english golden retriever puppy training
What are bully sticks really made from? Allergies, stress, and hormone imbalances are all known to cause excessive hair loss. As with humans, the healthier your dog is on the inside, the more it will show on the outside. When we pick up our Guide Dog puppies the school sends us home with a Zoom Groom brush and require us to brush our Lab puppies daily. In the shedding season, many Lab owners choose to brush their canine pals at least once per day, perhaps easing up a little during the rest of the year to just a couple of times per week. While many owners are happy to remove hair manually from furniture and carpet with a normal dog brush or comb, some owners swear by more heavy-duty equipment, like a Furminator for example, that strips out the dead hair with its blade-like contraption. Always be especially careful when brushing the tummy area and lower legs, as the hair is thinner and less dense at these points, with the skin more exposed. You could use a rubber or silicone brush, or even a dog-friendly bath mitt, to be as thorough as possible. We like massaging our Labs in the tub with the aforementioned Zoom Groom brush. It works great and works up a good lather. Look out for vacuums designed specifically for pet hair to achieve the best results. However, individually some shed more then others. Archer, by far shed more than any other Lab in our house. He was an almost white Lab. On the other hand Stetson, our black Lab was a more moderate, year round shedder. Do you have a Labrador Retriever? Does your Lab shed? Tell us about your Labrador Retriever in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Do Labs Shed? How Much? A Little? A Lot? There are quite a few breeds that are more likely to shed than others—and Labrador Retrievers near the top of the list. Because of their unique double coats, labs shed a lot throughout the year, and especially more so when the seasons begin to change. In the spring, labs will shed a lot of hair in an attempt to lose their winter coat and prepare for the summer. What Is a Double Coat? To be great water dogs, labs needed to have a waterproof coat with another layer to help regulate their body temperature in cold waters—which is where the double coat comes in. Image Source The first layer, the undercoat, is short and dense. The second coat, the topcoat, is longer and silkier. It helps keep the coat free of dirt and water. When your lab sheds in the spring, their bodies try to get rid of their thick and dense winter coat. That means that you should expect excess shedding anytime between March and May of each year. Later on, labs shed that same summer coat and begin to bulk up for the winter months when fall begins. This means that you can expect excess shedding again between October and December each year. Think of it this way: When temperatures start to drop, you put away your summer clothing and begin unpacking your winter gear. Then, when it begins to warm up, you pack away your winter coats and take out your summer clothing again. The same can be said for labradors. Method 5: Use a Deshedding Tool As you know, labs have a double coat. Depending on the time of year, double coats are extra thick and hard to rake through, even with your best pet brush. Heavy-duty deshedding tools are designed to remove loose or dead hair from the undercoat without damaging the topcoat so that both coats are rid of extra debris and left looking shiny and healthy. At these points, your lab is shedding its coat or growing it thicker for the cooler months. Image Source Some experts say that labs only need to be bathed once every couple of months , while others say once a month is more ideal. But if you do decide to bathe your lab more regularly, you might be surprised to see how much loose dog hair is found at the bottom of the tub. One of the best ways to take the stress out of constantly chasing after furballs around your home is to invest in a smart vacuum. A good rule of thumb is that your lab should have an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So, if your lab is around 70 pounds, she should drink 70 ounces of water each day. If you suspect your lab is not drinking enough water, it could lead to skin dehydration, causing increased shedding around your home. You can also flavor the water with bone broth or chicken broth, which can be more enticing than plain water. Giving your lab supplements can also help if your lab sheds excessively, so we always recommend providing them with a good supplement to help make sure they get everything they need. Share on. Check Price on Amazon Labrador Shedding Season You might not know that the shedding habits of the Labrador follow a schedule, in a sense. There are certain months when Labs shed the most in addition to their normal year-round shedding. So, when exactly is the Labrador shedding season? Labrador shedding season occurs twice a year, specifically in the spring and fall. Your Labrador changes his coat when the seasons change, allowing him to adjust to the new climate. He will shed his old winter undercoat as the weather warms, making room for a lighter summer coat. When the weather becomes colder, he will shed his lighter undercoat and acquire a thick, warm coat in preparation for the winter. This allows him to be comfortable during the entire year. For about two to three weeks each time, his thick undercoat will begin coming out in clumps. The shedding will be quite intense during this time while your dog molts all of his dead undercoat. As mentioned previously, this year-round shedding is the same for all Labradors, no matter their color. Some hair loss patterns indicate health issues that a veterinarian should treat. Labradors may shed suddenly outside their typical pattern due to health reasons. Causes include a poor diet, dehydration, allergies, parasites, stress, and anxiety. Experts can distinguish between normal shedding and fur loss caused by health, nutritional, and environmental factors. A healthy balanced diet provides a steady supply of essential nutrients. As such, a poor diet with deficient nutrients will cause hair loss. When your dog is dehydrated, blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, including the skin, are compromised. The decrease in skin suppleness causes the fur to fall out effortlessly. Parasites, ticks, lice, and fleas. Underdeveloped hair follicles. Hair follicles do not develop properly, resulting in patchy or total hair loss. A benign tumor causes this in the pituitary, which causes excessive production of the stress hormone cortisol, causing hair loss in dogs. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include increased shedding, hair loss, and thinning. Skin trauma. Abnormal shedding can be caused by skin trauma such as bacterial and fungal infections, food and other allergies, some pet drugs such as steroids, inflammatory disease, and burns. Temporary hair loss can also occur during pregnancy, nursing, or when recovering from an illness. Stress and anxiety. Behavioral problems that cause stress and anxiety, such as separation anxiety or OCD, can drive your Labrador to chew his hair and skin, leaving patches. Acral lick dermatitis is the name of this ailment. Parasites and other allergic conditions can also cause it. Labrador Shedding Solutions Owning a Labrador is a gratifying experience. But, it does come with its downside. There is no solution to stop shedding completely, but you can certainly do things to reduce and control it. Start by brushing your Lab regularly with a quality de-shedding tool, focusing on the undercoat where most of the hair comes from. Another helpful tip is to bathe your dog times a year with a gentle shampoo and lukewarm water to help remove loose hair and debris. So, here are my more in-depth solutions… 1. Get a Labrador De-shedding Tool The best way to groom your Labrador is with a de-shedding tool designed especially for a double coat. I use the FURminator undercoat de-shedding tool from Amazon. Depending on your doggo, times per week may be sufficient. Groom and Bathe Your Lab Times a Year So, as I previously stated, your Labrador will change his coat twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Instead of letting his undercoat fall out naturally over the course of this period, you can loosen any leftover fur and remove it at bathing time. There are also special de-shedding dog shampoos to loosen the undercoat during the bath. Switch to Food That Targets The Coat and Skin You may have already given some thought to the food you feed your Labrador, but did you realize that the type of food you feed him has a significant impact on his shedding habits? Inexpensive dog food is largely made of ingredients that some dogs have difficulty digesting, such as corn and grain, not to mention added preservatives and chemicals. Instead, choose dog food with a high-quality protein source as the primary ingredient. A protein deficiency results in a dull and unkempt coat. Sure, it costs more, but it will help your Labrador by reducing his daily shedding and maintaining a long and healthy life. Keep You Lab Hydrated You might not even realize it, but allowing your Labrador to drink more water daily can reduce the amount of shedding! Consider getting a dog water fountain such as the Petsafe Drinkwell from Amazon that encourages your dog to drink and saves you from constantly changing his water. I particularly like this one as it has two tiers and includes carbon filters to remove bad taste and odors from the water. Pro Tip! You can give your Labrador ice cubes in the summer to keep him hydrated. You can also treat your doggo to frozen fruits such as raspberries or strawberries to help quench his thirst. These make a healthy alternative to commercial treats. Stay Up-to-Date With Flea Treatment Flea treatments will not prevent your Labrador from shedding, but they will stop him from scratching and nibbling at himself excessively if he gets a tick or flea! The more your dog tirelessly scratches to release himself from the discomfort of fleas or ticks, the more fur he pulls out in the process. No ticks and fleas mean less scratching and less shedding. This is done every three months for my dog, along with her deworming treatment. You can still incorporate Omega fatty acids into your daily schedule to reduce the volume of year-round shedding. You can do this by choosing specific foods with Omega 3 fatty acids. You can also achieve it by providing your Labrador with a daily supplement that contains these nutrients. They come in bacon or chicken flavor and get thousands of positive reviews. Olive oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that support the skin and coat. Check with your vet first on how much to give your dog. Does shaving a Lab help with shedding? Shaving your Labrador will not help with shedding. Never shave a dog with a double coat as it will cause irritation, expose him to bacteria and infection, and damage the regrowth. The fur in Labrador coats is not the same as human hair; it has a distinct function, and the fur follicles do not regenerate properly. Here are the key takeaways from the article. In Labrador Retrievers: Heavy shedding is a normal daily event. They will also shed more in the spring and fall when they will molt their undercoat. Abnormal shedding can be caused by a poor diet, dehydration, some health conditions, fleas, and parasites. Related Posts You May Like:. Keeping your home fur free All Retrievers shed — at times profusely. If you let the hair build up, either on your dog or in your home, it can be quite overwhelming. Coping with Labrador shedding is much easier if you adopt a daily grooming and vacuuming routine. Getting the right tools to help you can really make a difference. Why Do Dogs Shed? Usually in spring and again as winter approaches. During the spring moult, the animal sheds its thick winter coat, and grows a sleek new coat for the summer season. As the temperature falls, the summer coat is shed and replaced by a nice warm winter one. In some animals, the winter coat is even a different color from the summer one, to give the animal camouflage against a very different kind of terrain — think of arctic hares and foxes. But dogs no longer roam the tundra, and battle the elements. Dogs have been living alongside humans for thousands of year. So why does shedding still persist? Those of you that have lived with a Labrador or two, will be smiling at this question. But if you are just starting out on your Labrador adventure, you should know that all Labs do shed some hair, most of the time. And it is something you need to be prepared for. Why does my Labrador shed so much? And while some Labradors are thoughtful enough to shed in a big burst two or even three times a year, many others seem to just shed all year around. This may be connected with the consistent temperature in many modern houses, as dogs that are kennelled often seem to shed in a more seasonal pattern. So why is it, that Labradors shed so much more than some other breeds? The answer lies in your Labradors incredible coat. Underneath that glossy waterproof outer layer, is a dense warm undercoat designed to keep your dog snug while swimming in icy water. This is great for your dog, and partly explains his enthusiasm for swimming at any time of year. People sometimes ask me if a Labrador of one color sheds more than a Labrador of another color. Yellow more than black, black more than chocolate, and so on. It is probable that some Labradors shed more than others. After all, they are all individuals. But whether or not this is linked to color I cannot say. From a personal point of view, I have had labs of all three colors and noticed no real difference. Sometimes one color shows up more in the home than another. It probably depends on what color your carpets are. But essentially black labradors shed, chocolate labradors shed, and yellow Labradors shed too. It is probably worth pointing out at this point, that we need to deal with Labrador shedding in the same way, no matter what color your Labrador is. Home Comforts and Hairy Problems Our bodies, and the bodies of our dogs, evolve beneficial biological systems over thousands of years. It is only recently we have been protected from the seasons with the luxury of air conditioning and central heating. This is a very short period of time in evolutionary terms Evolving new biological systems takes a long time. So dogs still continue to shed because it benefitted their recent ancestors. Especially when you consider that Labradors shed even more than many other breeds of dog. How to Cope with Labrador Shedding I should first say that at the time of writing, there is no pill or potion that you can give your Lab to stop him shedding. The shedding process is entirely natural and normal, if annoying, and there is probably nothing you can or should do, to interfere with it. What you can do however is reduce the impact of a Labrador shedding on your life and home! And when they are not shedding, this is true. However, whenever your Labrador is losing his coat, daily or twice daily grooming is your friend. It will, I promise you, make a massive difference to the quantity of hair in your house. We are talking about a serious dead hair removal process. There are a couple of grooming tools you might like to consider for this purpose. Work from head to tail in firm strokes and watch the mounds of hair gather on the floor. The zoom groom works well for all Labradors, but it can leave a bit of hair behind. And that tool is a Furminator. The Furminator Whether or not this tool suits your dog may depend on his or her individual coat. Labradors really do vary in the way that they moult, and in the thickness of their coats Four year old Tess, pictured here, grows her new coat in, as the old one moults out. Sensible grooming with a Furminator has never revealed bare skin, or done any apparent damage to her coat. All that is stripped out, is soft, dead undercoat. Heaps and heaps and heaps of it. And not only does she feel better for it, so do my carpets. And for some dogs, it is not ideal. Use your furminator carefully Furminators seem to be a bit like marmite. You either love them or hate them. And I love them. They make a huge difference to my dogs and to my house. Remember to use with caution. This is a powerful tool. Can I shave my Labrador? People do occasionally ask me if its OK to shave their Labrador. He could end up with sunburn, he will be unable to control his temperature efficiently, and will be very vulnerable to cuts and injury. Do robot vacuum cleaners pick up dog hair? So I have a robot vacuum cleaner that just potters around for an hour each morning. My elderly robot vacuum cleaner eventually died and I replaced it with a newer model. It has a bigger dustpan than the old one and does a really good job. The battery in mine lasts about an hour and a half which is plenty long enough and I charge it up daily. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.
Combination of Shampoo and Moisturizer Puppy safe with a great smell Can be used for Puppies AND as adults Made in the USA Soothing coconut base, aloe vera AND Vitamin E for velvety smooth puppy fur Hydrating Cons The best value comes with buying the larger jug, which means higher initial cost but less cost in total Lavender smell is pleasant, but not everyone loves lavender Puppies can have an amazing smell — but they sure can be stinky sometimes. While they are learning Bernedoodle puppies can be affected by odour. Choosing a great puppy shampoo helps avoid the stinky puppy problem, and also protects and nourishes the Berendoodle puppy coat. Buddy Wash is made in the USA from natural ingredients. The coconut base is supplemented with other soothing and puppy friendly ingredients. The Aloe helps nourish and protect the coat. The botanicals have a lovely inoffensive aroma. While you should only wash your Bernedoodle when appropriate, puppies sometimes go through a large volume of shampoo. Finding cost effective larger volume option like Buddy Wash helps you greatly when dealing with a growing, active and inquisitive puppy. Finding a cost effective puppy shampoo for large Bernedoodle puppies is difficult. Owners and trainers recommended a shampoo that would work through puppyhood and the beginning of adult life. Buddy Wash protects and moisturises the Bernedoodle puppy coat. They both have long-term amazing track records and can work perfectly for your Bernedoodle. It comes in a super large value pack which means more bang-for-the-buck. A groomer I spoke to while researching Bernedoodle coats says she uses this specific shampoo for almost all of her grooming clients. It provide an excellent clean fur to work with when grooming or style cutting. It is a super simple, natural dog shampoo that works very effectively with Bernedoodle coats. Oatmeal is of course great, and the shampoo also contains coconut and aloe for low allergy, highly effective cleaning. Wahl Oatmeal shampoo also boasts higher concentrate of the coconut based products. This means a smaller volume of shampoo is necessary to create an excellent lather. A great budget conscious Oatmeal shampoo that we highly recommend. Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal Lavender scented antibacterial Shampoo This shampoo has rave reviews and is a favourite of many Bernedoodle owners. The only drawback is that it does have a natural oil Lavender scent. It is not too strong, most will love — but for some it can be a dealbreaker. Be careful when your wet Bernedoodle exit the tub — as the ground can get very slippery. If they lose their footing there is a chance that a serious leg injury can occur. Frequently Asked Questions How often to bathe a Bernedoodle In the absence of dirt or matting, once every four weeks is adequate. Be careful not to over bathe your Bernedoodle. Use a good quality shampoo with natural ingredients and a Poodle Mix appropriate pH level. How often to bath a Bernedoodle Puppy Bath your Bernedoodle puppy whenever it gets dirty. Otherwise once every weeks using a puppy appropriate shampoo is adequate. Use the best shampoo for Bernedoodle — natural ingredients, hypoallergenic. Colloidal oatmeal is a great option. How can I make my Bernedoodle Smell better? Regular bathing and grooming tends to help your Bernedoodle smell better. Trimming excess hair from the paws and around the butt will also reduce odour. You should also check the ears of the Bernedoodle for smell. It is common for Poodle cross breed dogs to experience wax or oil build up in the ears. Gentle regular ear cleaning is effective to improve the smell. Conclusion All of the Bernedoodle shampoos that we have discussed today are going to give an excellent result. A clean, healthy, and great smelling puppy! We only included shampoos that provide value for money AND excellent performance. No shortcuts, but also no overpriced shampoos. Any of the products listed will give a great result and leave Bernedoodle and owner feeling good. We hope our comprehensive testing has helped you find the best shampoo for Bernedoodle. Highly-rated and pet owner-approved, Puracy Dog Shampoo soothes irritations and combats foul odors while giving your dog a soft, healthy coat. Zinc and coco glycinate formula suds, to create an easier washing experience than most sulfate-free shampoos. Biotin and aloe soothe skin and encourage healthy fur growth. Essential oils provide a natural scent without harsh chemicals being introduced. As Bernedoodles may have coats ranging from soft and straight, to dense and curly, their personal needs determine the right shampoo more than any site rating can, but knowing how to look for a good baseline is a great first step in creating a healthy washing routine for you and your companion. Searching for natural moisturizers tends to bring up more or less the same ingredients — aloe and oatmeal — which make for a great natural means of encouraging healthy skin and shiny coat. Avoiding sulfates, as one does with human hair, is vital since Bernedoodle fur can resemble hair much more so than other breeds, but to prevent fleas and parasites, shampoos should contain an agent to form suds other than sulfates, so keep an eye out for coco glycinate or other helpful compounds. Because the prices tend to be so similar from brand to brand, it is recommended that you have a price range in mind when searching for a shampoo, and to consider what specific purposes you need from a pet shampoo. Some shampoos are gentle and soft and are best used on puppies between the ages of eight weeks to six months, while others penetrate deep to address parasites or soothe skin irritations. Recommended Reading:. The chest and tummy area. I would use these, as they have rounded tips for extra safety. Let it sit, and then brush or comb it out. Let it sit for a bit. Then, carefully start to break apart the tangle with your comb. GloCoat Pet Conditioner and Detangler is one of the best! Every doodle owners should have this on hand. This instant coat conditioner quickly penetrates mats and tangles for faster comb-outs. For tougher mats, some people swear by using a plastic letter opener. That stinks no pun intended because the whole point of bathing your dog is to get them clean and smelling good. A person takes their beloved doodle to the groomer for the first time and he or she comes back unrecognizable. The first thing I would recommend to is to find a great groomer. Ask your friends and family, post the question on Facebook, or check Yelp reviews. Find a groomer who is kind, caring, understanding, professional, and communicative. Try a new place until you feel comfortable! Many doodles are cut with the puppy cut, lamb cut, teddy bear cut, or lion cut, but even those terms can mean different things to different groomers. We recommend you bringing lots of photos of bernedoodle hair cuts you like to your groomer and communicating very clearly what you want. The Facebook Bernedoodle groups I recommend here scroll down to the bottom of the page , are a great place to get ideas and ask questions. A note about shaving your Doodle: I personally never shave my dogs. I request that the groomer use one to two levels up from that on the clippers. I understand that some people live in very hot, dry, or humid climates and believe their dog is much cooler with a shaved coat, or they like the look of it shaved. Research has shown that shaving a dog during the summer may not actually keep them cool. Their coat is designed to keep them cooler and protects their skin from sun burn. By shaving your pet you usually interfere with this built-in temperature regulation. In the winter, this keeps the cold out and holds the heat in. During the summer, this system holds the heat at bay and helps your dog regulate his body temperature. Without this insulating layer of hair, he is susceptible to heat stroke. When humans are overly warm, our skin perspires and the evaporation of the perspiration helps us to cool down. We have the advantage of perspiring skin over our entire body. In dogs, this evaporative cooling is limited to a very small area—the footpads, which sweat, and the lungs, where panting allows for latent heat to be removed through evaporation. Shaving the coat will have no effect on these areas. At the end of the day, you have to do what you and your vet think is best for your dog. I have personally found that shaving changes the coat texture and it can become more coarse…or that, a dog who was once nice and wavy can become curlier, or vice versa. If so, please hit the like or share button below! It works especially well on Bernedoodles with textured hair and makes it more manageable. Moreover, it contains some amazing ingredients like aloe, glycerin, vitamins A, B, D, and E. All of them are great for soothing the skin and hair, while improving the moisture levels and help reduce skin irritations. Coat type: Curly and wavy coats. Both their shampoo and conditioner contain silk and panthenol, which will result in fully moisturized, static- and tangle-free hair. In addition to that, it targets mineral and chemical buildup, which are the main culprits against shiny hair. Chris Christensen has some amazing leave-in conditioners. Chris Christensen Ice On Ice Conditioner is a great detangling and finishing spray that adds elasticity and strength to the hair. Additionally, it lightly detangles and breaks down any product build up in the hair. Hello, shiny and silky smooth coat! Regularly washing your Dood is a necessity, just like you would wash yourself. Tip 3: Trim Their Hair. Giving your pup the occasional haircut helps remove dead ends that can make their whole coat look dull. Not to mention, Bernedoodles are notorious for growing out their hair rather quickly. Tip 4: Feed a Healthy Diet. Of course, the backbone of a healthy and shiny coat is a healthy and balanced diet. It is true what they say — beauty comes from within. We recommend you opt for dog food formulas that are made with real, natural, and whole ingredients. They should also include plenty of added supplements and vitamins, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, salmon, or flaxseeds. It helps rid the coat and skin of any chemical and mineral buildup, it thoroughly cleanses, but it also contains some very powerful soothing and moisturizing ingredients that do absolute wonders on that thick Bernedoodle hair and oftentimes sensitive skin. After all, not all Bernedoodle shampoos deliver the same results on all pups. While some Bernedoodles require weekly bathtime, others can do perfectly well when washed every weeks. We would strongly advise against using human shampoos on Bernedoodles. Are Bernedoodles High Maintenance? Like other Doodles, Bernedoodles are rather high maintenance and they do require regular upkeep on your part. Best Shampoo For Bernedoodle: Conclusion Choosing the right shampoo for your Bernedoodle can truly make all the difference. Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Enroll Now The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like.
Their body is stocky with well-developed muscles and short legs which gives them a clumsy look. They have a big broad head having a wide forehead and an arched neck. In addition to this, their coat is very short, fine and shiny. The temperament of the English bulldogs is quite dependable as they are gentle family dogs that excel around children. Although they are slow movers at the same time, they have the ability to overpower any intruder who might come looking for trouble. English bulldogs are some pretty funny looking creatures with their unique features that are quite distinct from other dog breeds. They have huge loose skin under their face that forms many air filled sacks over their muzzles, under eyes and even under their jowls giving them a unique appearance. This feature has made them perfect to play as Rosie the bulldog in the famous cartoon series The Bullwinkle Show. Another feature which makes them differ from other dog breeds are their foreshortened limbs, sparse coat and lack of tail. Where Are English Bulldogs Bred? English Bulldogs do not have a very big population all over the world including California CA. Therefore, it is recommended that you plan your purchase before visiting one of them so that you can ask all sorts of questions regarding the bulldog. You should inquire about the living conditions and preferences of a typical English Bulldog as these dogs have short muzzles which makes breathing a bit harder for them. They should be ideally kept indoors where fresh air can be easily circulated around their bodies to avoid respiratory issues occurring later on in life as well as overheating during hot summer days. It is also important to ensure cleanliness around their ears as they can suffer from many skin infections if proper care is not taken from time time. Visit Your California English Bulldog Breeder in Person English Bulldogs are a very unique breed and can be identified easily with their protruding lower jaws, wrinkled foreheads and the loose skin on their face. These dogs do not shed much hair and need to be brushed occasionally to remove dead hairs from their coats. If you really want to buy an English Bulldog in California CA, it is recommended that you get ready beforehand so that you will have a good checklist of things to discuss with your breeder. A great way to receive references would be to ask the breeder about other buyers he has served in the past and you can also collect some information about their experience through third party sources and online community forums. English Bulldogs have been quite popular throughout history and they have been used in dog fights for decades. Even though times have changed now, some people still raise these dogs for fighting which is not at all right. If you purchase an English Bulldog from a reputed breeder in California CA, you can be sure that it is not raised for fighting and will always remain happy. English Bulldogs can become really sick if they do not receive proper medical care. In fact, most veterinarians suggest that owners of this breed carry out regular health checkups with their dogs to avoid any major issues from occurring later on in life. Before you finalize a deal with an English Bulldog breeder in California, it is important to check how many of these dogs has the breeder bred till date. A responsible breeder would never compromise on the quality of their dogs for the sake of making a profit and would always breed a limited number of puppies each year. These dogs need a lot of care and attention, so it would be a good idea to have a crate ready for them to sleep at night or when you will not be around. If you do not have a crate within your reach, the bulldog breeders in California CA can even help you out with this and you can check out the bulldog ads on the internet for more information. You should also measure your house to make sure that the dog will be comfortable living there. Proper exercise is another aspect that needs to be taken care of if you are looking forward to have a healthy English Bulldog. In fact, some of these dogs get overweight quite often due to lack of exercise and unhealthy food. If you have a huge backyard or a park near your house, you can allow the dog to run around for some time. However, if you are living in an apartment, it is best that you take out time to walk your pet every day as this breed needs lots of physical activity if it has to live a healthy life without any major problems. These dogs are really stubborn and it can be quite difficult for them to learn the difference between a bathroom and other parts of the house. You can use a crate or a small room for this purpose when you will not be around and praise the dog when it does its business in that area of the house. It is best to keep lots of chew toys, balls and other accessories ready for your pup so that it does not get bored. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. English Bulldog Puppies English bulldogs are among the most well-known breeds of bulldogs in the United States and arguably the world. According to rankings by the American Kennel Club in , this breed is the number 2 in the option for families to buy amongst a selection of dog breeds. These bulldogs have a long history stemming from their original use for bull baiting in Britain. Many people still see these as an old English bulldog and a cultural icon, and it is one of the most popular dogs you will see in England. They do have fierce determination, persistence and an underrated strength, and these are part of why many people love them so much for a family companion. British bulldogs naturally have wide heads and shoulders, flat faces covered with skin folds and thick flaps, and a shorter and higher muzzle than many other dogs. Their thick facial skin folds are also present under their neck, and their pointed teeth and endless snorting constitute a significant factor in the fierce and sometimes scary look they have become known for. So why should you go for an English bulldog? What exactly makes them so special and wonderful anyway? Well, here are a few things we love about this breed of bulldogs. The first and most important benefit to us is that English bulldogs are very good guard dogs. Despite their relatively small size, these dogs are not to be underestimated. Their aggressive nature from their history of bull baiting has been passed down from generation to generation of bulldogs, making them mean fighters to intruders. These dogs do not hesitate to leap into action and defend their owners when there is a threat. Another big benefit is that they are family-friendly and safe to be around your children. Despite the strength and aggression they show to outsiders, you can be sure that your well-trained English bulldogs are perfect family friends that can be around your children with low chances of danger. This very tolerant breed loves to keep a quiet and watchful eye over its owners and is very good at informing you when they sense something wrong. Their short, stubby legs also make for some very funny moments, such as their clumsy efforts to climb onto surfaces, like your couch or their dramatic pouts and faces. English bulldogs have a natural pranking streak that makes you laugh effortlessly. Coming home to unwind and having an English bulldog waiting for you to home is a definite stress reliever and mood elevator. We need to rectify that, and we have the perfect English bulldog puppies for sale for you to make your pick from. With an English bulldog puppy, you can have that beautiful bully that your kids can grow up with, and that can be a perfect companion and guard for your home. All our English bulldogs are the healthiest and cutest selection of breeds that you will find in the country, and this is a fact. We have decades of veterinarian experience and expert knowledge in this breed that has helped us monitor and facilitate the best studs and breeders to produce these beautiful English bulldog puppies. We have male and female English bulldog puppies, and there are a variety of ages that you can pick from, whether you like an eight-week-old puppy, ten-week-old puppy, week old puppy, or even older. Frequently Asked Questions How much exercise do English bulldogs need? English bulldogs are a low-energy breed and do not require a lot of exercise. A daily walk or play session of minutes should meet their physical needs. However, due to their short snouts, English bulldogs are prone to overheating, so it's important to avoid strenuous exercise or exercise in hot weather. Indoor play, such as fetch or tug-of-war, can provide them with physical and mental stimulation. Regular exercise is vital for their overall health and well-being. How to train an English bulldog puppy? Train an English bulldog puppy with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Early socialization and obedience training are important. Avoid punishment-based training. Find a trainer who understands the breed and its unique needs. Consistency and patience are key to success in training an English bulldog puppy. What are the key features that make Bulldogs special? Bulldogs are notable for their unique physical appearance, friendly and affectionate nature, and loyalty. They are low-energy and good with children, making them popular family pets. Their wrinkly faces and undershot jaw give them a distinct look, while their muscular build and confident attitude make them recognizable and loved by all. Where can I buy an English bulldog? English bulldogs can be purchased from various sources, including breeders, pet stores, and animal rescue shelters. When buying from a breeder, it's important to find a reputable one that's committed, knowledgable, follows ethical breeding practices, provides information about the dog's health temperament, and offers a written guarantee.
Call Today! We breed from only the best quality bloodlines in the world adhering to the strict German SV standard. Our dogs are health tested hips, elbows, back and DM and are titled from both showline and working lines, raised in the house and already started before they go home! What else separates us from other Michigan German Shepherd Breeders? Von Buchmann German Shepherds, aka Michigan German Shepherds, is not a kennel but we are a home where our handful of dogs, bred to the strict German standard, stay inside with us and are a part of our family. They are family members to us. We stay small so every dog can get the attention and time they deserve, and our puppies can be raised in a family situation. Our puppies are not only born in the house, but they stay in the house. Our German Shepherd puppies go from our whelping box right to crate training and house breaking introduction. We get several comments from families they are very easy to finish housetraining. Phoenix von Buchmann IGP3 ang a normal hips and elbows dm clear, queen of the house and grandma to all of our showline babies Preserving the breed is at the utmost importance to us so our dogs are bred to uphold German SV standards. We breed to the German SV standard to ensure we have the most stable and healthy dogs for your family. I, Peggy Buchman, grew up with German Shepherd dogs and have loved them my entire life. My daughter started training German Shepherd Puppies and dogs in IGP, service work, and pet training and it has brought back all of my favorite memories of them. What a wonderful experience this has been, breeding and raising German Shepherd puppies. Watching the development of them as they grow with their new families, feedback has been amazing. Many families have come back for a second and third German Shepherd Puppy. We have dogs in sport homes, service homes, and mostly family companion homes where comes our most important focus, temperament! Since we raise our own dogs and keep from our own stock we have a great understanding what is behind your puppy and his or her pedigree. Raising and training our own dogs to the German standard takes a lot of commitment, time, expense, and is never easy. Please scroll down and slide left to scroll through our many Testimonials. We are hands on in all aspects of our German Shepherds. Training and Handling our own dogs for Titling, Showing and Breed Surveys Even down time is exciting with our acreage to take leisurely runs, even going on family travels Up North "I take pride in the German Shepherds I am producing here at von Buchmann German Shepherds" - Peggy Contact Us Today Real Testimonials Mia is such a little love at about 40 pounds now with beautiful markings! She has been easy to train since she is so food motivated. She has a great personality and temperament. We just love her so much and thank you for a great bloodline!! Susan S. He is an amazingly sweet, loving, playful and handsome little guy. Donnie D. Hank is doing great! His color is fantastic and his listening skills are superb!!! He very much enjoys our outings and meeting new people still!! And does very well with it! Simon E. My puppy, which I name Kimber has been nothing short of amazing. She is a very beautiful GSD, healthy, and very willing to learn new things. I have actually train Kimber to be a diabetic alert service dog for myself, which she picked up very well and is happy to work. Peggy was more than willing to help evaluate which puppy of the litter would have the best attitude for my life being around several young children. We interviewed other breeders but you could immediately tell that Peggy truly cared about her dogs and took care to ensure we would get a puppy that was a good fit for us. She answered all of our questions and continued to do so long after the actual adoption. Our dog has been a wonderful addition to our family and our next German Shepherd will be from Von Buchmann! High quality German Shepherds and a breeder who cares, you really can ask for more. Denise B. We purchased our first puppy from Von Buchmann German Shepherds in .Since then, we have been back to get two more puppies. Peggy is a very knowledgeable breeder and her dogs are beautiful and well trained with great temperaments. We are very pleased with Von Buchmann German Shepherds. April R. Besides his physical beauty, he has a protective yet loving temperament, listens and responds to all commands, was well socialized and mannered, and only barks when alerting me to perceived danger. You will not be disappointed. Susan H. We bought our first German Shepherd from this breeder and have been over the moon impressed with how this pup fits perfectly in to our family. Peggy did a great job of recommending the perfect puppy based on drive and temperament for our family with three young boys. Our pup is currently 11mo old and such a joy. Ever the professional, Peggy answered all of my possibly annoying first time dog owner questions with care and grace. She has been a resource for us months after our purchase and I would not hesitate to contact her with questions in the future. I highly recommend this breeder without reservation. Kelli S. Their temperament, physique, coats and general health are outstanding. Jodi H. I give Von Buchmann German Shepherds a 5 star! I have a beautiful 18 month girl from Phoenix. Peggy Buchmann matched the perfect pup with what our family wanted in a Shepherd. Our pup was used to a household environment, family life, and well socialized for her age when we got her. The follow up with Peggy has been amazing. She is quick to answer questions and offer support and suggestions. Peggy takes her breeding seriously and strives for great temperment, good health, and beauty with her pups. Tammy S. Very knowledgeable, caring and responsible breeder that is always responsive to concerns or questions! Our second male from her is now 7mos and is incredible! Mark M. We have had our beautiful Luca with us for nearly 10 years. We will not hesitate to look to Von Buchmann for our next family member. Thank you for such excellence. Kristen R. This is a great dog for the right person! Hi, everyone, my name is Clover. I tend to become overwhelmed easily, and the shelter environment is, well, rather overwhelming. So I'm looking to be rescued ASAP by a patient and understanding human; someone who's prepared with a pocketful of snacks, ideally to help me keep my cool when I'm venturing outside my comfort zone. I'm a fun-loving dog who loves to play chase, so a home with cats wouldn't be a good fit for my exuberant personality. If you've got the skills to read both my subtle and not so subtle body language, I'd love for you to be my guiding light. Being a 1-year-old German shepherd, it goes without saying that I have an overabundance of energy as well as a brilliant mind. If you're a human with an active lifestyle, I want in on it. I'm talking hikes, fetch, puzzles. I'd even be open to some agility training once I get to know you a little better. Please teach me to channel my energy away from fear and towards fun! Since I'm a sensitive girl, I'd do best in a single family home without dogs and adults only. Remember, adoption is not just about finding a pet; it's about changing a life. Are you craving a new chapter? Me too! Take a chance on this pup, and you'll be rewarded with a transformation beyond your wildest dreams. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Working, training, titling and living with our dogs ensures that we have a thorough understanding of each dog's temperament, character, strengths and weaknesses, and this in turn allows us to make the best breeding decisions possible. In short, the type of widely versatile dog the German Shepherd was designed to be. Just as importantly, they are also serving families across North America as sound, trustworthy and loyal companions and protectors. When asked to sum up the goals of our breeding program, the best and most concise answer is to produce working dogs that people can live with. We believe that a good GSD is one that has the drive and temperament to perform a wide variety of tasks and that dogs who do not possess strong working ability are not correct representatives of the breed. At the same time, no one should have to sacrifice companionship for utility. We feel that dogs who cannot also relax and be good family dogs, no matter how well they work, are also incorrect representatives of a breed like the GSD that is supposed to be about balance. Originating in the late s from the selective combination of different types of regional herding and working dogs, the GSD was created to be all around working dog; a utilitarian breed capable of performing a wide range of services. The GSD's strong reputation and world-wide popularity is due primarily to its versatility and working heritage. Yet often when they hear "working dog" or "working bloodlines", those who are unfamiliar with these dogs are under the false assumption that these dogs are hyperactive, dangerous, and in general unsuited to family life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our dogs possess the courage and drive to excel in police or personal protection work, yet are gentle enough to play with a room full of kindergartners. They are high drive and will give their all in training and work, but when the day is done they will turn off and happily lounge about with the family watching television. As a working breed, we firmly believe that it is the responsibility of all GSD lovers, but especially breeders, to maintain it as such. But we also feel very strongly that no matter how much a dog may excel in working endeavors, if it is unable to be a stable and trustworthy family companion, it is not a good representative of the German Shepherd breed. And certainly not a breeding candidate. We strive for this balance between work and home life in all of our own dogs and in the puppies we produce. At the same time, this does not mean that a German Shepherd is an appropriate dog for everyone. When asked if they make good pets, the answer is always "Yes, but.While they are reliable, devoted and enjoyable companions, German Shepherds, and the working lines in particular, need owners that are experienced with dogs, lead active lifestyles, and enjoy involving their dogs in all aspects of their lives. These dogs are highly intelligent and have a strong, inborn desire to work with their owners and utilize their natural drives. While this makes them highly trainable, it also means that even the "pet quality" puppies from working line litters are not couch potatoes. In addition to regular physical exercise, these dogs also need clear, fair, consistent leadership, mental stimulation through training, and quality one-on-one time interacting with their people in order to be happy, well adjusted and well mannered companions. If you want a laid-back, low maintenance house pet, a German Shepherd is not for you. If you want a dog that will work tirelessly for you, be your constant and faithful companion, defend you and your family with its life, let your children crawl all over him AND you have the desire and ability to properly raise, socialize and train your dog and ensure that his needs for mental and physical exercise are met, you have come to the right place.
These rescues will be helpful in your quest to adopt a German Shepherd : 1. Their dogs come from local shelters or direct from owners. This German Shepherd rescue has a vital mission. They prefer potential adopters who previously owned a GSD and understand the breed. As part of the adoption process, applicants must believe in good dog training and care and be able to invest the time and resources necessary to train and socialize the dog properly. Their mission is plain and simple — to re-home, foster, and rehabilitate as many adult dogs or puppies from shelters or surrendered from owners as possible. The founder Nila Walden-Hughes was inspired to set up the rescue following the sudden passing of her beloved four-year-old German Shepherd Dog. She has given her life to dogs and has always loved GSDs since she was a young child as she was raised by her visually impaired Grandparents and grew up with guide dogs, mainly German Shepherds. She is a certified dog behavior consultant and canine trainer. All rescue dogs are thoroughly vetted and trained in obedience before new owners are matched and the dogs placed with their new families. They work out of the Daytona Beach and Jacksonville areas. They have a common goal to rescue as many homeless German Shepherds as they can by rehabilitating them and finding them approved families or individuals. They adopt German Shepherd Dogs where they can support their volunteers and rescue representatives. Augustine, Orlando, and Jacksonville areas. Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue is a foster home-based organization. They can only rescue a dog from a shelter or an individual once they have found a foster home where the dog can safely live while waiting for a permanent adoptive. The foster home is frequently a lifesaver for the rescue. You can apply to foster a German Shepherd Dog in need via their website. They are committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and careful re-homing of lost, abandoned, homeless German Shepherd Dogs to loving homes in Florida. All rescues adults and puppies are adopted as indoor family pets, and Dreamcatcher German Shepherd Rescue will not allow dogs to be used as guard dogs or farm dogs. They aim is to rescue, rehabilitate, and place German Shepherds in loving homes throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. They work tirelessly to save these majestic dogs from high-kill shelters around South Florida. Many of the dogs they save are on their way to being euthanized or have medical conditions that require attention such as heartworm disease or orthopedic issues from traumatic injuries. This German Shepherd rescue relies entirely on volunteers who offer their time, money, and expertise to rescue German Shepherds. Their adoption process seeks to match the temperaments and needs of rescued dogs to those of potential adopters. They are always looking for foster homes to give rescued German Shepherd Dogs the love, understanding, care, socialization, and exercise they need to leave their past behind and look forward to a new life in a new loving home. They started as a fundraising company for other rescues in and a year later became their own rescue. Through Rescue Rebels, companion animals are rescued, provided the physical care needed, spayed or neutered, and provided with behavioral guidance, socialization, and training where necessary. She had a host of issues, one being blind due to cataracts from untreated advanced diabetes, yet Rescue Rebels were able to gift her the gift of sight. You can read about her remarkable transformation here. Florida German Shepherd Clubs Keeping pace with local German Shepherd clubs could also be an excellent idea for you on your journey to adopt and raise a rescue German Shepherd. Here are 3 German Shepherd clubs in the state of Florida and their websites: Club. Social Media: Facebook Instagram 4. The rescue was started in .It can take as much as a month from when your application is received for it to be approved and you to be considered for adopting a dog. Typically, the rescue receives multiple applications for every dog in the rescue. Applications are not considered on a first-come-first-serve basis, but rather, dogs are matched to the best possible home for them based on their particular needs. Application review involves a check with your veterinarian and employer and a mandatory home visit in which all members of your family must be present. If you want to adopt a puppy under six months of age, you must work part-time or work from home so that you will have sufficient time to care for the puppy. Fenced yards are required and crating is highly recommended. Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue relies on foster homes to provide a place for shepherds to live until they can be adopted. Fosters are provided with everything they need to care for the dog, but they are asked to exercise, train, and generally provide rehabilitation for rescue German Shepherds. As a foster parent, you have the first option to adopt your foster dog. This program can be a wonderful way for you to try out several different German Shepherds before you arrive at the perfect dog for your home. Rescue and Adoption Details Website: dbgsdrescue. German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, fiercely loyal, and driven to work. Unfortunately, some of these characteristics are why German Shepherds often end up being rehomed. People may buy a German Shepherd puppy because they like the way the breed looks, they want a protection dog, or they are unaware of the special needs of this breed. Faced with a powerful breed dog with high drive, who can often outsmart their person, many people end up surrendering this breed to a shelter or rescue. Most German Shepherds face a significant adjustment period when they are rehomed. Make sure that you have the time and energy to give your rescued German Shepherd plenty of exercise, training, and structure as they adapt to their new life with you. Try not to come to any conclusions about an individual German Shepherd within the first few weeks or even first months of having them, as it takes this breed a long time to settle into a new home and become the loyal, loving, intelligent companion they are meant to be. Florida has a high rate of homeless dogs of all breeds, and homeless German Shepherds may be even more common than other breeds. The German Shepherd is a popular breed in Florida but rules restricting this breed in rental homes and condos means that it can be hard to find somewhere to live with a German Shepherd. Be sure you know the rules of your HOA, condo or apartment before contacting one of these rescues. Some of the rescues listed here understand these restrictions and will make sure you have verified any rules that you need to follow. If you contact the rescues on this list, there is a very good chance that you will find the perfect German Shepherd for you. Leave a Comment. She had previously lived outside at her prior home but has adapted well to home life and is housebroken and well behaved. She would do best with older children only and as the only dog. Chloe is cat friendly! Her family describes her as a good guard dog - she can be protective at home and needs proper introductions to new people inside of her home. She does much better when meeting people out and about outside of her own territory at home. She loves children especially and is very protective of my kids and our family. She is such a loving and sweet dog. She was not always treated the best, so she is nervous around men, but warms up. She is potty trained, crate trained, and leash trained. She is an amazing girl and so loving. She loves to play with toys and play fetch. She will love you fiercely and protect you always. My biggest concern is finding someone who will be patient with her and give her the loving home she deserves. They are not under the care of the rescue. They are under the care of their current guardian. The owner is subject to placement outside of our organization. We cannot guarantee availability.
We specialize in Bully-type, also sometimes referred to as Johnson American Bulldogs. However on occasion we do produce fantastic standard- and hybrid-type American Bulldogs. We breed for functional and balanced temperament allowing for the American Bulldog to be a family member and a companion while having the drive and intelligence to perform desired functions. At Grand Future, we typically produce large American Bulldogs. Males range in lbs and females range in lbs. We have always bred to a significantly stricter breed standard than the current American Bulldog breed standards under U. Dogs with the following characteristics are not shown at conformation shows nor bred in our kennel: 1. Full black mask — this genetic trait is usually a result of another breed having been infused into the gene pool. Usually a dog with a kinked tail itself is not at risk of health complications as a result of the kinked tail. Teeth — dogs missing more than 3 teeth. Dogs lacking full pigmentation are more susceptible to various health problems. Lack of pigment is also responsible for deafness in dogs. We have never produced a deaf dog. Interested in a puppy? We have many repeat buyers — over 30 families have purchased 2,3,4, and even 5 dogs. Our dogs generally love children and have balanced temperament. Having produced over dogs in 7 generations, we have history and data that allows us to make some conclusions that we believe are significant. The very common problem of hip dysplasia that afflicts this breed is nearly non-existent in our kennel. Our dogs tend to have normal locomotion — good movement due to anatomically sound physical structure. Our dogs have never torn ligaments such as the Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL , which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never prematurely died from heart problems, which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never been diagnosed with tracheal hypoplasia — a hereditary genetic defect common in bulldog breeds that leads to potential deadly obstruction of the airway. Our dogs tend to live long. Our foundation dog lived to the age of 15 years and 10 months old. Our dogs have never been afflicted with cancer at a young age. The earliest instance of cancer has been encountered at 8 years of age by one dog. The remainder of cases have been documented at over 10 years of age. The biggest tragedy for an owner is in having to care for a sick dog as a result of poor breeding, and be absolutely helpless as that dog passes in their arms. Exorbitant medical bills end up being paid to prolong the time together even by just a little with the beloved family member. As with any animal breeding program, our kennel is not immune from problems. This drives us to continually improve. We maintain contact and help our owners in any way we can; even at 4AM or during a vacation since we have owners all over the world in various timezones. Our breeding expertise enables us to deliver healthy, beautiful, strong, and intelligent American Bulldog puppies. We provide a contractual health guarantee against the following genetic health problems — hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL ruptures, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, heart, kidneys, thyroid, ichthyosis, cryptorchidism, epilepsy, and any neurological disorders including NCL. Our conversation with a prospective owner always involves questions to understand the kind of dog the person would like — the more details the better. If so inclined, the prospective owner can request guidance in picking the puppy based on personality and activity level, temperament, phenotype, and more. We evaluate our puppies at 6 weeks of age on a variety of parameters. We provide lifetime unlimited advice and guidance by phone to owners concerning all subjects relating to dog ownership. You can be sure you will have the information you need to succeed even if this is going to be your first American Bulldog puppy. Because we stand by the quality of our work, we want our owners to participate in our breeding program and we are happy to provide the necessary guidance. Our dogs are also ideal candidates for service animal work. Training a service dog requires a significant investment of time and money, making the genetic health and temperament of the dog even more critical. A service dog needs to be healthy, hassle-free, intelligent and receptive to training, have stable temperament to handle any type of environment, and of course lead a long life disease-free. All of these selective requirements for service dog candidates make Grand Future American Bulldogs an ideal fit. Join us in our mission of producing the best American Bulldogs possible! Professional worry-free shipping worldwide Of course our preference is for you to come visit our home, get acquainted with us, and pick up your new American Bulldog puppy in person. However, we understand that it is not feasible for everyone. Even if you do not live anywhere near Nevada, do not be concerned — we are highly experienced at shipping our American Bulldog puppies worldwide, as even just the list of our Grand Champions and Champions spanning 9 nations attests. We can prepare all necessary export documentation. Search this website. We invite you to take a peek at our handsome, friendly, large breed American Bulldogs. We are a a team of private American Bulldog Breeders and our dogs and pups are never kenneled or crated. They are our family pets and roam our house and land. We breed loving American Bulldog Puppies for you and your family to cheerish. Learn More After breeding these amazing creatures for 22 years. We have perfected the best breeding standards that have award us the 1 American Bulldog breeder in America. At We Love American Bulldogs we take a lot of care and pride in helping educate families about the breed that are interested in bringing one of these beautiful creatures into their homes. As any breed the most important thing you can do, is educate yourself about the breed that you are about to bring into to your life. We hope by offering these documents and our YouTube videos, about the breed and about the puppy you are about to consider to be a part of your family, that you will do it with complete awareness of your responsibility to the breed and your puppy. Get a Puppy Our team at "We Love American Bulldogs" feel blessed to care for these wonderful creatures we brought into the world. We worked very hard to make sure the foundation of your puppy is stable, loving and strong. Now we hope with all the information my over 22 years experience with this breed bring me, that we will share with you, that you will stay the course and make sure these pups are the best and true American Bulldog they can be. A Day In The Life.Nonetheless, routine vet care should be prioritized as your dog ages and becomes more vulnerable to certain diseases. Aside from this, pet insurance should be on your list if you want to prevent unplanned expenses from unexpected medical problems. To prevent going bankrupt, you must equip yourself with knowledge of what these expenses might be. For owners of American Bulldogs, here are the other potential expenses you should also anticipate: Pet Daycare: If you plan to have a trip without your American Bulldog, you can take your dog to pet daycare. This facility will give plenty of attention to your American Bulldog and provide your pup with activities based on their specific needs and temperament. Pet Sitter Fee: A pet sitter will greatly help you if you want to leave your American Bulldog at home rather than sending it to a pet daycare. Your American Bulldog may acquire mild to severe health conditions that might require immediate medical attention. Grooming Services: Although you can groom your American Bulldog at home, hiring a professional pet groomer will spare you the hassle of bathing and grooming it yourself. Kennel Club Registration: If you intend to participate in dog shows and competitions, you should have your purebred American Bulldog puppy registered. Take note that these costs are only optional except for emergency medical costs. Since emergencies and accidents are unpredictable, you should prepare and plan for such situations. Therefore, it is wise to get pet insurance to avoid high medical costs. Sadly, not all breeders are credible and trustworthy. You should stay away from breeders and puppy mills that sell unhealthy puppies. As you look for your American Bulldog puppy, read through our comprehensive puppy buying guide to prevent being scammed online. This breeder focuses on Bulldog-type dogs, often known as Johnson American Bulldogs. Even so, they occasionally breed outstanding American Bulldogs of the standard and hybrid varieties. Venomline — Venomline is one of the well-known breeders of American Bulldog puppies and dogs in the world. For additional options, you can also scan our recommended American Bulldog breeders. Rest assured that they can offer you the best deal you deserve! This organization has given homes to over a thousand rescued Bulldogs, including American Bulldogs. Peaches Bulldog Rescue — Peaches Bulldog Rescue is a foster-based organization located in Ohio that helps abandoned and surrendered Bulldog breed dogs. Aside from rescuing and adopting, this organization also dedicates its efforts to community education, microchipping, spaying and neutering, and encouraging responsible ownership of Bulldog breeds. If you want to ace your application in any of these rescues, you should read our ultimate guide to dog adoption for tips. Also, you might also want to read our article on how to find free pups in your neighborhood. Money-Saving Tips for American Bulldog Owners American Bulldogs will cost you more than you imagine, especially if you plan to spoil them. To reduce your overall expenses, you can always make some changes. All you have to do is start looking for alternatives with more diligence and creativity. Here are some money-saving tips for American Bulldog owners: Invest in high-quality items. Although high-quality items are initially more expensive, their sturdiness will prove worthy in the long run. Hence, if you are purchasing items for your American Bulldog, such as collars and food bowls, it is best to buy the quality ones. Purchase dog food in bulk. Buying dog foods in bulk is generally wiser because businesses nowadays often offer discounts on items bought in bulk. Purchasing in bulk is also more practical for pet owners since you save a few bucks from your transportation expenses with fewer visits to stores. Make DIY dog toys. Dog toys are often expensive and sometimes not sturdy enough. Fortunately, there are easy DIY dog toys you can make with whatever items you have at home. Making DIY toys is a good alternative if you want to save money from buying new toys. American Bulldogs are easy to train. So instead of spending money on training fees, you can train them yourself. With this money-saving tip, you get to save money and bond with your dog. Keep your dog healthy. Keeping your American Bulldog in good shape is the key to avoiding these unexpected expenses. The bulleted items are just a few of the many ways you can save money as an owner of an American Bulldog. Final Thoughts The American Bulldog is such a fantastic dog. But before getting one, it is important that you should assess yourself first if you are capable of providing this dog with all its needs. You should also keep in mind that these are large dogs that demand more maintenance and care. Although you can train them not to become spoiled, you should always provide them with great love, care, and attention. After discussing the cost of an American Bulldog and its related expenses, we hope that you learn something from us. If so, share your expense-budgeting strategy for your American Bulldog in the comment section below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. You've reached an American Bulldog website. John D. Johnson American Bulldogs, Summerville, GA The Johnson American Bulldog is a breed of dog unlike any other; their sheer strength and courage coupled with their undying loyalty and devotion make them the ultimate breed of dog for the general public and serious canine enthusiast alike. The modern American Bulldog is believed to have descended from the colossus breeds of ancient history similar to other mastiff breeds. The American Bulldogs earliest history is virtually unknown and little if any recorded records exist. The first documented history relating to the American Bulldog was during the late 19th century. These dogs were by no means pets, but rather utility dogs bred and raised for specific duties. These duties included baiting unruly cattle and swine along with guarding property against thievery. These tasks required a dog that feared no man or beast alive, but was still loyal and obedient to their master and keeper. These traits still exist with the Johnson American Bulldog. Since the early "butcher dogs" the American Bulldog had nearly gone extinct and until recently experienced an evolutionary rebirth. This rebirth is due in large part to two dedicated individuals; John D. Johnson and Mildred L. These bulldogs had grown scare in the Northwest region of Georgia, and John desired a dog with the same stamina and grit to protect his farm and livestock. Initially it was a small operation, but through the hard work of John and Mildred it grew into a life long commitment. He was also the first breeder to have his dogs officially registered. John and Mildred have literally supplied the world with their Georgia bred bulldogs. It was their female lines of Collettes, Sugar Dolls and Sugar Tuffies that when bred produced the big boned pups that mature into the lbs. The kennel has recently been trademarked and is now known as Johnson Kennels llc. A new partnership has also been established. This new partnership between two established dog breeders, Mr. John Johnson and Mr. Scott Weaver. All traditional bloodlines exist and new lines are being established. It contains heating and air conditioning for the dogs comfort. There is a separate whelping and nursery room for new litters and weaned pups. And a licensed vet makes regular on site visits. .We at Johnson Kennels llc. We continue to strive for only the best. Our focus is to produce a powerful, yet balanced American Bulldog with a very muscular body representing the standards created by John D. The Real American Bulldog is very stocky, athletic and imposing. For those interested in acquiring a truly magnificent animal for either companionship or protection. Visit our contact information page. These canines are generally white with patches of another color; however, Johnsons have also started appearing in other solid colors and brindle. Here are some shades these majestic pooches come in: Blue Johnson American Bulldog Blue is a faded variation of black occurring due to the presence of a rare mutation. Blue is actually an uncommon coat color for the Johnson Bulldog. Solid blacks are rare, and the black color usually appears on a white coat. In fact, white Johnson American Bulldogs are considered the breed standard. White Johnson American Bulldogs may be pure white or carry patches of another color. This color usually occurs due to crossbreeding the Johnson American Bulldog with another pooch with the brindle gene. Although crossbred canines cost less, they still make lovely pets. Johnson American Bulldog temperament The American Johnson Bulldog temperament can be described as patient, courageous, and protective, making them excellent watchdogs and family pets. They are quick to protect their family and home from any perceived threats. Due to the checkered history of certain bully-type breeds and their association with sports, many people are quick to label the Johnson American Bulldog aggressive. However, these canines are gentle, patient, and caring family pets that would never attack a person or another animal unprovoked. Do American Bulldog Johnson type make great family pets? The Johnson American Bulldogs are loyal, protective, and loving towards their family. Their high pain tolerance makes them excellent companions for children. However, be sure to supervise young children around this breed, as this giant pooch may accidentally hurt them. He can still get along well with other pets if they are properly socialized from an early age. American Johnson Bulldog training The Johnson American Bulldog is an intelligent breed that is easy to train for an experienced owner. They respond well to firm, consistent training, and positive reinforcement. If the training process is not started early, the Johnson standard American Bulldog may become stubborn and uncooperative. Here are some types of training that are essential for Johnson American Bulldogs: Socializing: Socializing your Johnson American Bulldog is one of the most important things you can do for him. Without socialization, he may become aggressive towards other animals and people. Start socializing your pup as early as possible by taking him to puppy classes, dog parks, and playdates with other pups. Obedience training: All pups should know basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Obedience training will not only make your puppy more well-behaved but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Leash training: All pups should be leash trained so that they can go on walks and hikes with their humans. Start leash training your Johnson American Bulldog as early as possible with a rope dog leash that is heavy-duty and durable. The best way to leash train your pup is to start with short walks around the house or backyard. Gradually increase the length of the walks as your pup gets more comfortable with being on a leash. Johnson American Bulldog living conditions A young Johnson line American Bulldog is a large high-energy pup who needs a spacious backyard with plenty of room to run and play. If you live in an apartment, this might not be the breed for you. Many Johnson American Bulldog owners allow their canine companions to roam freely in their backyard. However, we are aware that some towns or counties have zoning laws that prohibit physical fences. If this is the case with you, you can alternatively use a wireless dog fence to keep your pups safe. This way, they can still roam freely in your backyard and enjoy some sun and fresh air while staying safe and sound. But before you install a wireless dog fence, you may find it helpful to put in place an electronic dog door , especially if you let your K9 friends leave or come back into the house on their own. Many doggy owners love the automatic doggy door because it saves them so much time and headache from opening or closing the door every time their pooch needs to head outside or come back in. So if you work from home or at the office, you may find the electronic dog door to be a lifesaver, both for you and your furry friends. When it comes to bathing your Johnson American Bulldog, once every four weeks should do the trick. It is a good idea to bathe your Johnson American Bulldog after he or she played in mud, or puddle, or had a long hike. When you do bathe your pooch, make sure to use a dog shampoo that not only cleanses but also moisturizes the skin and coat. Exercise Grooming In the past, the English bulldog was used by foreign immigrants who moved to South America and brought their dogs with them. The breed, however, became close to extinction after the second world war. Some breeders, John D. Johnson, and Alan Scott kept infusing several bulldogs together in the bid to breed the American Bulldog while monitoring its health and capabilities. Today, the American bulldog is completely rid of the fear of being extinct and has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. The American bulldog is many sizes larger than the English Bulldog; however, they are quite similar when it comes to their temperament. It is basically a huge, cuddly, lap dog that loves children and is very affectionate. It is brave, confident and extremely loyal to its owners. They can be quite reserved when around strangers as they like to mark their territories. When trained from a young age, the American Bulldog will display an impressive level of intelligence. They are not so friendly with other strange dogs and mostly like to keep to themselves. As earlier stated, the American bulldog is a fun-loving, happy dog that thrives in a family setting. The perfect environment for this breed would be a home with a large backyard that is well fenced-in. Since they are very energetic and must be kept active, it is imperative to their growth that they have ample space to run around during the day. This is crucial for their mental and physical well-being. For dog lovers who live in apartments, the American bulldog might not be the best option for them. This is because there is inadequate space for them and being left alone would adversely affect their mental health. They can also become very irritable and destructive if left alone for long periods as they need constant mental and physical stimulation. The American Bulldog needs about two hours of outdoor exercise on a daily basis. It goes without saying that this breed is not suitable for people who work many hours every day. This dog breed requires basic physical and mental stimulation like jogging, walking, chasing balls, playing fetch, farm work, agility, and basic obedience exercises. Due to the temperament of the American Bulldog, it has to get as much exercise preferably in the outdoors. If its exercise requirements are not consistently met, this dog breed will take out its frustration in your home by chewing apart and basically destroying everything it comes in contact with while running around. The American Bulldog has quite a short coat with a minimized length and this feature makes it easy to groom. Brushing their coats weekly is usually enough when it comes to grooming the American Bulldog as they do not shed a lot. They also need thorough baths weekly or as needed as this will keep the shedding in check. Our American Bulldog puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. American Bulldogs love routine and will adapt to an exercise and grooming routine if the owner enforces it perfectly. As loyal dogs, they love to please their owners but will only obey upon frequent reinforcements. Do American Bulldogs shed a lot? Since they do not have a lot of fur, they do not shed a lot and owners will not have a lot of hair to clean up, unlike many other dog breeds. Why do American Bulldogs have webbed feet? This is mainly due to genetics and is not a cause for concern. Should American Bulldogs be spayed? Many vets advise that American Bulldog owners should ensure their pets are neutered or spayed when it is between four and nine months. How often should American Bulldogs be fed? The American bulldog has a very large appetite in its formative years. They must, therefore, be fed very often about four times daily and in double portions when they are puppies right until they turn four. Are American Bulldogs a food fit in families? The American bulldog will fit right into your family. They love kids and tend to gravitate towards them. Do American Bulldogs have common health problems? A lot of the health problems experienced by American bulldogs are mostly genetic and do not affect the entire breed. These ailments could range from the kidney to thyroid disorders and a lot more. What is the American Bulldogs life expectancy? The American bulldog has an average lifespan ranging from ten to fifteen years. What is the American Bulldogs average size? The average American Bulldog can grow to 58kg for males and 41kg for females. However, it is important that their diets are closely monitored to keep them from getting overweight. How tall do American Bulldogs get? The male American bulldog can grow as tall as 71cm while its female counterpart can grow up to 61cm. If you want a loyal, smart and incredibly active dog, then the American Bulldog is the perfect fit for you. Are you interested in purchasing a American Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Thanks for stopping by! If you are a first time visitor, then congratulations on your decision to adopt a dog! Your are about to improve and potentially save! Every state page here on Local Dog Rescues contains a complete list of all the local rescue organizations that we have identified in each state. You will be able to see all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can check and see what dogs they currently have available for adoption. We provide all this information to help you identify ALL the available dogs for rescue near you, so you can find your perfect pup. It is jam packed with awesome info that will help you on your adoption journey! If you are considering getting a Labradoodle, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Labradoodles". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Labradoodle from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, or click here to grab one on Amazon. A cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, the Labradoodle is an intelligent and friendly breed. They love nothing more than to be around their family. The Labradoodle combines the energy of the Labrador Retriever with the strong work ethic and intelligence of the Poodle. They do have a desire to please so training is not overly difficult but early training is necessary. The Labradoodle gets along well with everyone, from other dogs and pets to children — though their size may be a bit problematic for smaller children. They enjoy hanging out with you on the couch but can easily transition to playful and energetic. Though they will bark when a stranger is near, they will not make a good guard dog due to their friendly nature. Overall, the Labradoodle is a great pet for first-time owners thanks to their friendly nature and easy trainability. We are so grateful that we are able to help you rescue the dog of your dreams. In addition to coming back here, you can also check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for additional info on rescue groups near you, current posts, and pictures! Adopt a Pet: Adopt a Pet. They are a team of animal lovers who are dedicated to finding loving homes for homeless pets. It is a completely free service that connects potential pet owners with adoptable animals from thousands of shelters and rescue organizations across the US. The mission of this organization is to make pet adoption easier, faster, and more enjoyable. They work with over 21, animal shelters and rescues across the U. The goal of this organization is to place every homeless pet in a loving and responsible home. They believe that every pet deserves a second chance at happiness and that every person can benefit from the companionship and joy of a furry friend. Where they also provide valuable resources and tips for pet adopters and rehomers, such as: How to find the perfect pet for your lifestyle and personality How to prepare for bringing home a new pet How to deal with common pet issues and challenges How to rehome a pet safely and responsible Labradoodle Rescue Info: 3. They have been saving and rehoming dogs since , and they have a special place in their hearts for Labradoodles. They are always looking for loving families to give these adorable dogs a second chance at happiness. This rescue operates solely through the efforts of volunteers who want to make a difference for dogs in need. They rescue and re-home dogs who are at risk of euthanasia at high-kill shelters in the vicinity. They provide all dogs with the necessary medical and behavioral care before they are ready for adoption. All rescued dogs are placed in a foster homes, where they can receive the individual attention and care they deserve. In their foster homes, they learn how to enjoy life with a family and how to handle different situations and challenges that they might face with their future owners. This way, they are prepared for their new life and can bond easily with their forever family. These adorable dogs are a mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They have many wonderful qualities, such as sociability, cleverness, and low-shedding. However, like any other pet adoption, bringing a Labradoodle into your home requires careful consideration and preparation. So we will discuss some essential tips for a successful Labradoodle adoption to ensure a smooth transition: 1. Labradoodles are not one-size-fits-all dog; they come in different sizes, coat types, colors, and personalities. They also have different health and grooming requirements depending on their genetics. Some Labradoodles may be more prone to allergies, ear infections, hip dysplasia, or eye problems than others. Some may need more brushing, clipping, or bathing than others. Some may be more energetic, playful, or vocal than others. They also provide support and guidance for the adopters before and after the adoption process 3. Prepare Your Home: Before bringing your Labradoodle home, make sure your living space is safe and suitable for them. Labradoodles are curious and energetic, so take precautions by puppy-proofing your home. Remove hazardous items, secure electrical cords, and consider using baby gates to restrict access to certain areas. Set up a comfortable sleeping area, provide appropriate toys, and ensure you have food and water bowls ready. By following these steps, you will not only give your Labradoodle a loving and comfortable home but also make your adoption experience a breeze. You will feel happy and proud to welcome your new furry family member and share many wonderful moments together. Any Recommendation for Labradoodle Rescue in New Jersey: If you have any personal experience with one of the rescues listed or know of any reputable rescue organization that you trust that is not included in our list, please share them in the comments section. We would be happy to add them to our list. If you know of anyone who may be interested in adopting a Labradoodle, please share this post with them and help support these dedicated rescue organizations! This video will give you all the information you need to know about a Labradoodle, from what to expect, how to prepare, and what are the benefits of adopting a Labradoodle. Goldendoodle Overview Goldendoodle Puppies For Sale Goldendoodles are sweet-tempered and loving animals that love people and other animals. They make excellent family pets and love bouncing around in the yard as much as snuggling up for a cuddle. As a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, these dogs are athletic, loyal and very smart. Colors also vary, with golden and apricot being the most popular. Goldendoodles also come in a range of coat patterns, including brindle, merle and phantom. Labradoodle Overview Labradoodle Puppies For Sale Labradoodles came into prominence in the s as the ideal puppy for an individual who required a hypoallergenic service dog. A savvy breeder decided to cross a low-shedding poodle with a Labrador retriever, and the rest is history. Fully grown labradoodles weigh around 88 pounds and come in a range of different colors, including white, cream, apricot, chocolate and black. Their coat comes in three types: straight, wavy and curly. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stop them from getting bored, and early socialization as pups are essential to healthy, happy adulthood. Their willingness to please and low prey drive make them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. Cockapoo Overview Cockapoo Puppies For Sale Cockapoos were one of the original designer dogs, with the birth of the dog breed taking place sometime in the s. Fully grown toy cockapoos weigh less than 12 pounds, mini cockapoos weigh between 13 and 18 pounds as adult dogs and maxi cockapoos reach a maximum weight over 19 pounds. They have adorable soulful eyes, a compact, sturdy body and a shaggy, wavy coat. When your pup graduates, the trainer will personally deliver them to your door and walk you through basic obedience commands in person. This helps keep them safe from incidents involving strangers, such as jumping up on adults or children. It makes going out for walks infinitely more fun and enjoyable for you and your pet. On-leash training helps your dog understand how to behave while out for walks with you. Dogs love going for walks, and reconnecting with nature is a major benefit of dog ownership, so it should be a highlight of both your days. DRC is a volunteer foster based rescue comprised of a "collective" of over registered volunteers nationwide. Through our programs, DRC provides refuge, safe haven, vet care, rehabilitation, transport, and quality forever homes for doodle dogs in need. DRC is also dedicated to providing support services and re-home assistance for those needing to find new forever homes for their family pets. We are proud to work collaboratively and cooperatively with other responsible and reputable rescue organizations, shelters, animal control facilities, veterinarians and animal care providers. Our outstanding reputation and willingness to work together with other organizations further facilitates our doodle dog rescue efforts, ensuring the safety, health and well-being of homeless doodles throughout North America and the world. Through and with our programs, services, outreach and educational resources, DRC inspires and encourages humane volunteerism, responsible companion animal care and ownership, advocates for responsible breeding practices and promotes public awareness of the plight of the doodle dog, the horrors of puppy mills and the commercial pet trade industry. Be certain that your home environment and lifestyle are both compatible with, and appropriate for, rescue doodles, in accordance with our policies and requirements. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in New Jersey? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in New Jersey. Soft, Cuddly, Cute Australian Labradoodles are truly one of the cutest breeds, and our dogs are bred to be even more adorable than your average Doodle. Friendliest Dispositions Loved for their friendliness and patience, our Australian Labradoodles are always in the mood for whatever you feel like doing. From jogging buddies to nap-time cuddle buddies, life is always better with a Doodle by your side. Extremely Intelligent Labradoodles are super smart, which is no surprise considering they share genes with eager-to-please dogs like the Labrador Retriever and brilliant pooches like the Poodle. Training your Aussie Labradoodle is an absolute blast! The Uptown Family Our dogs are like family to us, and we want to give your family the greatest chance to succeed with your new Labradoodle. Perfect Family Pet Our Doodles get along great with just about everyone—from big families with kids and pets, to people who are looking for a companion on their solo adventures. Labradoodles are adaptable and bring joy to families of all sizes! But the best part is that you get to pick—just another benefit of working with Uptown. Premium Network of Labradoodle Breeders in New Jersey To meet the huge demand for our Doodles without sacrificing their health or happiness, we formed a premium network of breeders who share our passion and love of dogs. Highest New Jersey Labradoodle Breeder Standards Our breeders follow strict guidelines to preserve the wellbeing of our dogs. That means litter limits and breeding age restrictions for our mommy Doodles, and ensuring both parents and puppies enjoy outstanding living conditions.
About Us Home: Services His demeanor is so sweet. I think he might be the best dog we have ever had. Thank you for sharing him with us. I just wanted to say thanks for providing them such a safe and nurturing environment for those first couple of months. They were both so healthy and well-adjusted off the bat and I couldn't be more pleased. I will definitely recommend Red Stick Kennels to others. Puppy selections are not made until puppies are approximately 6 weeks of age. Just like people have different personalities, so do puppies, and we want to make sure you are getting the perfect puppy for your home and lifestyle. That is why we wait until puppies are old enough for temperament testing prior to selection. Once temperament testing is complete, score reports and a video of the testing are then sent out to everyone on our reservation list. After review, a video call is scheduled and picks are made in the order of reservations received. Any remaining puppies would then be listed as available at that time. Vaccinations Your puppy will be dewormed, up-to-date on vaccinations, and vet-checked before going home. You will receive a report from our vet and a vaccination record to take with you to your vet. We recommend you make an appointment to see your vet within 72 hours after you pick up your puppy. Microchipped Your puppy will be microchipped before going home. All you have to do is register the puppy in your name online. Additionally, we start working on potty training after introducing solid food around weeks of age. We also begin crate training around 6 weeks. What does this mean for you? You will go home with a puppy who has been well socialized, with a headstart on potty training and is comfortable being in their crate. We want to do the best we can to make the transition for you and your new puppy as smooth as possible. Puppy Care Package Your new puppy will come home with a small bag of food, training treats, a blanket with littermates scent, toys, and more! What do you need? Your puppy will have started crate training here so you will want to have a crate large enough for them to grow into but one that comes with a divider so you can change the size as they grow. You will also need high-quality puppy food. We use and recommend Victor Professional All-life Stages food. It will be important that you have lots of chew toys for your new puppy as they will be teething. For more information on our recommendations and products that we love, visit our SHOP page before bringing home your new bundle of joy! Get in Touch Red Stick Kennels is committed to exceeding your needs. Questions, comments, or special requests? Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site. To maintain the health and safety of our fur family all visits are virtual at this time. Thank you for your understanding. Hours of operation. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Teacup poodles grow to be approximately 3 to 4. Tiny Toy Poodles are between 4. Toy poodles are the largest of the small breed at 6 - 10 lbs at adulthood. Toy Poodles are extremely intelligent and active. This combination of brains and beauty has made them a European favorite. Toy Poodles are easy to train and thrive on pleasing their families when learning new tricks or participating in dog sports. Poodles are a hypoallergenic breed perfect for all family types. Teacup and Tiny toy poodle puppies are for sale in a range of colors including Black Toy Poodles, white, cream, phantom silver, red, and Chocolate Toy Poodle puppies. We also Have the gorgeous and exotic Merle patterns! Merle Toy Poodles for sale. We want our Teacup or Tiny toy Poodle puppies to help your family feel whole! For questions about, don't hesitate to call Collett's at or email us at garygcollett gmail. Projected Adult Weight is 5 - 6 lbs. AKC Registered. Projected Adult Weight is 6 - 7 lbs. Projected Adult Weight 6 - 8 Lbs. Projected Adult Weight is 5 to 7 lbs. Projected Adult Weight 3 Lbs 5 oz. Don't let distance stop you from falling in love with one of Collett's Toy Poodle puppies. We are AKC inspected and approved. You can trust in our healthy, happy puppies! We want our loves to help your family feel whole! Nationwide shipping varies by location. For questions about international shipping, don't hesitate to call Collett's at or email us at garygcollett gmail. Message Us Today!
Pin on Pinterest Royal Canin knows what makes your Bulldog puppy magnificent is in the details. With their funny, squishy faces, wrinkled skin, and short, stocky bodies, Bulldog puppies bring a lot of love—and smells—to your home. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support, bone and joint health, and digestive care as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed Bulldog puppy. Whether you call yours an English Bulldog or British Bulldog, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Bulldog puppy with specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune systems and keeps their body growing strong. High-quality proteins and prebiotics help promote optimal stool quality. And for healthy growth, this calcium- and phosphorus-fortified diet helps your Bulldog pup develop strong bones and healthy joints. Once your Bulldog puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Bulldog Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Not satisfied? Then neither are we. Just contact us for more details. Ingredients Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice, chicken fat, wheat gluten, oat groats, pork meal, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, pea fiber, fish oil, vegetable oil, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , salt, DL-methionine, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Guaranteed Analysis. Ingredients Tailor-made food for Bulldog puppies from 2 to 12 months. Encourages a good balance of intestinal flora and ensures optimal digestive tolerance thanks to an exclusive combination of prebiotics and L. P proteins of very high digestibility. Natural Defences This formula helps support the Bulldog puppy? Bone and Joint Health Contributes to supporting the Bulldog puppy? This exclusive formula also helps maintain ideal weight. Exclusive Kibble: Special Brachycephalic Jaw A kibble exclusively designed to make it easier for the Bulldog puppy to pick up and to encourage him to chew. Most orders take working days to deliver and are dependent on where we are delivering to. Outlying areas can take longer than city centres. Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery. For more information about how delivery works please read our delivery terms and fees page. If you need to return a purchase you can do so by completing our Return Request Form. Got a question about this product? Just fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively you can call us on .Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.
english golden retriever puppy training - Search Welcome To Neverland Doodles! Meet the Lost Boys and Girls of Bluemont Virginia, If you look closely at the photo above you might be able to tell we are a big family! With that many kids, who are schooled at home, we need a lot of space! Yet despite all the fun, something was missing. Something four legged and furry. What could I say. So in January of , our family grew as I sent my wife with a couple kids to get one of these dogs. To my surprise and initial dismay she came home with two! Sisters whom we call Tiger and Lily! We have never known such wonderful dogs. Calm, intelligent, obedient and loving. They truly are part of our family: they lie at our feet, play with us outside and even join us in the water when its lake time! In fact, they are such wonderful pets, that my parents, who sworn off ever getting a dog again, were won over by these two after about a year and now have a labradoodle all their own. My brother and his family also have adopted a labradoodle. After a while we thought, these dogs are so precious that we could help others become as blessed with a labrodoodle as we are with ours. So the Neverland Doodles was created. Thanks for checking us out. If you have any questions please let us know. Allegra: Is a homeschool mom who mentors younger ladies and loves to cook and the rare quiet moment. The Kids: Ages 17 to 4 love each other, their foster siblings, their friends, dance, baseball, backpacking, music and adventure! Welcome to Sugarwood Australian Labradoodles! We are the Jones family, living in rural West Virginia. Our desire is to provide other families with amazing pet companions and a fabulous adoption experience. We strive to raise healthy puppies with excellent temperaments. Sugarwood Australian Labradoodles is committed to our mission and will offer a lifetime of support to our families. Thanks for visiting our site and feel free to reach out to us with any questions. Our Commitment to Health All breeding dogs will have genetic and health testing to meet or exceed Breeding Standards. Both organizations recognize that not all dogs labeled as Australian Labradoodles are the "real deal," therefore the certifications make clear the identification process for potential buyers. All puppies will be evaluated by a veterinarian with up-to-date vaccinations and de-worming, microchipped, and will come with a 2-year health guarantee. Our Focus on Temperament All puppies will be raised with ENS Early Neurological Stimulation , desensitization to loud noises and experiences, and other positive training techniques utilizing Puppy Culture. Every puppy will have early socialization to people of all ages and other pets, with lots of love and cuddles. All puppies will be raised in our home and be exposed to all sights and sounds of a normal household. All puppies will begin potty training outside and crate training prior to going home. Qualities of an Australian Labradoodle: extremely clever, sociable, comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet when handled. Additionally, they display intuition about the emotional state of family members or their handlers; thus making them excellent dogs for service or special needs. Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Teays Valley West Virginia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Labradoodle, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Labradoodles". It's written by expert owner and veterinarian Dr. The book contains a lot of really useful insights that can help a new owner avoid common mistakes that most Labradoodle owners make. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Labradoodle puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Labradoodles young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in West Virginia? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in West Virginia. Due to their incredible fur coats, Australian Labradoodles are totally non-shedding and hypoallergenic. For those looking for a dog that makes life a little bit easier, Doodles are the perfect choice! Extremely Intelligent Training your Aussie Labradoodle is a snap! Perfect Family Pet Whether your family is large or small, quiet or outgoing, has kids, pets, or none at all, Australian Labradoodles fit in nearly everywhere. Our Doodles just plain love people and get along famously with families of all stripes. Premium Network of Labradoodle Breeders in West Virginia Our unique network of breeders is made of people who share our passion and commitment to only the best breeding standards. That means healthier Doodles, happier Doodles, and more Doodles available in all 50 states—including West Virginia. Highest West Virginia Labradoodle Breeder Standards Uptown Puppies thrive because of our sky-high standards, including our network of guardian homes for mommy dogs, plus breeding retirement ages and limits on the number of total litters for our moms. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Charleston, WV? We have answers. What should I know about Labradoodle puppies for sale near Charleston? Labradoodles are a highly sought after designer breed known for their intelligence, gentle temperament, and playful nature! They are hybrids created by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. Labradoodles are sometimes referred to as "Miniature Poodles" due to their potential small size. They come in four main coat varieties, which include wool, hair, fleece, and curly—all of which can be found in a variety of colors. Are Labradoodle puppies for sale in Charleston non-shedding? Labradoodles are a breed that is often referred to as a "non-shedding" breed as they have a unique combination of hypoallergenic poodle-like fur and thicker Labrador-like fur. While the breed is often referred to as non-shedding, some Labradoodles may shed minimally in comparison to other breeds, especially when it comes to shedding their undercoat. What should I feed Charleston Labradoodle puppies for sale? Labradoodles typically require a diet that is designed for their energetic lifestyle. To ensure your Labradoodle gets the nutrition they need, give them a high-quality, age-appropriate dry dog food that is rich in animal proteins as well as carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. If needed, you may choose to supplement their diet with wet dog food, treats, and home-cooked meals as long as you adhere to the recommended daily caloric intake. Supplementing their meals with fresh fruits, vegetables, or even lean meats can also be beneficial. Am I ready to adopt Labradoodle puppies in Charleston? It is important to make sure your home is adequately prepared for your new Labradoodle. To ensure a safe and comfortable environment, start by blocking off any areas of the home you don't want your pup exploring. Move any hazardous items such as cords or plants out of reach. Puppy-proof your space by purchasing a few items such as a durable crate, cozy bed, safe chew toys, and appropriate food and water dishes. Establish a consistent routine and be sure to clear the space of any other pets before allowing your pup to join in. Are Labradoodles for sale in Charleston considered small dogs? Labradoodles may be one of the larger sizes of any "designer" or hybrid dog known as "doodle" breeds. Labradoodles average between 25 and 70 pounds, depending on the size of their parents, although some of the larger variety can easily weigh upwards of pounds. In comparison to other small dog breeds such as lap dogs and toy breeds, Labradoodles are not typically classified in the same category. Are Labradoodle puppies near Charleston active dogs? Labradoodles are some of the most active dog breeds available. These intelligent, easy-to-train pups are great for anyone looking for a lifetime of joy and companionship. Due to their unique combination of genes, these active and high-energy dogs require not only a lot of exercise but also engaging activities to keep their minds continuously stimulated in order to stay out of trouble. Owners of Labradoodles are able to provide this through activities such as long walks, hikes, agility trials, doggy sports, or even complicated problem-solving puzzles. Are Labradoodles in Charleston good family dogs? Labradoodles may be a great addition to any family home. They are widely known for their intelligence, their friendly personalities, and loyalty to their owners. Their natural curiosity makes them very easy to train and their size makes them comfortable for any home. Labradoodles have been known to bond strongly with their owners and sometimes prefer to be around people rather than other dogs. They can often be easily socialized with other dogs and animals as well. How many minutes per day do I need to train Charleston Labradoodles for sale? Training Labradoodles is a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it does require regular practice and dedication. The amount of time needed to spend training Labradoodles can vary. Depending on the temperament and learning level of your Labradoodle, as well as your own experience and skill, the amount of time per day will differ. A good rule to start with is at least fifteen minutes per day, slowly increasing up to an hour. Break the training sessions into small, attainable goals and practice these every day for maximum results.
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english golden retriever puppy training - Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.