , and do alternate between the two while awake, when a dog is sleeping, even if his mouth is hanging open, the majority of the time he will be breathing through his nose. This is due to canine instinct to pick up the scent of possible threats even when sleeping and if one of interest is detected, this will often be enough to wake up the dog. It is not uncommon for Boxer dogs to snore, though super heavy snoring may point to certain health issues or the need for correction of one of several anatomy issues that this breed is prone to. In this section, we are going to cover: What causes snoring noises with the Boxer breed How much snoring is normal for this breed What you need to know about snoring and sleep apnea Ways to help stop a Boxer from loud, chronic snoring Possible health issues related to snoring Tyson, 3 months old Photo courtesy of Sairaj What Causes a Boxer Dog to Snore Anatomy- When a dog breathes normally and is not snoring, he draws air into the nose and it gently passes by the soft palate the back of the roof of the mouth and is inhaled into the lungs. The reason why so many Boxers snore is because of the facial structure of this breed. Being a Brachycephalic breed somewhat flat, compressed face as opposed to dogs that have longer snouts , it is common for a Boxer to have: Stenotic nares narrow nostrils Elongated soft palate We will dive into medical issues ahead, however some Boxers will also have: Hypoplastic trachea - The trachea is surrounded by rings of cartilage; with this there is abnormal growth of these rings, which causes the trachea to be too narrow. Other signs beside snoring are coughing and labored breathing while awake. Everted Laryngeal Saccules - Tissue that is located very close to the vocal cords is pulled into the windpipe, causing an obstruction. Of these 4 elements, it is often the elongated soft palate that is the culprit with chronic, heavy snoring that occurs without any other concerns such as trouble breathing, coughing, etc. The palate also referred to as the velum or muscular palate is soft tissue that is located in the back of the mouth. This somewhat innocent piece of flesh actually plays quite a few important roles. There are 5 muscles located within it: 1. The tensor veli palatine muscle, which helps a dog swallow 2. The palatoglossus muscle, which also aides in swallowing 3. The levator veli palatine muscle, which is the 3rd one that helps a dog swallow food 4. The palatopharyngeus muscle, which aids in breathing 5. The musculus uvulae muscle, this works to move the uvula the piece of flesh you can see hanging down at the top of a dog's throat behind the soft palate and this plays a role for such things as not allowing food to enter the nasal cavity, is involved with the gag reflex and with vocalizations. So, while the soft palate is a necessary part of a dog's anatomy, with Boxers and other brachycephalic breeds, this tissue can be much longer in relation to the size of the mouth than with dogs that have long snouts. With snoring, as air passes by the extra flesh, it causes it to vibrate against the back of the throat and that is the noise that you hear. These may be contact, seasonal pollen, etc. Dental issues - If a dog has an infected tooth, the infection can travel up into the nasal cavities causing inflammation that leads to snoring. If this suspected, you will want to rule this out since an untreated tooth infection can eventually spread to vital organs including the brain and heart. All Boxers should have their teeth brushed at home, be given quality dental treats and have yearly oral examinations by a reputable veterinarian. Aspergillosis - While this fungal disease is rare, it should not be ruled out, especially for those that live in an area where a Boxer puppy or dog may have access to hay piles, mounds of grass clippings, dead leaves, compost piles and the like where this particular mold can grow. Foreign Body - We all know how Boxers are capable of swallowing things that they shouldn't which can lead to internal blockage in some cases and it is also always possible that a pebble or other object has become lodged in the nose. With this, there will be sudden onset snoring with a dog that previously did not have a snoring problem. The Boxer may also paw at his nostril. While you may be able to see the culprit by looking up the dog's nose with a flashlight, some Boxers will snort super deep and the object will be sucked up the nose, too far for you to see it. In most cases, a vet can detect it and remove it rather quickly. Being overweight - It is not uncommon for senior Boxers to have some weight gain and not have that super sleek, muscled look that they did when younger. Excess fat, especially around the neck and chest, can cause bulky throat tissue which exasperates any current issue with the soft palate common with this breed. Since canine obesity is linked to diabetes, can cause orthopedic issues, puts a strain on the heart and is generally known to shorten a dog's life span by 6 to 12 months, you'll want to stay on top of this. If your Boxer is too heavy and has a snoring problem, you'll want to speak to your vet regarding a gradual decrease of calories while keeping quantity the same; accomplished by switching out high calorie ingredients for low calorie foods such as vegetables and slowly increasing daily exercise. How Much Snoring is Normal While there is no official percentage, more Boxer dogs snore than those that do not. This will vary from light, random snoring that is barely noticeable unless your Boxer's head is right near you while he's sleeping… to rather loud snoring that can be quite intense especially in an otherwise quiet home. The sound of snoring with many Boxers can be summed up by the phrase 'sawing logs' though with some Boxers it can be a wet, gurgling sound or a rather raspy snorting noise. It can sometimes be difficult for owners to know how much snoring is normal for Boxer dogs… And some things to look at are: Does it interfere with his sleeping? More ahead on related consequences of snoring Bella Fiora Is the Boxer making other noises when awake, such as gasping or choking sounds? Does the Boxer have trouble breathing when exercising? If these concerns are present, this often points to an issue much larger than just snoring that may need to be corrected via surgery. Snoring and Sleep Apnea with Boxer Dogs If you think that snoring is harmless, you are not alone however this is not entirely accurate. Recent studies have linked canine snoring to sleep apnea which is a rather serious condition that can affect a dog's health and even his mood. This is not to say that every Boxer dog that snores is going to have this issue… however it is a good idea to take note of the signs and see if any of this rings true for your Boxer: Sleep apnea is a disruption of breathing during sleep. A dog may have times throughout the night when his breathing becomes very shallow or there can be periods lasting from 10 to 20 seconds when breathing stops altogether. Snoring is the main symptom of sleep apnea. And if a Boxer does have this, it can lead to being excessively sleepy during the daytime hypersomnia , having dry mouth problems or a sore throat, suffering from headaches and causing the dog to be irritable. If you believe that your Boxer may have this, it is important to bring this to the attention of the vet. Continued below Health Issues Related to Snoring with Boxer Dogs As we touched on above, it is very common for Boxer dogs to have the issues that are typically seen with Brachycephalic breeds. Most Boxers will have elongate soft palate to at least a minor degree and a good percentage of them will also have stenotic nares narrowed nostrils to a small degree… this is expected of the breed due to the facial structure. However, the key to keep in mind is that some Boxers will have moderate to severe issues with these that will need to be corrected with a relatively simple reconstructive procedure. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome - This is the medical term given if a dog has both elongate soft palate and stenotic nares, along with Hypoplastic trachea narrowed trachea or Everted Laryngeal Saccules tissue is pulled into the windpipe. Even with having the combination of all of these issues, a Boxer may only have the symptom of snoring, if they are mildly affected. Why do boxers lean on you? Sleep may be erratic at this time and a Boxer puppy can sleep as little as 9 hours per day rare or up to 18 hours. Most will take quite a few naps during the day and then wake up 1 to 2 times per night. How many hours of sleep does a boxer need? Everyone should try and get hours of sleep a night, fighter or not. At what age does a boxer calm down? Can a boxer be left alone? Boxer dogs should not be left alone for more than hours at a time. Leaving a Boxer alone for prolonged periods may lead to separation anxiety, destructive behavior, stress, and even depression. Boxers are a highly social breed that does not cope well alone. Are boxers clingy? Are boxers cuddlers? Boxers are known for their affectionate natures and their tendency to bond firmly with their human families. At what age are boxers full grown? Are boxers good house dogs? Living With: The boxer has a high need for companionship and exercise. If these needs are not met, boxers can be destructive if left alone in the house. Boxers are ideal for people who want a canine companion with them most of the time or for larger busy families with homes that are often occupied by someone. How do you discipline a boxer dog? Provide treats for performing the behavior. Give the command for the alternate behavior in distracting situations, such as outside in the yard, or while on walks. Reinforced with treats, attention and play for your high-energy Boxer. Are boxers jealous dogs? I cannot remember the last time we were able to sit together on the couch and watch a movie without our pooch wiggling her way in between us. Are boxers hard to train? Boxer dog training is fun, rewarding and a good thing about Boxers is that they are quick learners. All the basic obedience training commands such as sit, stay, come, fetch, down etc. How often should you wash a boxer dog? Your boxer will need a full bath every few months with a mild dog shampoo. Bathing more frequently can cause dry skin and itching. Your boxer may get dirty in between baths, but usually a good wipe down with a wet washcloth will get him or her back into shape. Do Boxer dogs have separation anxiety? 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. Will a boxer dog protect you? They form powerful bonds with their families and are especially patient and protective over children. Do boxers like being hugged? Yes, Boxer dogs do like to cuddle. Boxers quickly develop strong bonds with their family and love showing their affection in many different ways, cuddles being just one of them. With a strong, powerful body and plenty of energy, this breed can be quite active at times. The issue at hand however, is what to do if a Boxer is hyperactive and won't calm down. Let's dive into this topic and discuss all relevant issues. When a young puppy is not running around, he is recovering from acting hyper and napping so that he can get up and do it again. And this is because despite his size, the 12 month or 18 months old is still indeed a pup. He has the mentality of a pup and his actions reflect that. So you have a rather large dog of 45 to 55 pounds .The size of Boxers can fool owners. Since Boxers almost but not quite reach their adult weight by 18 months but have puppy-like tendencies for some time beyond that, owners can sometimes expect too much from a puppy that is beginning to take on the appearance of an adult. Stages of activity levels to expect with Boxers: 8 weeks to 4 months old: This is the 'new' puppy stage. Boxer puppies can be very hyper but owners often do not need to help them calm down because they'll plop down when they tire out, which is quite often. At this age, a Boxer can be running around one moment and asleep with his head in the food dish the next. This is a time of exploring and curiosity… the energy level is like a roller-coaster. You'll want to have a solid schedule in place so that a hyper Boxer puppy has more structure to his day. A Boxer will still get a lot of joy from playing and often craves tons of attention from his owners… this is a good thing… that interaction is a big part of proper bonding and instilling proper hierarchy that will lead to a well-behaved dog. Daytime naps are much less at this point, so having a Boxer awake most of the day can lend to feeling as if the dog is always on the go… or at least is restless if you are not available to get him outside and on the go! By this time, all commands should have been taught and the dog should have a good schedule of releasing his energy in burst of exercise… and if this has not been done or if the Boxer is home alone much of the day and has no release, they'll be some behavioral consequences of that. Generally Boxer dogs begin to calm down by the age of 2 years old, though it is a gradual process, as you'll note from above. Issues can arise if these elements are not in place, however it is never too late to take charge and we will go over some steps owners can take to reel in a hyper Boxer dog. Most will indeed act like adults, but this does not mean that you will have a perfectly behaved dog that can handle any situation with grace and refinement. Boxers are as intelligent as a human toddler , hyper aware of their environment and subject to acting hyper or in most cases very restless if healthy methods of releasing energy are not available or encouraged. The adult may have trouble with separation anxiety or may become agitated or overly clingy if he is not offered both physical and mental workouts. He relaxes quite a bit but can still be engaged to take walks, explore and even take on new challenges. Problems of restlessness can arise if the dog has health issues that interfere with his sleeping or if some disrupts his environment. How to Deal with a Hyper Boxer and Calm Him Down The best method to calm a puppy or dog down is to have a routine that preemptively combats hyperactivity before it reaches an uncontrollable level. It is much easier to avoid this state of frenzied behavior than it is to reverse it. Do keep in mind that very young puppies up to about 4 months old cannot really be reined in; they are all over the map and will have short energy bursts followed by deep sleep; it's a temporary stage that will gradually even out. Here are some ways to encourage a calm demeanor: 1 Have the proper confinement method. The confinement method that you use to keep him in one spot will have a big impact on his behavior. If the area is too small, a Boxer can develop overwhelming feelings of being pent up and this can make him very hyper and agitated. It's very stressful for a dog of any age to be confined to a small space. This breed also can have some claustrophobic issues more than others, so this only adds to the issue. When made to stay in a tiny area with not enough room to move around, there are often issues of developing restlessness and anxiety. It can be difficult to calm a Boxer down after he has been let out. If a dog is stressed that he is alone or even if he is just bored, quite a bit of damage can occur as he roams the house, looking for an outlet. Puppies do best with a sectioned off area of a room; the kitchen or living room is often best as they should be close to their humans and not feel as if they are too isolated. Another option for Boxer puppies is an appropriately sized indoor canine playpen. Older Boxer dogs that are housebroken often do best with one room, not having full access to the house. And for those with separation anxiety, being alone in a large empty house if often more stressful than being alone in just one room that has all the needed supplies to keep him safe, happy, fed and occupied. One of the biggest mistakes that owners make is taking a Boxer out once he shows signs of needing to get outside. If you're sitting on the couch, binge watching Games of Thrones and after 3 shows you realize that your Boxer is acting hyper he really doesn't have much interest in whether or not Daenerys will ever actually get Drogon under control and then you say, "Oh, my Boxer could probably use a walk", it's often too late. At that point, the walk will only help a Boxer release the frustration that built up as opposed to the walk being an outlet for a normal level of activity requirements. He will be a bit calmer, but not as calm as he would be had you taken him out in advance of the building agitation. So, the best thing that you can do is to set up a schedule of when you'll engage with your Boxer dog and really try to not miss any sessions or delay them. If there are others in the house, this can be split up between those who are going to be involved with caring for the puppy or dog. There are 3 activities that you'll want to do on a regular basis: Walks - The importance of these are often understated. It may seem as if your Boxer is just ambling along, perhaps even just going along for your sake but this is not true at all. The Boxer is a strong breed that was built for action; he needs to work his muscles and experience the liberty of movement. Super young pups should have all puppy shots before being taken out. For most Boxers, regardless of age, two walks per day are best. The daily amount should 45 minutes for pup and 1 hour for those 1 year and older. These can be broken up in any way that suits your own schedule and time availability. Cardio - Just a 15 minute bout of high intensity action such as Frisbee or fetch once per day can make a huge difference in a Boxer's demeanor, keeping much more calm and happy when he is back in the house. Some owners mistake a Boxer's indifference at seeing a Frisbee as not wanting to engage. However, it is often the level of enthusiasm that an owner displays that will directly impact a Boxer's desire to run. Most love to run and stretching and working the muscles in this way is a great method to keep a Boxer dog in good shape. That hyper and restless activity that you witness when a Boxer is in the house can be channeled into a short session of action that leaves the dog satisfied and both physically and mentally ABLE to be calm. Commands - We going to dive into this a bit more ahead, however taking 15 to 20 minutes a day to work on commands has a triple benefit: 1. You work toward having a well-trained dog which in and of itself is a huge plus. It helps a Boxer learn self-control. When a dog discovers the element of focus and purposely learning, he is then able to self-regulate and this itself can help the dog calm himself down. It helps to establish hierarchy, with you as the clear leader. For any dog to behave well, this is a must. While it is true that Boxers will be much calmer if they have a physical outlet, stimulating the mind plays a huge role as well. Very detailed studies have proven that canines in general have the emotional capacity of 3 year old humans. This is quite telling. Do you have kids? Or have ever spent even an hour with a toddler? They are super hyper, highly inquisitive and importantly are never happy just 'being' for long periods of time. Dogs are the same. Boxers can become hyper if they have nothing to focus on. Just left to 'be', they can get bored and have trouble knowing what to do, so they run around… they quite literally can end up bouncing off the walls in an overly hyper state with no real tools to calm themselves down. Now, if you take that same hyper Boxer dog and he is taken out for walks twice per day, plays one-on-one with his owner once a day AND is given indoor task that require him to use his canine senses, he'll be a much happier and calmer dog. The mention of canine senses is rather vital here…. Dogs have urges to use their sense of smell… to sniff… to explore with their noses …. It's the way it has been for thousands of years and it's a canine urge that is not going to go away no matter how pampered or spoiled a life a dog lives. So dogs have this innate craving to sniff after scents that builds up each day if not allowed to really use this, it can cause a dog to become frustrated. So, an indoor game that involves a Boxer using his sense of smell along with a task that requires focus is often an integral part of preventing hyper behavior and giving a dog a feeling of accomplishment that can work with the other elements to keep him calm. You might be thinking that you'll have to invest in some sort of intricate canine version of Sudoku. Not at all. This is as easy as hiding some treats in the house and encouraging your Boxer dog to find them. As with cardio mentioned earlier, the energy level and enthusiasm of the owner plays a huge part in how eager a Boxer will be to follow through. Speak with in an animated voice and encourage your dog to seek out the hidden treats. Start with easy to find hiding places and then work up to much more difficult sessions. Once a dog learns that it's time to play the game, he often will not give up and will search until he finds his treasure. Advanced sessions can include having the reward be deep in a cardboard box under layers of old towels and safe odds-and-ends and be sure that the treat itself has a strong scent; a good choice is a strip of bacon grease blotted out because most dogs won't bother to move much for a food that they will receive at any rate. Be sure to use a command word such as 'Find' or 'Go Get' and a word to end the session such as 'Good, Find' or 'Good, Get' to establish when this begins and when this ends. You don't have to do this every day; 2 or 3 days a week is usually enough to make a Boxer dog happy and work in conjunction with the other methods to keep hyper behavior at bay and encourage a more calming atmosphere when you just want your dog to settle down. Continued below 4 Have the right collection of toys for your Boxer. Are you guilty of walking out of a dollar store with an armful of cheap dog toys? If so, you may very well then be an owner who wonders why the heck your Boxer isn't just happy having all those toys and would rather run, jump up and spin around the house like a hyper nutcase. When a dog is bored he will do one of three things: Sulk and act depressed, bark or otherwise have disturbing behavior or express agitation. When you invest a few more bucks to obtain sturdy, quality toys that encourage independent play, this can make a huge difference in a dog's general state of mind and his ability to keep himself occupied. Think of someone giving you a paper and pencil compared to paper and a piece Crayon box. Give your Boxer rawhide alternatives that allow him to happily gnaw away or treat-release toys that motivate him to work to gain his reward. There are two huge benefits of teaching a Boxer all basic commands: he will respect you as the true leader and you will have control over his behavior. While a hyper puppy definitely still needs to be walked, engaged and given tasks to stay busy…and a puppy cannot be expected to remain calm all day… when you take the assertive position to give a 'Sit' command that is listened to without hesitation, this can really come in handy if your Boxer is acting hyper around company or when out in public in a store or other area where you really need him to act calm. It's never too early or too late to start working on this. Training for the basics of Sit, Come, Stay, Down, Get or Fetch and Give can start when a Boxer puppy is 8 weeks old and can be taught to older dogs as well. In addition to this, teaching a Boxer to Heel is always advantageous and not only will keep him calm when out on a walk around the neighborhood but will also keep him appropriately by your side in high energy situations where a dog can become hyper just by picking up the vibe of an event. The size of a dog's world is exactly the size that an owner allows it to be. Dogs that are not used to seeing cars and people walking about will often bark like mad when they do actually see them. Dogs that are not used to being out in public will act inappropriately because they have not been exposed enough to know how to stay calm. Dogs that rarely see a visitor to the house will often jump and act overly excited on those few occasions that someone new enters into their territory. Boxers should be gradually exposed to the many situations, places, people and other pets that exist in the world. If you stayed inside your home… only venturing into your yard and nowhere else for years and were suddenly plopped down in to Times Square, you wouldn't be so calm either; that's how dogs feel if they are isolated and not given the opportunity to slowly learn about the world and all that is in it. Go to parks, bring your Boxer along to run errands, bring him hiking, change up the walking routes, take the time to say hello when you pass by another owner with his dog, have him outside with you while you wash the car, bring him to the beach… unless there are big signs saying 'no dogs allowed' bring him along and let him experience the sights and sounds of the world. Hyperkinesis - Being clinically hyperactive is often misdiagnosed. Most dogs simply need the physical and mental releases as we discussed above. These highly sensitive dogs can be set off into a frenzy by everyday simple noises such as microwave beeping or normal household events such as someone zipping down the staircase. For these rare cases, thorough testing must be performed, which should include a 2 to 3 day stay at an veterinary hospital where vitals are monitored, both heart and respiratory rates, when both at rest and when stimuli is introduced. If this is diagnosed, stimulants similar to those that are given to humans with ADHD can be helpful as are vet supervised changes to the diet and possible supplements of L-theanine, GABA and valerian root. Senior Issues - In some cases, a senior dog will be unable to stay calm and this is often related to either cognitive decline, health issues that are causing discomfort or a combination of the two. Physical discomfort often associated with arthritis can cause a dog to have trouble resting or sleeping. Food Allergies - While we have not seen any studies showing specifics, veterinary medicine claims that canines may have food allergies that can lead to abnormal behavior including acting hyper and having an inability to calm down. With all the high levels of chemicals found in many manufactured foods, it's easy to believe this could be the case. When a dog is constantly ingesting artificial coloring, artificial flavoring and all kinds of chemical preservatives, this is not good for physical health and it's not a huge leap from there to a dog's mental health as well. If this is suspected, a change to home cooked food or a switch to a quality commercial brand without these elements should be considered. Summary Boxers are animated, able to express emotion and are great companions. This is not a lazy breed or one that is content to sit alone just 'being'. Expect your Boxer puppy to be hyper and for a Boxer of any age, follow the guidelines for providing proper care which will help your dog channel his energy in a health way. With our dogs, we often get what we give. The attention and time that you take to interact with your Boxer will pay off, giving you a happy and healthy dog. The Most Popular Pages: How much water a Boxer dog needs - Making sure that your Boxer is hydrated is super important to his overall health. Boxer dog summer care - Changes that should be made when the weather is hot. Grooming, feeding, coat care and more. Which shampoo is best for a Boxer dog - The best products to keep the skin from getting too dry and to help keep the coat healthy and shiny. Boxer dog eye discharge - Often eloquently referred to as 'eye booger's; why these develop and how to properly clean them. Boxer dog is drooling - How much is normal and reasons why it may be excessive. Bruno's first week—7 weeks old, 12 pounds, 10 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders the withers. We adopted Bruno when he was 7 weeks old. We had to wait until he was ready to leave the breeder before we could pick him up and bring him home. The breeder's policy was not to let the pups go until they are 8 weeks old, however Bruno's mother had died at birth and therefore he was not going to get that extra week with her and because of a schedule conflict on our end she made an exception. We decided to crate train our new puppy. Most puppies will cry all night in the beginning days because they miss their mother and their littermates. I placed Bruno's crate in the kitchen since it has a floor that can easily be cleaned in case of an accident. Dreading the sound of a crying puppy all night, and knowing this was the first night away from his litter I told two of my children to set up camp on the kitchen floor next to the crate. I did not want to bring the pup into our bed since we do not plan on allowing him on the beds when he is older. It worked, Bruno slept in his crate and didn't yip all night because he was not alone. Allie, our adult Boxer and two of our children were next to his crate. This allowed Bruno to learn what the crate was for, yet not be left alone. Bruno was exhausted from his three-hour car ride home and all of the attention he was receiving. Amazingly enough, he slept until a. I jumped out of bed and ran down to take him out to pee. It was then time for breakfast, another trip outside and playtime. I was up for the day because when he woke up, he needed to be taken right outside to pee and poop. Then he was hungry. After he ate he needed to be taken immediately outside once again to go to the bathroom. After a puppy eats, it stimulates them and the vast majority of time, they need to eliminate, it's a rule of thumb with a puppy. Then he wanted to play. After all, he just woke up! No time like the present to get hyper and want to play. He had three accidents in the last two days, which is very good for a brand new puppy. If Bruno is out of his crate, he needs to be watched constantly. I don't mean watched from across the room, I mean watched as in "hovering over him watched" to ensure he does not pee, poop or chew anything he is not supposed to inside the house. During the day we try not to crate him. He's either being held, hovered over or outside. We are lucky enough to have a very large fenced yard for him. If we did not, he'd have to be walked on a leash to go to the bathroom, which would be much more time-consuming. We have to teach Bruno not to bite our hands and feet. Yes, it is cute now and kind of funny, but when he is pounds it will not be so cute anymore. Rule of thumb with a puppy: if you do not want him doing it when he is full grown, do not allow him to do it when he is a puppy. This includes sitting with him on the furniture. Another thing we must break him from is chasing our cats. Again, it's cute and funny now, but this tiny little Boxer puppy will not be tiny for long and our cats would not appreciate an adult dog chasing them around. Cats are smart, if we allow this to go on they may even decide to take up residence elsewhere. Allie the Boxer meets her new brother. Adult dogs usually do not attack puppies and Allie rather liked the little guy. She did have to put him in his place a few times, which is normal dog behavior. An adult dog will often growl at a puppy to let it know its behavior is not acceptable. For example, when Bruno wanted to play and Allie did not, she let out a small growl and stomped at the pup to tell him enough was enough. Bruno took the hint and backed off his play and started chewing on Allie's collar and dog tags instead. Allie didn't seem to mind getting her tags chewed. She realizes Bruno is just a baby. I am lucky enough to be home with the puppy. If I had to leave for work things would be much more complicated. Bruno is young and he can only hold his pee and poop for a certain amount of time. The point of crate training a dog is you put the dog in a small enough crate so there is only room to comfortably sleep. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep. However, if you leave a young puppy in a crate for too long, they cannot physically hold it in and they must go, even on their bedding. If you allow this to happen, you are going backwards in your housebreaking. If you are going to be gone for many hours a day, longer than the puppy can physically hold it, it is better to pen the dog in an area such as the kitchen where the floors are easy to clean up and place some pee pads down. It is not fair to crate a puppy or dog longer then they can comfortably hold in their waste. It is much harder to housebreak a dog if you are not home. This can really give the puppy a bad start in life and will be no fault of its own when they do not understand the concept of housebreaking. Keep in mind, you cannot yell at a dog for something after the fact, you must catch it in the act. If you do not catch it in the act, your yelling is pointless and confusing to the dog. I am writing this at a. However, he will be up bright and early wanting to eliminate, eat and play.It's now a. Bruno had to go to the bathroom. I walked him outside to the spot where I prefer him to do his business. He peed and I decided to give him some time to see if he had to poop as well; he is still outside and I must go and check on my adorable bundle of a puppy.Bruno is back in his crate. Bruno is yipping. I instinctively go and see him. Goodnight, Bruno, you have a lot to learn my young puppy. Sshhhh, lets only hope he does not keep me up all night because I will have to put up with his yipping in order to teach him what nighttime means. As I type this he is yipping from his crate. I am off to shower and go to bed. I decide to let Bruno get a drink and put him outside with Allie one last time before I go to bed to ensure he does not have to go when I ignore his plea to come out of his crate. When I turned off the shower water I could hear Bruno yipping up a storm. It woke my 9 year old who was almost sleepwalking when she opened his crate to put him outside to pee. I did her the favor of taking the pup out and told her to go back to bed. I put Bruno outside. He stayed out for a few minutes then wanted back in. It is only his third night away from his littermates and he's a tiny pup. After getting the usual puppy kisses all over my neck yeah, nice after my shower, huh? I will give him a few minutes to get good and sleepy then place him back in his crate and hope for the best. Even with all of this work, I look at him like I did my newborn babies; I just love this little puppy! The next morning: 7 weeks and 3 days old a. Bruno's up, hungry and ready to play! Bruno is tired and ready to go back to sleep. But first, his head smells like pee; he must have rolled in it. Time to clean him up and then put him back to sleep. He's taken outside to go to the bathroom and to play. He is now awake for the day but will take numerous naps as puppies need a lot of sleep. We will try not to allow his naps to last for hours on end, as those long sleep periods should be adjusted to the middle of the night hours. This size crate is the perfect size for this puppy. There needs to be room to sleep, stretch out and stand, but not enough room for him to pee in one section and still have a dry place to sleep. It's Bruno's fourth day with us and he has already picked up on the concept that his crate is the place to sleep without being disturbed. We are not being extra quiet as it is the middle of the day and he must get used to noises. Also most of his quiet sleep should be adjusted for the middle of the night. He'll soon wake to eat his lunch, go to the bathroom and play. He'll be awake for a few hours and then need another nap. This crate may be perfect for now, but very soon he'll outgrow it and we'll have to get him a larger one. I let Bruno sleep for two hours and decided it was time to wake him. As soon as he turns his hours around and is sleeping through the night I will no longer worry about the length of his daytime naps. I know he can sleep through the night; he did it the first two nights, but not the third. Bruno's 4th night: 7weeks and 4days old Bruno woke up at a. I came downstairs and put him outside. He peed and pooped. I carried him back to his crate and closed it. He laid down, then a few minutes later he started crying again. I walked back to the kitchen and was about to tell him to be quiet and give him a bone to chew when some motherly instinct inside me opened the crate door. Bruno walked out of his crate and over to my feet then sat down, leaning on my leg. I picked up the little fellow, he put his head on my shoulder and started to go back to sleep. My typical advice would be to put the puppy back in the crate if you are sure he no longer has to go to the bathroom, however I walked over to the rocking chair and rocked him back to sleep. I then put him back in his crate and he woke back up in the process, but this time he went to sleep and stayed asleep until a. He is just like a newborn baby and he's sweet as can be. Bruno's 5th night: 7 weeks and 5 days old Bruno woke up at a. I came down and took him outside and he went to the bathroom. I held him for just a bit until he calmed back down, then put him back in his crate and he fell back to sleep by a. Bruno woke up again. He was ready to play and eat his breakfast. I was beat, so at a. I tried putting him back in his crate to see if he would go back to sleep. It seemed like it just might work. I headed back to bed. At he started yipping just as I lay down. I went back to his crate and held a bone up to him to chew on and talked quietly to him. His eyes started drooping as he half chewed his bone still inside his crate. I waited there for just a bit until his eyes stayed closed for a minute or two, then I went back to bed for an hour. Housebreaking Bruno is now 7 weeks and 5 days old. He seemed to be doing so well with housebreaking. He was either inside being watched, in his crate or outside. As soon as he woke we put him outside to pee. He is not in his crate unless he's sleeping. Bruno was falling asleep so I decided to put him in his crate for a nap. As I leaned down to put him in his crate I smelled something. I felt his blankets and sure enough they were damp. Bruno had been peeing in his crate and sleeping in it! I changed his bedding and he seemed quite pleased. Now I have to figure out how to stop him when he's not doing it in front of me. The crate is not too large, which would have been my first advice to someone, to check the crate size. He is only 7 weeks. Maybe I am not always hearing him wake up in the middle of the night. At this age, puppies can only physically hold it for so long before they have to go, no matter what. Baby monitor??? Bruno smells like pee from sleeping in his crate. Time for a bath. Bruno's 6th night: 7 weeks and 6 days old Bruno was up at a. I let him out to pee. He went back to sleep shortly after and re-awoke at a. Bruno peed in his crate again, in the very back corner. I had to throw his bedding in the wash again and replace it with new bedding. His crate is not too large. I believe I need to watch how much he drinks right before bedtime. Puppies at this age have small bladders and cannot physically hold it in for too long. Bruno asked to come back inside the house and wanted to curl up in my lap, which means he's ready to go back to sleep. I put him back in his crate with the fresh bedding. Allie and Bruno sharing the dog bed. Yes, I do believe they like one another. Why Bruno.Bruno peed on his dog bed, the bed we keep on the porch for him. I had to hose his bed off and prop it up to dry. This is him asking mommy why she got his bed all wet with the hose. Actually, it is him discovering some new and interesting smells the moisture is bringing out from the bed!