german shepherd retriever mix puppies for sale

I am a wife, a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 4. From an early age I have always had a love for all animals, however German Shepherds are and always have been my passion. I would bring home as a child, every stray that I found, much to the displeasure of my parents. I feel that at a young age, I knew that I was their voice, and that was my mission in life. I had started out as a foster for a local rescue, I learned all that I could about fostering, rescuing and the work that is involved in starting your own rescue. So once my children were grown, I decided it was time to start my own. I had found that Texas and many southern states have severe overpopulation problems with shepherds and shepherd mixes. After I rescued my 3rd personal dog from there, I decided that is where I would mainly do my rescuing from. Since the rescue has grown considerably, what once was just a one-person show, has grown to several people that share my passion. My deep love, understanding and knowledge of the German Shepherd Dog is the foundation upon which our rescue rests. Share A Story! German Shepherd Rescues In Pennsylvania A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. German Shepherd Rescues In Pennsylvania Pennsylvania has more breed specific German Shepherd rescues than most other states, so if you are looking for a German Shepherd in Pennsylvania, you are likely to be in luck. Pennsylvania also has a number of German Shepherd rescues that operate out of a facility where dogs are housed, which is different from the typical private rescues that operate only out of foster homes. This means that you may have the opportunity to go to an individual location and meet several available dogs, which many people find appealing. If you are interested in adopting a German Shepherd in Pennsylvania, the chances are very good that one of the following rescues will have the perfect dog for you. It has been in existence since .The goal of this rescue is to take in older German Shepherds, typically 8 years and older. She began volunteering with a German Shepherd rescue in and fostered a year-old German Shepherd who had been surrendered to a shelter when his owner was deployed to the military. Her experience with this dog, named Woody, was what caused her to start this rescue. Some of the dogs in their care are adopted out, while others stay at the sanctuary for life. They are likely to keep very old dogs that may have difficulty adapting to another home, dogs with medical conditions like degenerative myelopathy or fecal or urinary incontinence, or behavioral issues. You can also volunteer with dogs at the shelter, which can be a wonderful way to get to know German Shepherds and decide whether this breed is right for you. You can transport dogs , take them for walks at the sanctuary, or foster. You can view their available German Shepherds for adoption here. Final Thoughts The German Shepherd is arguably one of the most loved dog breeds in the United States, it is a lovely dog breed loved for its good breed conformation, impressive coat, overall lovely size, impressive intelligence, and overall energetic nature and work ethic. In the year , the German Shepherd was ranked the 2nd most popular dog in the United States, falling short behind the Golden Retriever. Pennsylvania is one state in the country with a high prevalence of German Shepherd dogs that are exposed to neglect, euthanization, and abandonment. This is largely attributed to the fact that most German Shepherd owners in the state are unprepared for the level of attention and care that is required by the German Shepherds themselves. This article is all about the German Shepherd breed. We provide you with a list of some of the best rescue homes in the state of Pennsylvania that are dedicated to the German Shepherds and their mixes. This article is meant to be a guide and nothing more, so we expect that you carry out proper research on any of the rescue organizations on the list below that you intend to work with or adopt from. We have included their contact details in the list so it can be easier to reach out to them and do your research. So read on till the end. They are located in Ringgold, Pennsylvania. They rescue German Shepherd dogs that are found in dilapidated shelters across the state of Pennsylvania and also take in strays and surrenders from their owners. Diane Buhl, the founder of the rescue organization is quite passionate about the breed. She has been living with German Shepherds from a pretty young age. They rescue German Shepherds, rehabilitate them, and rehome them. They have a kennel facility that is located in the heart of Pennsylvania, this is where their rescued dogs are kept and rehabilitated. There, the dogs receive proper health care and are even properly socialized and trained. The facility is fitted with multiple runs. They also make use of fosters provided by their members for their rescue organization. The dogs are evaluated by licensed professionals. They are offered psychological and physical medical treatment where necessary before being placed for adoption. You can adopt any of their German Shepherd dogs at a very good price range. Also, they offer a discount for military veterans. But it is worth stating that it might take a while for applications to be approved.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. How much exercise does an 8 month old German Shepherd need? You may ask whether an 8 month old German Shepherd is still a puppy. Yes, it is, despite its size and more adult look. These dogs become complete grown-ups when they are two-year-olds. If you are an owner of this breed or want to adopt a puppy, you need to know what it looks like and feels and how it behaves at the age of 8 months. To learn all these details, continue reading this article. Size and Appearance Your smart and cute little friend does not look like a fluffy cub anymore. It has sufficiently grown within the previous month and looks almost like an adult dog. It continues growing, so you need to measure your pet regularly to see whether it develops appropriately. The height of an 8 month old German Shepherd differs between males and females. Male Shepherds are inches cm tall, and females grow around 18—20 inches cm. These dogs continue growing until they are 2 years old and completely mature. GSDs can differ individually — much depends on their inherited features. Males can weigh lbs 28 kg , while females are smaller — lbs kg. The weight can also be hereditary. In addition, food habits can influence it a lot. Your German Shepherd may have floppy ears at this age, though most dogs of this breed have upright ears already. This can also be caused by genetics. However, it can be a result of poor nutrition or trauma in some cases. That is why you need to provide your pup with appropriate food and chewing toys to strengthen its muscles and help the ear tap upright. If you suspect your doggy could have been accidentally injured, go to your vet instantly. In general, your German Shepherd looks fully grown, but its bones will be hardening for the next 6—12 months, so you need to be very careful about its nutrition and exercise. It also has all the adult teeth, so it needs more chewing toys for this reason too. The coat has two layers already but continues to thicken. It will gradually become more lustrous. Your doggy starts acting like an adult Shepherd, so it becomes more independent and reacts to other animals and people, showing signs of aggression. It is also more active and curious, so it may become bored easily if not controlled. It will try to test boundaries and challenge you for alpha status. Another problem is excessive chewing. It will chew everything it sees, and your clothes, shoes, and furniture may be seriously damaged. Some other issues include digging potholes and barking loudly. Remember that your doggy is a predator, so barking, showing aggression, chewing, and even biting is part of its natural behavior. You need to control these destructive habits and socialize with your pet by walking in the dog park or outside the house. Walking on a leash is an essential skill to teach it. Buy chew toys, and never leave your pup alone for a long time. Provide your doggy with new opportunities for exercise and training, but never punish it for doing something wrong. If your pet plays roughly, chases, bounces, barks, growls, and bites, stop it immediately. There is no exact standard of sleeping time, but the overall daily sleep needs to take 15—20 hours, while an adult dog sleeps 12—14 hours. Ideally, the pup needs 2—3 hours of sleep during the daytime and all the other sleeping hours — at night. It may no longer wake you up for a potty break if it is healthy and properly trained. Provide it with a comfortable place to sleep and avoid too noisy games before bedtime. Since your pet is immensely energetic at this age, it needs a lot of exercises to develop its muscles and remain active and alert. The exercise should be regular. As for walking, add 5 minutes to every month of its age, so the average exercise time now should be 40 minutes. Walking is the most beneficial kind of exercise. It will help your doggy explore the surroundings and socialize. Your puppy generally needs at least 90 minutes per day to play and explore things. Divide the exercise into two or three shorter sessions for running, walking, swimming, playing fetch, and training. Mental stimulation is also very important. Interactive games, obedience training, and playing with puzzle toys will also do much good during these sessions. Remember not to overload your pup with exercise because it may be harmful to its development and health. However, you need to keep an eye on any inconsistencies in its appearance and behavior to prevent or stop undesirable conditions. Many German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. This condition can start developing when the joints are not formed healthily. Bloat is a serious life-threatening issue that displays by restlessness, vomiting, and drooling. It happens when you feed a dog just once a day, and it gulps its food very quickly. Then, the stomach may twist and trap gases inside. If you notice the slightest signs of this condition, go to see your veterinarian immediately. Your doggy may also be prone to allergies, so excessive scratching can be the first sign that you need to think about visiting a vet. Your dog has already been immunized against all severe infections by this age, so the next vaccination will be at one year. Groom your pet properly. Its coat needs regular brushing. Do it twice per week, or you may need to brush it every day if it is a shedding season. Your pup needs appropriate toys, so buy them for it. They are rubber chew toys, interactive toys to avoid boredom, and rope toys to play tug-of-war or fetches. Consider the size, material, and durability of the toy you are buying. Feeding At this age, your puppy continues gaining weight. However, you need to be careful not to overfeed your doggy because obesity can cause many health problems in the future. There is a rule to feed a German Shepherd puppy three times per day at the age of 3—6 months and two times per day at the age of 6—12 months. The food has to be balanced and regular. Feed your pup at approximately the same time of the day, in the mornings and in the evenings. The amount of food matters a lot. Your puppy needs around 12 oz g per meal, so it should be at least 36 oz approximately 1 kg every day. You may choose between two-times and three-times feeding and equally spread the food between these portions. Young German Shepherds need the right combination of good fat, carbohydrates, and protein in their diet. Whole grains, vegetables, and lean meat will be the best choice if you want to feed your doggy with products. The kibble should be of the best quality if you prefer to feed your puppy with it. Look at the labels on the pack to see how many cups to feed to your pet. Never give your pet too much food at once because its stomach is too delicate to cope with large meals. That is why dividing all the food into smaller meals is strongly recommended. They will create a special feeding plan for your pup that can help it stay at a healthy weight. Training Training is the most important part of your care and establishing closer bonds with your pet. Training an 8 month old German Shepherd involves improving its behavior and getting to know more about its surroundings. It will be easier to control your dog in the future if it is properly trained. If a German Shepherd is not trained properly, you may face aggressive behavior after a while. So, your doggy has to be properly potty-trained and socialized. While potty training is completed at an earlier age, socializing is essential at any time. Training your pup can be fun and enjoyable if you know how to do it properly. The first thing you need to consider is establishing rules and limits. Your energetic and curious pup needs more structure and discipline not to get in trouble or become unruly. Teach your doggy patience and self-control by setting a rule of sitting in front of you for a while before you give it food. Then, you need to think about how good your pup is at obeying basic commands. German Shepherds at this age are very intelligent and eager to please their owners, so teaching commands now is quite rewarding because your pet will learn everything very quickly. Be consistent. If you give a command once but never repeat it in the same situation, your doggy will understand that this command is not mandatory to obey. Use positive reinforcement and never shout at or punish your pup for disobedience. Positive reinforcement means you need to reward your pet with treats, praise, or petting every time it has done something correctly. Never overtrain your doggy. German Shepherds have a rather short attention span at this age, so try to make your training sessions short and encouraging, or your pup will get bored or tired. If you see a problem with paying attention, break up your sessions into even shorter parts throughout the day. You should always be positive while training your dog. If you are not, it is probably better to consult a dog trainer or trust the entire training job with a specialist. You can also teach your doggy to do little tricks like playing dead. Pay attention to recall training because your dog needs to come back to you when you call it, even if there are some distractions. This skill is lifesaving because your pup may sometimes get loose from the leash and be injured. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are unique dogs. They are very intelligent, curious, and energetic at any age, so they need a lot of exercise and have some specific care needs. Your 8 month old GSD will also need a lot of training related to socialization. You also have to provide it with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. Be aware of possible behavioral problems. Your pet may sometimes be If you provide your pet with appropriate shelter, food, exercise, playtime, and training, you will get the best and most loyal friend ever. The height can be different for males and females. Your boy may get inches cm of height, while girls usually grow smaller — around 18—20 inches cm. Is the age of 8 months too old to train a German Shepherd? It is never too late to learn something new for your doggy. At this age, German Shepherds are especially intelligent, curious, and ready to learn new things and please their masters. However, potty training has to be completed much earlier. Your energetic pup needs a lot of exercise at this age. It is about 2 hours or even more. However, if we talk about walking, your pup needs 40 minutes of walking time. Other exercises may include games, playing with toys, jumping, or swimming. If you notice that your pup is tired, think about splitting the whole time into two or three sessions. 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. Final thoughts It takes around 2 and half years to become an adult for a German shepherd. An 8 month old German Shepherd should be considered a German Shepherd puppy. Although the growth of a male and female German shepherd is different. Generally, an 8 months old male German shepherd grows around 20 to 22 inches in height. On the other hand, a female German Shepherd that is 8 months old grows around 18 to 20 inches. The weight differs in terms of gender. As the male german shepherd weighs around lbs, the female weighs around lbs. But the weight may vary to genetics. Besides the food habit may also play a role in weight determination. The male german shepherd weighs around 62 to 66 lbs. On the contrary, the female weighs around 53 to 57 lbs. The female German Shepherd takes two years to become an adult. The growth of German Shepherds depends on the food they are given regularly. However, the height of a German shepherd remains stable when they grow to adulthood from the puppy. The only thing that increases is their weight. That is why the height difference between a male and female German shepherd should be around two to four inches. German shepherds are friendly if they are trained properly. The chart provided below shows 8 months old German Shepherd weight: 8 months old German shepherd Weight should be pound 8 months old German shepherd male lbs. You can provide your german shepherd with high-quality pet dog foods. In addition to that, you can feed the puppy food to your shepherd for up to one year as long as they are not gaining excess weight. It is very important to make sure the proper nutrition for an 8-month-old Shepherd. Because it is their growing age. During this period, they grow significantly. That is why, if you do not ensure proper nutrition and food for them, their growth will be disrupted. On the other hand, providing excess food for your growing German Shepherd puppy will cause it to gain extra weight that will create a lot of trouble in the future. When your German Shepherd puppy is around 8 to 10 months old, providing them with high-quality puppy food full of nutrition three to four times every day will help them to grow up normally. The general rule of feeding the puppy is to provide three times per day, around three months to 6 months of age two times from six months to 12 months. How much should a 8 month old German shepherd eat? A regular diet for an 8 month old German Shepherd should always be followed by balanced nutrition. Generally, a 7 to 8 months old German Shepherd puppy should be fed around 12 oz of food every day. On the other hand, the 8 months old puppy should be provided with at least three meals every day. That means you should feed your German Shepherd puppy at least 36 oz of food every day as a part of their regular diet, which will provide them with proper nutrition and growth. Providing excess food may cause serious trouble for your puppy. In some cases, it may gain excess weight and may face obesity. In such a situation it is possible to get rid of such problems by treating him with care and nurturing him with proper care. You need to deal carefully with this type of behavior to stop German shepherds from being aggressive. German Shepherds puppy can sometimes play very roughly and result in chasing, bouncing, barking, growling, and even biting. Below is a brief discussion of the behavior of German Shepherds: Barking: During the growing up phase of German Shepherds, they may start to bark when they play. Many pet owners take this type of behavior as normal, but this is a warning sign for their future behavior. Biting: German shepherds tend to bite pet owners when they are a puppy. So, you need to take back their control of them to prevent them from being seriously aggressive. This is very important to make them normal with the environment. Aggressiveness: The German shepherds can be aggressive when they are growing. That is why when you are playing with them, if they become aggressive, you need to stop them immediately to prevent them from being aggressive. How much sleep does a 8 month old german shepherd need? The German Shepherd needs proper food that includes a balanced diet and proper nutrition. In addition to that, they also need to sleep for a specific amount of time in the day to ensure proper growth and energy. Although there is no standard Time mentioned for the German Shepherd to sleep every day, they usually sleep 15 to 20 hours a day when they are a puppy. The proper amount of sleep for a German Shepherd puppy ensures its central nervous system, immune system, and muscles develop properly. It also helps them to get the energy just to spend the rest of the day. Generally, an adult German Shepherd sleeps 12 to 14 hours a day. If any German Shepherd sleeps more than 14 hours a day, the German shepherd is considered a senior. How much exercise for a 8 month old German shepherd? The German shepherd requires proper sleep, food, and most importantly, exercise every day to grow up. Generally, regular exercise for German shepherds helps them to develop their muscles, immune system, and central nervous systems properly. That is why, as a rule of thumb, the German Shepherd puppies should exercise regularly. You can simply let them walk for five minutes as a formal exercise for every month of their age. This will also help them to explore their surroundings, improve in training and good behaviors as well as help to socialize with other people in a controlled manner when they meet. That is why you need to take your dog out for exercise regularly. They need at least 90 minutes of exercise per day. Go out and walk with them for at least 90 minutes as a part of their regular exercise. Why does 8 month old german shepherd have floppy ears? But in some cases, the floppy ears may have been caused by lack of nutrition or accidental damage. That is why you need to provide your German shepherd puppy with good nutrition and proper chewing toys to strengthen their muscles and help them to tap upright. If you think these floppy ears have been caused by some accidental damage, you immediately need to see a veterinary doctor to fix this problem. How to train a 8 month old German shepherd? Training your 8 months old German Shepherd is the most important part to make them social. During the age when the German Shepherds are puppies, training them will improve their behaviors as well as they will get to know about their surroundings in the environment. It will also help you to control your dog when they see other people or dogs around them. Lack of proper training can make a german Shepherd aggressive. The German Shepherd puppies need to be potty trained to be socialized. A properly trained German shepherd can be loved by all the people. Without proper training, they will bite anyone and cause you a lot of trouble. Below is a brief discussion on how to train an 8 month old German Shepherd: Potty train: Potty training is a significant part of your German Shepherd training. This will help them understand that they should go to the potty outside. Stop biting: At this age, the German Shepherds may start to bite everyone. That is why, as a part of training, provide them with special toys that they used to chew. Sometimes stopping the German Shepherd can work. Aggressiveness: To train the German Shepherds from being aggressive, you need to take the puppies out regularly to meet new people and understand the environment. Following these techniques will help you to train your dog properly without harming any people. Final thoughts You should start to train your German shepherds from an early age so that they can be socialized quickly. In addition to that, you need to provide them with food that has proper nutrition and a balanced diet. Take them on the walk outside regularly to help them understand the surroundings. However, there is some variation within the breed, and some German Shepherds may be larger or smaller than average. Generally speaking, a male German Shepherd is larger than a female German Shepherd. An 8-month-old male German Shepherd grows approximately 20 to 22 inches tall, 62 to 66 pounds, while a female German Shepherd grows about 18 to 20 inches tall, 53 to 57 pounds. German Shepherds can keep growing until they are two years of age or older. Depending on their parentage and individual German Shepherd growth rates, some may be larger or smaller. Nutrition for an 8-Month-Old German Shepherd German Shepherd puppies need a diet with the right mix of protein, carbohydrates, and good fat. Some of the good foods for your GSD are whole grains, lean meats, and vegetables. You can divide their puppy food into more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. Always be mindful of how much food your dog is eating. Too much food can result in weight gain and obesity. They can help you create a feeding plan that will ensure your dog stays at a healthy weight. Physical and Behavioral Changes By eight months, your puppies will start to look and act like adult German Shepherds. He will be more independent and will want to explore his surroundings. Your German Shepherd will also be more aware of other dogs and people and may start to show signs of aggression. Moreover, your German Shepherd puppy will become more active and playful at eight months. He may become more independent and assertive and even challenge you for alpha status. He may also start to test boundaries, challenge rules, and have some behavior issues. The most challenging part of raising 8-month-old German Shepherds includes dealing with their excessive chewing on everything like shoes, clothes, and furniture. Your German Shepherd will also dig huge potholes, bark excessively, and have aggressive tendencies around other people. Try to control this destructive behavior by walking him to the dog park or outside the house whenever possible. Instead, provide your GSD pup plenty of opportunities to exercise and train so he can learn good behaviors. Physically, your German Shepherd puppy will be almost fully grown, although his bones will continue to harden for another 6 to 12 months. His coat will also continue to thicken and become more lustrous. There are a few things to keep in mind when teaching your dog, and here are some of them. Establish Rules and Limits An 8-month-old German Shepherd will likely be full of energy and curiosity. Provide him with structure and discipline, or else he may become unruly. Establishing rules and limits does not have to be complicated. For example, you may want to set a rule that your German Shepherd must sit before you give him his food. It will help him learn patience and self-control. It is especially true for German Shepherd puppies, who are intelligent, eager to please, and quick to learn. However, keep in mind that an 8-month-old German Shepherd is still working on mastering basic commands. Provide Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog for good behavior with treats, praise, or petting. Remember, puppies have short attention spans, so keep the sessions short and sweet. If your pup is having trouble paying attention, try breaking up the session into smaller intervals throughout the day. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can teach your basic dog commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and off. You can also begin teaching your dog tricks like rolling over or playing dead. Do Recall Training Recall training is an essential skill that every dog should know. Recall training teaches your dog to come when called, even when there are distractions. It can be a lifesaving skill if your dog ever gets loose from their leash or yard. Here are some of our top picks for toys for 8-month-old German Shepherds. Rubber Chew Toy To find the perfect rubber chew toy for your 8-month-old German Shepherd, look for one made of durable rubber and sized appropriately for your dog. A rubber chew toy will not tear easily and is less likely to be ingested. Additionally, chewing can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of calm for your pup. Avoid toys with small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Instead, opt for a solid toy that your dog can enjoy for months. Interactive Toy Your German Shepherd puppy needs interactive play to avoid boredom. Good engaging toys keep your dog occupied, interested, and happy for long hours. Rope Toy A rope toy is perfect for playing tug-of-war or fetch with your German Shepherd. Fetch is a classic game that dogs of all ages enjoy. When selecting a rope toy for your German Shepherd, you must consider the following: Size — Make sure the rope toy is large enough for your dog to carry in his mouth comfortably. Material — Ropes made of natural fibers like cotton or wool are usually best for puppies, as synthetic materials can be harsh on their tender gums. Durability — Because German Shepherds are known for their powerful jaws, the rope toy must be durable enough to stand up to heavy chewing. Look for toys made of multiple strands of rope, as these are typically more difficult for dogs to destroy. It can cause a lot of pain later in life and make it hard for your dog to get around. German Shepherd dogs are also known for having sensitive stomachs, so watch what you feed them and how often. Some may do well on one food, while others might need a more sensitive option. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to something called bloat. Signs of bloat include restlessness, drooling, and trying to vomit with no results. It happens when the stomach twists and traps gas inside, which can be very dangerous. Finally, German Shepherds are also prone to allergies , so if you notice your dog scratching too much, it might be time to visit the vet. By familiarizing yourself with these common health concerns, you can help ensure that your German Shepherd puppy stays happy and healthy for years to come. At eight months old, German Shepherd puppies started to grow into their adult size! A good rule of thumb is to provide at least one hour of exercise per day, divided into two or three shorter sessions. It can include walking, running, playing fetch, or any other activity that gets them moving. German Shepherds are also intelligent and energetic, so mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Try giving them simple obedience training, playing interactive games, or providing puzzle toys to keep their minds challenged. It means they should ideally get around two to three hours of sleep during the day and the rest at night. German Shepherds are usually pretty good at sleeping through the night, but young puppies may need to wake up for a potty break once or twice. If you have an 8-month-old German Shepherd, ensure that he gets enough rest by providing a comfortable place to sleep and avoiding too much excitement before bedtime. Also read:. However, the maturity of a German Shepherd puppy should be a lot higher as the puppy begins to behave more and more like a fully mature German Shepherd adult. But it is still possible to notice slight adolescent or teenage behavior in the puppy. They still remain curious, but they should be less prone to accidents from playing or any movement in general. Speaking of playful energy, the 8-month General still retains the same amount of energy as the 7 month German Shepherd puppy. It can also become a lot more dominant especially with its owners as you would often find your lovely puppy companion challenging you for alpha status in and around the home. You can achieve control with proper training practices. The high intelligence of the German Shepherd in general should make training sessions a lot easier for you as they tend to learn faster than some other dog breeds. However, you have to ensure the training sessions are handled properly using the right training methods while exercising the needed patience during your training sessions. Your puppy does have a high tendency to become destructive if left alone for too long without the proper channels to exercise. Some of these behaviors that might develop in your puppy include chewing almost everything they can find in the house including shoes and clothes, excessive barking mostly at strangers and he may also begin to test boundaries with both you and other familiar faces. As your puppy begins to reach its peak in physical growth and development, the bones become a lot denser and more difficult to break. They can also begin to show more aggression toward other dogs in the vicinity. This is their attempt at being more protective of what they love. This is because the German Shepherd puppy should be a lot more comfortable being independent or alone. They can stay in their cages at night and not result in howling to get your attention. It is still recommended that you regularly visit your vet for frequent evaluations of your German Shepherd puppy. With that being said, your German Shepherd should be 2 months closer to its next round of DHPP vaccination shots and deworming. This should be administered to the puppy at 12 months or 1 year, put that in your schedule. Asides from regular checks at the vet, your puppy needs to be properly groomed at 8 months. They have a high propensity to shed a lot of their fur at this stage of their life. Regular brushing of fur is required to prevent coat matting. Also, dental care is highly required as your puppy should have grown its full adult teeth by now. Spaying and neutering of your puppy could be considered at this stage due to the high sexual energy that should be building up in your German Shepherd at 8 months of age. If left to roam freely, your German Shepherd might end up mating with most dogs of the opposite sex it can find, so always keep them on a tight leash when leaving the home on walks to gardens or places where other dogs might be in. To deal with the excesses of aggression, dominance, and compulsive behaviors that your 8 month German Shepherd puppy might exhibit, proper training should be considered for the German Shepherd as it is highly crucial. Luckily, training your German Shepherd can be easily achieved due to their high intelligence trait. As stated earlier the growth rate for the German Shepherd at 8 months is heavily reduced or slow. Instead of a much notable increase in overall height and size, what is more, apparent is that the German Shepherd bones should be a lot harder now as bone density should be high. What this means is that your puppy should be a lot more resilient. For the male German Shepherd puppy at 8 months old, expect the size range to be between 62 lbs and 65 lbs. Female German Shepherd puppies are a little smaller in size than male German Shepherd puppies but they still count as large dogs. The height range for the female German Shepherd should be between 18 inches to 20 inches. Your German Shepherd still has a lot growing up to do as they keep improving in growth for the next year and a half. The exact height of a German Shepherd puppy can be influenced by some factors like diet or nutrition and even the breeding line of the German Shepherd does have a slight influence on the growth of each individual dog. Aside from an increase in the size of the German Shepherd, there are other notable physical changes that could happen to an 8-month-old. One would be the further thickening of its coat as the coat should become a lot more lustrous. Their ears should have stopped growing but should stand upright or perky. This means their appetite should be quite high as their calorie intake should also be quite high. However, it is highly essential that you develop a proper feeding schedule for your beloved puppy. The schedule should help you reduce the possibility of overfeeding your German Shepherd puppies by properly rationing each food serving to spread across the day. This way, you can avoid causing them stomach pains from eating too much and even reduce the possibility of obesity for your puppy as they are quite prone to this. Their food should contain lots of carbohydrates, proteins, and even fats. Proteins should be the most dominant nutrient in their kibble mix followed by carbs and then finally fats. Invest in whole grains, lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, and vegetables alongside fruits like bananas and apples for your puppies. One meal in the morning, noon, and in evening. Try to create enough time intervals for the meals to be fully digested before another meal. Always provide good drinking water for your puppies too. Also, ensure your puppy eats early before they fall asleep. Sleep at night should be better for both you and your puppy at 8 months of age. Still, they are rapidly growing creatures and they do need all the sleep they can get to be fully active and strong throughout the day. It is thereby recommended that you provide them with a minimum of 14 to 17 hours of full sleep each day for them to be energetic and playful. Ensure they go to bed early so they can quickly get most of their sleep hours at night leaving room for short bursts of naps during regular activities. Try to force them to sleep early at night by engaging them in some light exercise and training after each last meal of the day. Take them on walks or play some games with them. You however must ensure they go to sleep early. The easiest and most basic way to exercise your German Shepherd puppy can be through regular walks. Due to their high bone density, your puppy can be able to handle an hour of intense exercising by 8 months of age. You can split this into two minute walks or three 20 minutes walks each day. To achieve the best results go at a slow pace, do not force your puppies to run until they are adults as it can affect their bones and joints causing defects like EIC. Asides from that, your puppy can also partake in other activities like tag and fetch. Engage them in mental exercises like puppy puzzles with the promise of a reward at the end to keep them stimulated and interested. Exercising is quite crucial for the German Shepherd. If left without properly being exercised, they can become pretty destructive, especially around the house or the yard. Training is also quite crucial for the German Shepherd puppy as well as for you as it helps establish a stronger bond between you and your puppy. One thing about proper training of your German Shepherd puppy to consider is the method of training that is being employed. For you, the best method to be employed is positive reinforcement training which deals with rewards for good behavior and a less harsh but firm punishment for bad behavior. Try establishing some limits and rules for your dogs. One could be that your dog sits properly before each meal. When using basic commands, try to be consistent with them. Recall training is highly important for your dog at this stage. With that being said, there are some health issues to look out for. German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs, and they are prone to allergies, as well to hips and elbow dysplasia. They can also suffer from a terrible illness called bloat. You have to be watchful of your puppy, look out for any of the following signs in your dog. Frequent urination.

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He has tremendous ball drive, is an outstanding elite level dock jumper and a strong and powerful protection dog. Cheryl feels this breeding will produce physically stunning and graceful dogs with excellent working ability for agility, dock jumping, nosework, obedience, rally and perhaps biting sports too! Lowell Road, St. Johns Michigan All rights reserved. Click here for detailed copyright notice. We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. By clicking Accept you consent to our use of cookies. Read about how we use cookies. Cookie settings Accept Your Cookie Settings We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. Cookie Categories Essential On These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our websites. You cannot refuse these cookies without impacting how our websites function. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings, as described under the heading "Managing cookies" in the Privacy and Cookies Policy. Analytics Off These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are. Save settings. The original-type purebred Dutch Shepherds have a below-average predatory drive and were bred to get along with and work alongside other dogs. These old-fashioned working-stock dogs are generally amiable with everyone. With over 36 years of experience, our Aachen Dutch Shepherds excel at a variety of K9 tasks and settings from family guardians, to the sport enthusiast, to professional trainers, to law enforcement. And about everything in between. You name it, our Aachen Dutch Shepherds are doing it or have done it! Our dogs DO what their owners want them to do. With over 40 years of experience, our Aachen Dutch Shepherds excel at a variety of K9 tasks and settings from family guardians, to the sport enthusiast, to professional trainers, to law enforcement. We have puppies that are ready for your home today! Our puppies that we have right now are ready for you! Pick your month and pick your puppy! Now also accepting deposits for puppies that are ready or will soon be ready! Book and reserve your choice puppy NOW, so that when the time comes, your puppy is already paid for and you can take home! We feed and recommend the entire pet food and pet care line of products from pawTree and Lifes Abundance. Deposits, payments, purchases, are non refundable. Federal License 73A.Life Span Did You Know? The Dutch Shepherd is a herding dog that originated in the Netherlands in the s. The Dutch Shepherd was a versatile, intelligent, and independent working dog commonly used by farmers and shepherds to guard flocks of sheep, herd them, and keep them away from crops. They were also known to be a reliable farmhand that would herd the cows for milking and pull milk carts. The Dutch Shepherd would also alert farm owners when strangers came onto the property and even kept the chickens away from the garden kept for use in the kitchen. These dogs were bred to be sturdy in order to adapt to herding over harsh rural regions and so that they had few demands in a sparse environment. The first breed standard in the Netherlands was developed in .The AKC currently recognizes the Dutch Shepherd a part of the Miscellaneous Class, which means the breed does not yet have full recognition. But, they have been given the Herding Group designation. Although they have maintained their herding and farm dog skills, the Dutch Shepherd is also a good fit for work as a police dog, search and rescue dog, tracking dog, and even a guide dog! A Dutch Shepherd is a loyal, affectionate companion and a highly intelligent dog breed. They make a great addition to a family as they get along well with children and other animals. These dogs are also active, alert, and watchful, which makes them a good watchdog. Because they were bred to be guard dogs and herding dogs, they may be suspicious or wary of strangers. As with any dog, socialization early and often results in a well-rounded dog that is confident in a variety of situations and with different people. Because the Dutch Shepherd is a high energy working dog, they are generally not a good fit for apartments. These dogs thrive in larger homes with yards where they can run or on a farm or ranch where they can roam and work. They tend to be a good fit for most climates. As with many dog breeds, they can be sensitive to extreme heat or cold. The Dutch Shepherd is a generally healthy dog breed. As with any dog breed, there are some health conditions to be aware of including hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid issues , and goniodysplasia. Goniodysplasia is an eye defect that can result in small drainage openings, which can prevent eye fluid from outflowing normally. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of both of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns you may have. High intelligence and an intuitive nature make the Dutch Sheperd highly trainable. This dog breed is able to work alongside their owners or deal independently with their tasks. But, obedience training is necessary to keep this dog mentally stimulated and to let them know what they are expected to do. This dog breed has independence and a strong character that can be a challenge for first-time dog owners when it comes to training, which can result in an obstinate dog that makes its own decisions. Dutch Shepherds tend to be a better fit for active owners and families who have experience with dogs. First-time owners can do well with this dog, but enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer or enrolling in training classes is recommended for effective obedience training. Common coat colors are gold brindle or silver brindle, but the rough-haired coat type can sometimes be so curly that it loses its brindle look. Each coat type has its own grooming needs. The short-haired coat type requires brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during the heavier shedding sessions twice a year. The long-haired coat type only requires brushing about once a week. The rough-haired coat type tends to be quite curly and only needs to be brushed once a month. During seasonal changes twice a year, their coat also needs to be hand-stripped to help keep them comfortable. For all coat types, bathing is on an as-needed basis. Checking in on their nails monthly and trimming as needed is usually sufficient. You want to make sure their ears are dry, free of wax buildup, clean, and clear of debris. This can help prevent ear infections. Dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. You can also use vet-approved dental hygiene chews or treats, or even a specially-formulated dental care diet, to help supplement your efforts. By getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience, you can help make grooming a much easier process for both you and your dog throughout their life. It may even become a bonding time that your dog looks forward to! This dog breed is a working dog with a lot of energy, so they need more than just a few walks every day. The Dutch Shepherd is known for being a competent working dog, which means they need a job to do to be happy. That, paired with their trainability and high energy, make them a good fit for dog sports. Generally, Dutch Shepherds are a good fit for herding trials, tracking events, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Dutch Shepherd usually stands between inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Dutch Shepherd generally lives years. They were often tasked with herding the sheep to pasture in the morning and bringing them back to the barn in the evening and expected to do so on their own without prodding or guidance. Featured Dutch Shepherd Article.

UKC Classification: Herding Dog To prevent over-guarding and aggressive behavior, German shepherd dogs should have socialization and obedience training at a young age. German shepherd dogs reach a maximum of about 25 inches in height, and they weigh up to about 95 pounds 41 kilograms. He is a well-proportioned dog. The head is broad and tapers handsomely to a sharp muzzle. The ears are rather large and stand erect. The back is level and muscular, and the tail is bushy and curves downward. The coat is thick and rough and may be black, tan, black and tan or gray. The coat should be harsh and of medium length; however, long-coated individuals occur often. The breed lives about years. Personality: German shepherd dogs get along well with children and other pets if raised with them, but in keeping with their guarding instincts, they tend to be leery of strangers. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. Some poorly bred German shepherd dogs can be high-strung and nervous. Coupled with poor socialization and inadequate training, over guarding and aggressive behavior are risks. Living With: Because German shepherd dogs are large and powerful and have strong guarding instincts, great care should be taken to purchase German shepherds from reputable breeders. Poorly bred dogs are more likely to be nervous. To prevent over guarding and aggressive behavior, German shepherd dogs should be carefully socialized from a young age and be obedience trained. They should be with the family and continually exposed under supervision to people and other pets around the neighborhood; they should not be confined to a kennel or backyard either alone or with other dogs. German shepherd dogs are active and like to have something to do. They need ample exercise daily; otherwise, they can get into mischief or become high-strung. The dog sheds heavily about twice yearly, and the rest of the time sheds a lesser amount continually. To control shedding and keep the coat nice, brush at least a few times a week. History: German shepherd dogs are, as their name implies, a breed that originated in Germany. They were developed beginning in the late s by crossing various herding breeds. The breed was subjected to stringent selection and it progressed quickly. In the United Kingdom, the dogs are known as Alsatians because fanciers of the breed there wanted to protect the dog from anti-German sentiments after World War I. German shepherd dogs were introduced in the United States by soldiers returning home from World War I. The breed caught the public eye because of movie stars Strongheart and later, Rin Tin Tin. The first guide dogs were German shepherd dogs. Today, they are one of the most popular dogs in America. The German shepherd dog is a herding breed known for its courage, loyalty and guarding instincts. This breed makes an excellent guard dog, police dog, military dog, guide dog for the blind and search and rescue dog. For many families, the German shepherd is also a treasured family pet. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. They are also intelligent and have their own unique personality traits. Many of their behaviors develop due to how they are raised, their training or lack thereof, the environment they live in, other dogs in the house, and their breeding. However, some dog behaviors are more innate and instinctual, such as these: 1. According to Jill Goldman, Ph. Leading the way German shepherds are working dogs bred to herd and guard sheep. It is natural for them to be out in front to lead and protect the flock, or you, their owner. When they walk in front of you, they are doing their job and staying between you and any threats that may come along. The stare can signal that the dog is ready to bolt toward something, bite, or that they are in guarding mode. This intense stare may be the only warning they give before taking action. Softly gazing at you When your German shepherd gazes at you, they are reading your body language, watching you for clues, and communicating how much they love you. It can mean they are desiring attention yet at the same time, are relaxed and not going to do anything. Dogs can open their eyes wide like this when they are nervous, stressed, or anxious. If you see your dog looking at someone or something with whale eyes, it means they are highly uncomfortable and you should intervene in the situation. Next time you take your dog to a new place, to meet new people, or to the vet, notice if they begin yawning. Butt scooting If your German shepherd starts scooting their butt along the ground it could mean they have full anal glands, an infection, an itch, irritation, worms, or that want to wipe their butt. Spinning before going poop If your dog is picky about its spot then spins before going poop, you can look to science for the reason. Apparently, dogs use the magnetic field of the earth to determine where they go. According to the study published in the Journal Frontiers in Zoology, dogs prefer to poop in a north-south axis. The study examined 37 dog breeds, urinations, and defecations before coming to this conclusion. Sleeping on your clothes German shepherds are fondly called Velcro dogs for a reason. They love being close to their owners. Following you to the bathroom German shepherds like to follow their owners everywhere, including the bathroom. Twitching when they sleep German shepherds can dream when they reach REM sleep, much like humans. When they begin to twitch or move their paws in their sleep, they are probably dreaming. Licking you German shepherds are very loving and often give their owners kisses. It can also be their way of grooming you or licking salt or lotion off your skin. Some biologist believes this licking behavior is an instinct left over from wolves, whose young will lick them to cause them to vomit up a meal for the pups to eat. Curling up in a circle when they sleep If your German shepherd sleeps in a donut shape also known as the fuzzy bagel, they might be cold and trying to keep their vital organs warm. They also may instinctively be protecting those same organs from predators, while they sleep. These dogs also are prone to separation anxiety and their destruction of furniture or their crate can be a sign that they need more from their owner and their needs are not being met. Bringing you gifts If your dog brings you a toy or bone, they are giving you a gift. Howling When a dog howls, they are communicating or responding to a sound. They can also be trying to attract your attention because something is amiss or they need help. They may also howl when they hear a siren because siren sounds are on the same frequency. Sitting on your feet When your German shepherd sits on your feet they may be just trying to be close to you. However, they might also be sending a signal to other people and dogs that says, this human is mine, go get your own. Licking lips or flicking tongue If your German shepherd starts licking their lips or flicking their tongue for no apparent reason, you need to pay attention. Sighs and huffs German shepherds are super smart and great at communicating. Rolling in the grass Have you caught your German shepherd rolling in the grass after a nice bath? The grass may also be scathing an itch and when the ground is warm, it feels good. Hunched over German shepherds are confident, bold dogs and not usually found hunched over. If you suddenly find your shepherd is hunched over, it could mean that they are trying to make themselves appear smaller, are feeling shy, are scared, or are feeling abused. Eating poop If your German shepherd eats poop, it may mean they need something in their diet. It can also be behavioral. Dogs that live in squalor are also more likely to eat poop. Please pass them along to your German shepherd loving friends. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Most people will associate howling with the wolf-like Siberian Husky. You may realize that German Shepherds look like wolves , but did you know your German Shepherd also manifests this wolf-ancestry behavior once in a while? And unless it is incessant, you have a normal dog, and you need not be worried. Another dog in the neighborhood is howling, and he is responding as the pack dog that he is. He has medical issues that are causing him pain or itching, and he wants you to know and do something about it. German Shepherds are pack dogs and, therefore, have remnants of the tendency to stick close together. German Shepherd behavior consisting of lying or sitting on or next to your feet can have 3 different meanings. Seek and Offer Protection Your German Shepherd will sit at your feet to feel safe and offer you protection at the same time. Among pack dogs, the alpha has a prominent position. So, laying at your feet shows that your dog recognizes you as the alpha. But your dog also feels safe and secure close to you. Be Warm Ever wondered why dogs will tend to lie close to each other or on each other most of the time? Especially in cold weather, most pack dogs would lie close to each other to preserve the warmth. Seek Affection and Attention Your German Shepherd may lie on or close to your feet to simply seek affection and attention. German Shepherds enjoy a warm cuddle, and sometimes they can even become extra clingy. Some people will say fatigue, aging, pain, and injury are reasons for this German Shepherd behavior. While these are valid, there is one reason that seems to be a more logical explanation of why your GSD lays down to eat. In their wild nature, before we domesticated them, dogs had to hunt their food and protect it from intruders. This meant that keeping sight of their prey from the hunting stage to when the prey was ready to eat was important. Hence, dogs lie down to eat so they can see who is approaching from the front while they enjoy the fruit of their labor. Below is a photo of my German Shepherd displaying this dog behavior. Watching your German Shepherd twitch and move around in their sleep can be quite amusing, but have you ever wondered why they do it? Just like humans, dogs go through different stages of sleep, and one of those stages is called the rapid eye movement REM stage. During this stage, dogs can experience muscle twitches, eye movements, and even vocalizations. Make sure they have a comfortable and cozy sleeping area, and avoid any loud noises or bright lights in the room. Additionally, giving your German Shepherd plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during the day can help them sleep more soundly at night. Have you ever noticed your German Shepherd dragging their butt across the floor? One common cause of butt scooting is anal gland problems. Dogs have two small glands located near their anus that produce a smelly liquid. When these glands become full or infected, they can cause discomfort and itching, which can lead to butt scooting. Another reason why German Shepherds may scoot their butts is due to worms or other parasites. These can cause irritation and itching in the anal area, which can lead to scooting. Regular deworming and parasite prevention can help prevent this issue. While it may seem like a disgusting behavior to us, there are actually a few reasons why dogs do this. One reason why German Shepherds may eat poop is due to nutritional deficiencies. Make sure your German Shepherd is eating a balanced and nutritious diet, and talk to your veterinarian about any supplements that may be necessary. Another reason why German Shepherds may eat poop is due to boredom or anxiety. Make sure your German Shepherd is getting plenty of exercise and playtime, and consider crate training or hiring a dog walker if they are left alone for extended periods of time. If you noticed that your German Shepherd likes sitting on you every time you sit or lie down, what would you make of that? Here are 4 different reasons to explain this behavior: 1. Dominance It seems that dogs tell their owner that you belong to them by spreading their scent on you. So, sitting on your lap whenever you sit down or on your belly when you lie down may be their way of labeling what is theirs with their scent. They Are Initiating Play If you tend to react to every one of their behaviors, German Shepherds may sit on you to simply get you to send them away and give them a chance to climb back and be sent away again — a bit as kids do! Expect them to climb on you the next time you lie down in a similar position! They Seek to Cuddle German Shepherds have a warm temperament and love to cuddle. They are a very affectionate breed and will even follow you to the bathroom! Climbing on your lap may simply be a way of reaching out and getting a warm hug. Many will wonder why their dog will circle their bed or a spot on the carpet before lying down. Here are some suggestions: 1. To Make a Nest The first reason is that dogs would circle a spot to trap grass or shrubs and create a little nest for themselves in the wild. This innate behavior seems to linger in their system despite centuries of domestication. Those who live with a GSD in a secluded home may have noticed that the dog will often make a couple of rounds around the home before settling and lying down. There is little scientific data to prove the above 3 examples — except for the idea that dogs circle before lying down to make a nest. This small study of 62 dogs implied that dogs are more likely to circle before lying down when given a soft, uneven surface to make a temporary nest to sleep in. OCD is a psychological health condition that often has a genetic predisposition in some breeds. Dogs will repeatedly perform normal canine behavior and often fail to respond to therapy. Dogs may roll on their backs on different occasions. This German Shepherd behavior might occur when he is playing with you or other dogs. The dog in the below photo is clearly having a super time playing in the snow. We will often interpret a roll on the back during dog play as being submissive. However, research has shown that rolling on the back is a winning rather than a losing position. Your German Shepherd will roll over when playing with other dogs for two key reasons: To avoid a nape bite on the side of the neck To launch an attack be offensive But German Shepherds will also roll over to scratch their backs since they cannot reach it with their paws. Check your dog and take measures if you find out that they are rolling over because they have fleas! Also, ensure their flea prevention treatment is up to date. When playing with you, dogs will roll on their back to get a scratch on their belly. Granting his desire reinforces your GSDs behavior. So, avoid it if you do not want him to always ask for it! German Shepherds that rest or sleep on their backs for a short while feel very relaxed with their environment and are at ease exposing their belly. They feel safe and secure in this position. Other reasons that dogs may roll on their backs are when attention-seeking, as an expression of joy, or as a show of confidence. They may also display this behavior to regulate their body temperature as it helps them to cool down. Of course, this is a problem if your pup is on the carpet or lying on your new couch! Bladder sphincter — this is a bladder dysfunction that comes with decreased bladder control. Excitement urination should be differentiated from urine-marking spraying , which is a behavior problem. Dogs will spray to mark their territory or communicate their belonging to you. You can learn how to deal with German Shepherd spraying here. Do you find it amusing when your German Shepherd chases his tail? German Shepherds are high-energy dogs and most behavioral issues stem from insufficient exercise. They need at least two hours of daily exercise consisting of a variety of walking, off-leash running, frisbee, fetch, or agility. Attention-Seeking Behavior If you laugh every time your German Shepherd chases his tail, you are inadvertently reinforcing his attention-seeking behavior. GSDs love to please you, and your encouragement acts as a positive reinforcement for your dog. He will, therefore, keep doing it, especially if he needs you to notice him! Check your German Shepherd for triggers to his tail chasing. Other Medical Problems If your dog chases his tail and not just to amuse himself but also to bite it, you might be in for a medical surprise. See your vet ASAP to rule out any medical issues. There are several reasons your German Shepherd will stare at you. Some of these stares may be sweet, others hard, some may be broken by blinking and others not. Seek Attention Generally, dogs will stare at you to seek your attention. It might be that you are eating a nice meal and your dog has not had his dinner. His stare serves to remind you that he needs to eat his meal too! When German Shepherds stare at you with eyes of pity, they want you to melt and let them have their way. It might be an undeserving or untimely treat or a nap on the couch where you never let him climb. My German Shepherd will sit in front of me and stare at me when she wants me to play. She will do this every evening without fail when she is ready for her evening playtime! It is in Their Wolf Ancestry In the wolf world where dogs have their ancestry, staring is rude and threatening. So, when your dog stares at you continuously, he might be manifesting an evolutionary holdover from his ancestral roots and communicating some displeasure. And if the uninterrupted hard stare is directed to a stranger, they should back away and not stare back! Guarding What is Theirs Your German Shepherd may also give hard stares if he is guarding his food or favorite toys. Continuous hard and aggressive stares in dogs should be addressed through training or by a canine behaviorist. There is nothing cuter than a German Shepherd head-tilt and you will find tons of pictures and videos of dogs tilting their heads on all social media platforms. Many owners will make plenty of strange sounds just to see their pup perform an adorable head tilt. So, why do German Shepherds tilt their heads? German Shepherds tilt their heads when they become interested in something different. They use the position of their head and more specifically, their ears to learn the direction of the new sound. There are a lot of other behaviors that German Shepherd Dogs portray. You can read about problematic behaviors in this breed and their solutions from my article on German Shepherd Behavior Problems. Final Thoughts Owning a German Shepherd is something any lover of the breed dreams about. But once your dog is home with you, you might wonder at some of his behavior. While most German Shepherd behaviors are simply geared at seeking attention, protecting, showing dominance, defending oneself, and showing affection among other reasons, some behaviors may be signs of underlying medical issues. While you need not worry about most of these behaviors as they are completely natural canine behavior, you now know what they all mean. You can, therefore, identify those concerning ones where you should visit your vet. Related Posts You May Like:. They are a very smart, bold, and determined breed. To ensure that your German Shepherd is a happy, well-adjusted member of your household, your dog must receive the attention and exercise they need. They are also very strong willed with a dominant nature, so they also require a lot of training. For your family and children, a German Shepherd is an excellent choice as a caring companion. They are loyal, friendly, smart, and naturally protective; however, German Shepherds also need lots of socialization and good training to become obedient. If they do not get proper behavioral training, they can develop overly protective behaviors and neurotic habits. Because they are so protective, excel at many dog sports, and are exceptionally loyal, the military and police choose them protect and serve their communities and country. You might be wondering: what characteristics should I be looking for in my German Shepherd? Well, the answer may vary between different buyers, but generally speaking, you should look for a smart, loyal, and healthy dog. This is the reason that they are used in police work such as search-and-rescue, or sniffing out bombs and criminals. But their intelligence can sometimes lead to problematic behaviors. However, if they receive proper training at a young age , then they will not exercise this type of behavior. Over-Protectiveness German Shepherds are typically protective dogs, and they always make sure to care for their family, but sometimes this protectiveness leads to bigger problems. For instance, they might aggressively bark at everyone you come in contact with. It is also crucial to give your dog time to socialize with other people and dogs early on, as this will get them comfortable being around others. Giving them time to interact with others at a young age will help them learn how to handle certain situations later on. North Mountain Kennels can do all these things for any prospective buyer! Territorial Aggression Your German Shepherd not only protects you, but they also protect their territory. They are very territorial animals, which is why they are often used as security dogs. Because they are so protective of territory that they believe to be theirs, it may lead them to act out, which can cause an unsafe environment. German Shepherds can also become territorial over food, and toys. They will show aggression by growling, lunging, and barking at other animals and people. There are plenty of ways to prevent this aggressive behavior from developing, but the most common way is to gratify them for calm behavior. Digging or Destructiveness German Shepherds need rigorous physical and mental exercise. These dogs get bored easily, and this can lead to destructive behavior. You can help your dogs by playing with them, or giving training that will help them to reduce their boredom in less destructive ways. Nipping Puppies usually start nipping between five and nine months old. This is considered normal behavior for young dogs; however, German Shepherds are very strong, so it might hurt a lot more than a smaller dog. The solution is as simple as giving your dog some toys. Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is common in dogs that are close to their owners. They do require a lot of attention, and being gone for long periods of time can stress them out. Leaving them lots of toys is one way to help, but it also comes down to them adjusting to you being gone. Showing Dominance German Shepherds are known for their alpha male behavior. To prevent this type of behavior, you need to teach them obedience. Being aggressive with them is the worst thing you could do. Not only is it wrong to mistreat your dog, but it will also teach them that aggressive behavior is okay. Conclusion German Shepherds absorb information like a sponge. They are quick learners, especially as puppies. As they get older, it is harder to break bad habits. Here at North Mountain Kennels, we have been raising some of the smartest and healthiest German Shepherds for years. We have a team of professional trainers who are experienced in what they do. Our team of experts is the best around, and know everything when it comes to training German Shepherds. Recent Posts. German Shepherds are smart, loyal, naturally protective, and friendly. Without proper training and socialization, German Shepherds can develop nervous habits and overly-protective behaviors, just like most breeds. You might be wondering: What traits should I be watching for in my German Shepherd puppy? This intelligence, when left to its own devices, can lead to problematic behaviors. With early training and socialization though, you can help to prevent some of these common issues from coming up. A few of the most common include: Over-Protectiveness — German Shepherds are naturally protective. They want to protect the family unit. This protectiveness can become problematic if it manifests as aggression towards strangers or other animals. Examples include lunging at the mailman, or aggressive barking at passers-by. Introduce them to new people, new situations, and new noises. Socialization helps your puppy develop confidence and to learn what types of people and situations are non-threatening. Unfortunately, when they become over-territorial, this can be unsafe for visitors. Often, too, Shepherds can become territorial over food, growling, barking or lunging at anyone or other animals that come into their space. Exercise, obedience training, and rewarding calm behavior can all help to alleviate territorial aggression. Digging or Destructiveness — German Shepherds, require rigorous mental and physical exercise. They get bored very quickly, and often, this boredom manifests itself in destructive behavior. When bored, your pup might try to seek attention too, another common reason for the destructive behavior, like digging excessively or chewing up a shoe. Providing daily physical exercise, as well as training mental activity can help prevent boredom. Nipping — Many young dog breeds nip starting at around 6 to 9 months old. This is fairly typical behavior, but with Shepherds, it can be a bit scarier as get bigger. Separation Anxiety — German Shepherds, love you and want to always be by your side! Unfortunately, work and vacation make that impossible. You might also start with shorter trips when you first bring your pup home. Obedience training is imperative, and you should include your whole family in the training process. This will help your dog learn that he is not the alpha. Ultimately, the best way to weed out problematic behaviors is to start a training regime very early. German Shepherd puppies want to learn and put their intelligence to good use. Owners must be consistent in their training. Using the right cues, rewarding the right behaviors, and communicating with your dog properly is very important. The best way is to learn the right way to train a pup is to seek the help of a German Shepherd trainer. Taking a course teach you how to properly communicate with your dog and provide you with techniques to redirect negative behaviors. It starts with the breeder. Find a breeder that breeds for temperament and health. The best breeders take great care to produce animals that are calm, confident and loving. It requires careful pedigree planning and selecting the right sire dad and dam mom who show well-adjusted temperaments. Similarly, the best breeders will also be happy to provide a pedigree for the animal and are glad to answer the phone when you have any training concerns. For more information or if you may have questions, please contact us here.

Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. 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. If this is the case,…. Commencing Marker Training your chocolate labrador pup Start Marker Training at 8 weeks of age When you take your 8 week old labrador pup to their new home, you should commence their obedience training immediately. Just repetitively say yes and give your pup a treat immediately. Then familiarise your labrador pup with a leash. Clip the leash to their collar and allow the pup to roam a little. This way they will adjust to its weight and the sensation around their neck. If you try to walk your pup straight away, they will simply resist. Don't pull and command, but rather cultivate a positive experience with a leash. Secondly, I recommend that you feed your new labrador pup with a leash attached until they learn to sit. This will establish you as the master and immediately teach the pup restraint. Do not give the food bowl to your dog without firstly bringing him under your control. Even with my mature dogs, I will not let them feed except on command. Feeding should never be random. Hold the leash close to the labrador pup's neck and push their rear end down to the seated position. When they are sitting, enthusiastically praise your pup and, only then, reward their obedience with food. Remember, food should always represent a reward for good behaviour. They hear tones and frequencies. When we train them, we are conditioning them to associate a particular sound with a response so that it means something to them. Labrador puppies like all dogs learn contextually and by consistent repetition. In this way, a labrador pup learns to associate sounds with responses and rewards. This is why you should reward your pup immediately when they have performed a command correctly, even if they did not intend to do so. In the early stages, I prefer to teach a dog to 'sit,' then move on to 'staying' before teaching them to 'come'. This is especially so while they are still a puppy. Remember that a 12 month old dog is still a pup. They are regularly hyperactive and overstimulated. The goal is to get your labrador puppy into a calm and submissive state as often as you can. Ensure you are demonstrating a calm and composed, yet assertive demeanor. When you are in charge, your labrador pup will willingly sit and look to you for direction. Exercise patience and be repetitive but don't overdo it. Remember that the time you put in now will help you bond with your young dog, even if they do not appear to be advancing quickly. It will be a very worthwhile investment in a long term relationship for years to come. Of these three basic commands, the 'stay' command will take more time to teach. When this is mastered and entrenched in your dog's obedience, it can save your dog from danger. You are teaching them associations, not English words. Sit Teaching your new labrador pup to sit should begin immediately when you take it home. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Hold the leash close to the pup's neck. Give the pup the 'sit' command, but don't reward them with food until they are sitting. In this way you have begun to condition the pup to the 'sit' command. This requires patience at meal time. Remember that a labrador pup requires 4 feeds a day for the first phase of their life. This gives you ample opportunity for repetition and reward. When the dog sits, reward them with a treat and a lot of enthusiastic praise. Each time they repeat the behaviour, reward them with a treat again. You can train your labrador pup for short intervals at any time. Carry a few small pieces of food. Call your pup, then reward them with lots of affirmation and a piece of food when they comply. Teach them to sit by offering a small treat. Say 'sit', then let them smell the food as you move your hand over their head. A labrador pup will automatically lift the nose in the air to follow the food. As the head moves up and back, the pup will tend to sit. Give lots of praise and gradually increase repetition as they associate the word 'sit' with the food. Stay Your Labrador pup will need to understand the 'sit' command before you advance to 'stay'. Before you give the 'stay' command, make sure that the dog is seated. To keep the dog in the sitting position, you will use your hand with the fingers pointing up and the palm in front of their face. To begin with, position yourself about half a metre away from your pup's face. Direct the 'stay' command calmly, with your hand up. Slowly take half a step back and remain there for 3 seconds to begin with. Then step back towards to the dog. Wait for another 3 sec and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this 5 times. Reward them at the end of each 'stay' routine by praising them enthusiastically and giving them a treat. Don't praise or reward the dog until they have remained seated in front of you for a minimum of 3 seconds when you return. Your puppy should not move a millimetre until you give the reward. If your dog breaks early, you have gone too far. Simply return to your dog, reset them in the seated position and begin the routine again. Come It is important to make sure your Labrador understands the 'stay' command before you begin the recall or 'come' command. Make sure you pup is seated before you give the 'come' command. As your walk away from your pup, maintain eye contact. Don't back away too far too soon. If the pup breaks early, give the 'come' command to establish association. When you call your dog to 'come', do not let them jump up on you. If the dog wants to stand on its back legs and reach up, place the palm of your hand on their head and hold it away from you. I suggest that you don't say 'no! The down command should be used as a more constructive training command. If your pup jumps up, make your disapproval known by using a 'dog' sound; 'Ahhh! If you find yourself becoming frustrated, then put the pup away and start again tomorrow. Don't take it personally and don't blame the dog. Corrections are necessary, but not out of frustration or anger. If it's not working, then look at your consistency and your communication. If the training is a positive experience then you will strengthen the bonding and learning process. Develop consistent communication and trust with your dog in the process of the training. Labrador pups love to please and they will be very proud of themselves when they accomplish the command and gain your approval. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Print Raising a retriever puppy like the pros Your Labrador puppy can seem small and fragile during those first few weeks home from the breeder. Labrador puppies will learn quickly about acceptable and unacceptable behavior those first few weeks, if you, the owner, are willing to set and enforce boundaries. Here is the training you should be working on with your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post three of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week three home Your week-old puppy has been with your family for approximately 3 weeks now. This week you should start noticing some bigger changes with your puppy. Here are some of the changes I notice with Bubba. First, she is growing fast! Bubba is almost ready for a new collar already. I have loosened her current collar twice, and there is no more room to expand it. She is also learning a lot. Bubba is also becoming more personable. She likes and has more interest in people now and wants to be petted and scratched more often. Training equipment for Lab puppy We added a couple new training tools this week. But a thicker check cord will also work. We use this check cord for longer outside marks and assistant-marks which I will discuss more in a bit. Puppy sized canvas or light-weight plastic bumpers In week two, we introduced formal retrieving in a hallway in the house. In week three, we move outside with retrieving and introduce assistant throws, so it is helpful to have a few more bumpers. Puppy training that will continue Much of the training I have been working on for the past two weeks with Bubba will continue into this week and beyond. Dog training is not something that has a definitive end-date. For instance, you teach your puppy to SIT and then you must work and practice that command daily or weekly, often for months before the response to the command is solid. But even once the response is solid, you cannot completely stop training. If you stop training, even an older dog, the dog can lose the previous training. So, realize that you are never done working with your dog, especially on obedience training. Some areas that we will continue training Bubba on are: Crate training Bubba is doing great at crate training. She rarely makes any noise while in her crate and settles down quickly after being put into her crate. In the upcoming weeks, we will work towards getting Bubba to enter her crate on command. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking Bubba is going well. We have caught her in a few accidents, but she already seems to understand that she is not supposed to go potty inside. This does not mean that she is done housebreaking. We still expect accidents and will for a few months, so we watch her carefully while she is running around in the house. We also praise her for behaviors like going to the door and tapping the door or whining at the door. These behaviors are rewarded with us taking her outside to go potty. When she goes potty outside, we praise her and then take her right back in. We want her to start understanding that these cue behaviors will get her out to go potty and that is all. Looking for more information on housebreaking? But we will also add a few new ones. We will use this while teaching our puppy the SIT command. It also will be used going forward, anytime we are done working on structured obedience work. We will release the dog from formal work with the OKAY command. But we also use it to mean go to a certain place, such as on a mat or stand. Or, when we want her to go into her crate or kennel. This is an associative command, meaning the puppy will learn the command through our repetition of the word as we tie it to a behavior. But over time, she will make the association and will perform it on her own. This is very important especially if you ever plan on doing more advanced training with your retriever. You will use whatever your dogs name is. A few commands that we will continue to work on this week We will continue to work on obedience commands this week and in the weeks to come. Each week we will expect a little more and better compliance and performance to the command. She is sitting when I put the leash and chain collar on her and when I am taking it off. This week we also added SIT before eating. We only make her SIT for a few seconds; we are working on control. She does not SIT on her own yet, but she will be doing that within a week or so I would guess. Right now, I grab her collar and say SIT. In week three, I have a slightly higher expectation. On walks, I make her walk right beside me for a minute or two using the HEEL command before releasing her and letting her run back and forth a bit. This tells me that she understands the command. Then release her. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. So, call her, praise her when she comes and release. Remember: Never use a HERE command if you are not in the position of being able to enforce the command. Make every effort to socialize your puppy You should continue to take steps to socialize your week-old puppy. Anything you can think of. The more things and situations you expose your puppy to, the better your puppy will be equipped to adjust and learn in the future. Learn more about socialization. Hand throws with a puppy bumper you are throwing out a bumper done outside will carry a lot more distraction than retrieves in a hallway. Just pick up the bumper and try again tomorrow. When retrieving outside, make sure you have a long foot rope attached to your puppy. Never try to do retrieves outside without a rope. You will have problems and encourage bad behaviors. You must have a way to get the puppy to come back to you, otherwise you should not be doing retrieves outside. Once your puppy is doing well retrieving outside, you are ready to introduce assistant marks. Introduction to assistant marks The most important thing we worked on with Bubba this week is assistant marks. Assistant marks are retrieves where someone else is throwing the bumper, not you. This teaches your puppy to watch out in the field for a mark. It is very rare that a duck will come from behind you, fly over your head and you shoot it. The ducks and pheasants will be falling in front of you, so the dog must learn to look out and watch for the mark. We start assistant marks on very short grass with white plugs so that the puppy can clearly see the item on the ground. We hold the puppy in a SIT position facing a thrower who is about 20 feet from you. When your puppy picks up the bumper, immediately start calling her back to you. Remember, you should have the foot check cord on her so you can pull the puppy in if needed. Then, take the bumper from her, throw it behind you, make your puppy sit facing the thrower again and repeat. Only do retrieves and then call it a day. Soon your puppy will learn this game and love it. They will start facing the thrower on their own and sitting and waiting for a mark. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy week-old puppies are so eager to learn, so be sure and take advantage of this enthusiasm to teach new concepts and enforce previous ones. Continue to teach your puppy to handle more and more pressure and correction while maintaining a good attitude. Lastly, assistant marks are a big deal. Once a dog learns this part of the game, you can work to increase the distance and complexity of the marks. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!

Our Breeds Australian Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles were originally bred to be service and therapy dogs for asthma and allergy sufferers in Australia in the late s. Their outstanding temperaments and non-shedding coats make them a popular choice with families around the world. They are bred in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard, and have a wide range of coat colours. They are known for being intelligent, trainable, happy-go-lucky, comical, gentle and excellent with children. Bernedoodle Bernedoodles were first bred in Canada to be excellent companion dogs in the early s. They are popular family companions in North America and relatively new to European shores. They result from crossing the Bernese Mountain Dogs with the Poodle. They are bred in a variety of solid and multi-combination colours, but are particularly known for the beautiful and much sought after black tricolour of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are bred in three sizes: miniature, medium and standard. They are known for being smart, trainable, funny and affectionate. Sometimes, the Australian Labradoodle is used or infused instead of the Poodle and the resulting offspring are known as Australian Bernedoodles.

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For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Kanawha Obedience Training Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Pug canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. West Virginia comes in at 30th place among U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Pug breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in West Virginia. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Pug puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Pug puppy on TrustedPuppies. Pug Puppies For Sale. Transportation to North Charleston, SC available. 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Find a Pug puppy from reputable breeders near you in Charleston, SC. If you are looking for a buddy to share tons of good times with, then you have found me! I specialize in good times. You are more than welcome to come give us a visit by clicking the box to see if we have any available pups, or just give us a call anytime! We are located in Summerton, SC. We do not give or sell breeding rights to anyone. The puppies and their parents receive the best care with regular grooming and health inspections. Their demeanor is fairly laid-back, and. Dogs for Sale in Columbia, SC. He is up to date on vaccines deworming. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to every need. Our Pug puppies are sold to interested families who have a passion for the breed. Here, at Premier Pups, we specialize in raising happy. Parents on site. Please contact via breeders. Cooper is a very smart, playful, high energy dog. Our puppies are well socialized with kids and other pets. 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All they care about is having fun. If you ever seen two puppies play then you already know how rough, mean and aggressive those games can look while being super adorable at the same time. One pup will chase the other one growling, one will be barking his little head off in his very non-threatening voice while the other will chase his siblings around biting him and tugging him by his ears. At their very core they still have those predatory instincts that come out to the surface. However the instincts to chase down prey, growl in the face of danger and attack their enemies is deeply ingrained in him. Just like little kids like to play games where they pretend to be adults, your little guy is doing exactly the same thing. I bet when your little guy was even younger, you would have had no problem with him biting you with his little teeth because you could barely feel it. However as he got older, those little teeth got bigger, the biting started to hurt more and outrunning your Pug puppy took a bit more effort. Puppies teach each other when to stop biting If left amongst his peers, your puppy would have outgrown his behavior as he got older at the very least he would have learned to take it easy with the aggression. His siblings and his parents would be the ones teaching him when enough is enough. The pup will either yelp out or just stop playing with the aggressive one. At first the biter might not even realize why his pal suddenly changed his mind, but when more of his siblings stop playing with him after he nips too hard he will realize that something is up. He will have to learn that if he wants to keep playing games with his buddies, he will have to play much nicer. All you have to do is show him that if he wants to continue playing with you, he has to keep his sharp teeth off you and your clothes. Otherwise he will have to play all by himself, and we all know that there is no fun in that. Puppies biting their owners while playing have been a problem ever since people kept dogs as housepets. Stop the games whenever your puppy bites you — Just simply stop everything, turn away from him and go about your business while ignoring him. As soon as he realizes that using his teeth during playtime will lose your attention, he will find other ways to keep you interested. Yelp or shout to alarm him whenever things get too rough — You know how I talked about puppies yelping when things get too rough? The only problem though is that you have to teach him those games first. Your little guy only knows how to play with dogs, so teach him games that he can play with humans. If you apply all three of the tips listed above, you will be on the right path to finally stopping your puppies biting. If everyone around him changes how they play games with him, he will have no choice but to change along with them. Watch out for aggressive behavior Sometimes puppies bite for other reasons than just playing. The suggestions above apply mostly to just play biting. Although most of the time when a puppy bites he is doing it playfully, there are exceptions to everything. Other reasons for your puppy to bite you might include: Feeling threatened — if your Pug feels threatened by you or someone around him after growling or barking at the person, he will have no choice but to bite them. Possessive behavior — Some dogs are very possessive and will do anything to defend whatever they feel like is theirs. A lot can go wrong if you approach a dog that has shown warning signs for you to back off. Related Articles. However, whilst Pugs tend to have good temperaments, as puppies they use their mouths to learn and will bite anything in sight. In this guide I will explain how you can overcome Pug puppy biting problems, despite the challenges involved. He has never been an aggressive biter, but he would nip a lot as a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of the biting was down to me, as I would do rough play with him and almost encourage the nipping. But, as my puppy got older, those playful nips started to hurt. Please do take all my tips in, as I believe it to be the most detailed solution you will find for stopping a Pug biting that you see anywhere on the Internet. But first, why do Pugs bite you? Most will let you know they are scared with a little bark, letting you know to keep away. If you continue to advance and upset them, the growl can then become a snap and possible bite. But, with an older and more aggressive Pug, that bite could be very painful, particularly to young children. Do Pugs bite a lot? When Pugs are puppies, they do tend to do a lot of biting. Why Pug puppies bite? The teething phase is when you will notice your Pug puppy biting the most. Some Pugs will also bite a bit too enthusiastically when they are playing with you. This is a hangover from their days with their siblings where mouth play would have been used. You can stop a Pug biting you when they teethe by giving them things to chew on. As mentioned earlier, I would play with my own puppy and he would go for my hands with his teeth. I turned this into a game, which then became an issue as I had to train him out of it as he got older. Pug puppies can also bite as a way of showing their dominance over you. Whatever the reason is for your Pug puppy biting, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, you will have problems with your adult Pug thinking that biting is acceptable. Also, if your Pug suddenly starts biting for no obvious reason please go to the vet immediately — it could be the sign of a new illness or injury. How to stop your Pug puppy from biting Here are different ways that really work if you need to know how you can stop a Pug from biting as a puppy. Squeal like a puppy bite inhibition When you see puppies playing together in their litter, they will let out a tiny squealing sound when bitten by sibling. The puppy that bit will hear the squeal and then tends to back off. As Pug owners we can imitate this behavior! If your Pug puppy bites you and gives you a nip, make a high-pitched squeal sound. You might find your puppy seeks re-assurance and comfort, but the key is to not give it. Instead, ignore them for a few moments, for example; turn your back to them. This might sound mean but if you want your Pug to stop biting it can work very well. The quicker you begin using this technique the sooner your Pug will biting you and your family. All it will do is make your dog scared and could lead to more biting out of fear. I made this mistake with my own puppy, as would push him away playfully, but that just encouraged the biting more. They will want more of the play, so will bite back again. But you are training them into thinking your hands are fair game. Instead you should use chew toys for this type of play. If you can focus their attention onto a toy and not your hands, they will learn that fingers and hands are not there to be bitten. You can also see the prices by clicking the photo below. Puppies will often eat things they should not do, so you will need to hook stuff out of their mouth. You will also need to check the health of their teeth and gums. One of the best ways you can train a Pug puppy to not bite your fingers in their mouth is to use a treat or snack. Let them see it, and then use your fingers to pop it into their mouth and out again. Over time, they should get comfortable letting you put fingers in their mouth without biting back. Train your Pug puppy to not bite over food One of the most common times a Pug puppy will bite is when food is in the equation. Puppies tend to be very overprotective of food, which they learned when in the litter as they had to fight for nutrition. Unfortunately, it will be behavior that can extend to occur over their food bowl. If your Pug is showing food aggression, then you need to train the puppy to learn you are in charge and can pick their bowl up and put it back down at any time — with no aggression from the dog. What you do is put a bowl in front of your Pug then quickly remove it again. Dog trainers tell you to do the loud squeal when the Pug puppy bites you then quickly place your thumb in their mouth, pressing it underneath their tongue. You can then put a finger under the chin. Hold this position for 10 seconds if you can, but not hard enough to hurt the puppy. The Pug will not like it, and it could mean they stop biting you and will learn for next time. Let your Pug know you are in charge Older Pugs that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed. You need to train your Pug to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain. Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will. Socialise your Pug puppy with other dogs Puppies will learn from each other and older dogs. We often look after puppies for our friends. Our friends will often say what a positive impact they see in their young pups after spending a day in the company of our now older dog. And that can include not as much biting. The sooner they can get used to things like this, the sooner they should learn not to bite out of fear. Keep your Pug on a leash when exposing them to new things and noises. Always supervise your puppy when young children are present A Pug that bites a child is a massive problem. There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in Pugs. Something to consider though is how long your Pug could be teething for. It can last up until they are 8 months of age, so biting and chewing things is to be expected during this phase. The dangers of a dog bite Adult Pugs that start biting can be dangerous. Whilst they are a small breed, people can get ill from infections. For example, around half of all dog bites will infect the person with bacteria, possibly leading to illness. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. What do so when bitten by a Pug If you get bitten by a Pug and it leaves a bleeding wound rather than just an abrasion, take the following steps: Press down on the bite wound. This might mean that blood comes out, but that is good as it might help bacteria to come away from the wound. Use clean water and a mild soup to clean the bite wound. Use a clean cloth to press down on the bite wound again as this will help to slow and stop any bleeding. If you have it, apply antibiotic cream to the dog bite wound and then dress it with a new or sterile bandage. If serious, contact a health professional for advice. Conclusion To conclude, some of the quickest ways you can stop a Pug from biting is to make sure you use positive and negative affirmations. In other words, you praise the good, and discourage the bad. Whichever method you try to use, and can be a combination, just make sure that you are consistent when training your Pug puppy to not bite. Tell your friends and family to use the same methods too if they have contact with the puppy. Ultimately, unless you a clear and obvious to your Pug, the puppy will not understand that his biting behavior is a bad thing. You need to take the role of the pack leader. You might also like…. Pug Dog Biting Biting Vs Nipping It's common to use the word biting, however most puppies nip and there is a big difference. A nip is a quick snapping of the jaws.It is done in reaction to one of several triggers: Fear- Sometimes if a pup is startled he may nip in automated reaction. Play - Young puppies and older Pug pups, if not taught nip as they play. This how newborns interacted with litter-mates. Once at their new home, new rules must be taught that this is not an accepted form of behavior. Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Irritation - If a favorite toy is taken away, if a puppy is too possessive of his "belongings", if a pup has not yet learned his place in the family "pack" and other triggers can cause a young Pug to bite or nip. Before we dive into training for this, let us make note that the above is a nipping problem and not an actual biting issue. Biting is reserved for when a dog aggressively bites, there is a locking of the jaw.There is skin contact and often broken skin. It is a dominant, aggressive action that warrants much different training. The Pug dog is an even tempered, good natured dog breed and very rarely will a Pug actually bite as opposed to nipping. Training for This All dogs find comfort and security in knowing that they are living in a pack. Today's modern dog's pack is his human family. By taking proper care of a Pug , an owner shows him that it is the human who is the leader Alpha. Proper feeding giving the sit command first and training for commands are the 2 main ways that a dog truly understands who is in charge. When a dog of any age is ignored by his leader, this sends a very strong message. Canines do not take this lightly and any action that seemingly lead to the brief social isolation is quickly put into the "do not do" category. This does not mean that an owner should ignore the behavior.What an owner should do, is to immediately take action by purposefully ignoring the puppy to such as extent that he worries that his action damaged his place in the pack.If both owner and dog are sitting down when the bite occurs, the owner should raise. If both were on the floor, the owner should stand or sit on the sofa. The idea is to physically separate from the pup and maintain an authoritative physical position. The next step is to completely ignore the Pug, this means zero talking and no eye contact. It will be a brief banishing in which the puppy is essentially invisible. Everyone in the house should follow this training no matter who was the "victim" of the nipping. And it is important that everyone is on the same page, since it does little good for a biting puppy to be ignored by one of his humans, but able to move on to the next to play and to possibly nip again. This training should last just about 10 minutes, but it should extend even longer if the pup has gone about his own business and is not focused on his owners. One key element the 10 minutes must be a time in which the Pug is very aware that he is no longer receiving attention. Once that time is up, allow interaction, and any time that the Pug nips or bite, immediately begin again. It is important to be very consistent with this.When done each and every time, training can be successful in as little as 2 weeks. Is Teething an Issue? Your Pug may be biting due to teething. While most owners do refer to this as biting, this is actually a gnawing in an attempt to sooth the pain and discomfort that a pup will experience when his teeth are growing in and gums are very sensitive and sore. At this stage in life, a Pug will chew on just about anything that he can get his mouth on. He or she will not care if it is your fingers, your new shoes or electrical cords! There are several ways to help your Pug dog get through this time without damaging your home and belongings. One element that separates this from the above biting issues is that a puppy should be given an option. When chewing on an un-approved object, that object should be taken away and replaced with a chew toy. If the dog seems to be having a really hard time, ice cubes plain or flavored can offer great relief. In addition, toys chilled in the freezer can take the edge off. Always praise good chewing habits while discouraging bad ones. And if the Pug pup nips at hands or feet, immediately follow the training previously explained for biting. In regard to any household items that you absolutely do not need on floor level: remove them or place them high enough so that your dog cannot reach them. Be sure to cover electrical wires with plastic shielding. Allowing a your Pug dog to have an ice cube will be very helpful. Placing dog toys in the freezer for an hour or two, and then offering them will help. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. But when Pugs are puppies, biting and nipping is just part and parcel of growing up. Pups explore their new world with their mouths. And a few nips here and there is just part of the experience. Here are some of the most common reasons why your Pug puppy might be biting. They are afraid If your pup is afraid, startled, or stressed for any reason they might react by nipping or biting in defense. When your Pug is still very young, this is not a worrying act of aggression. Nipping is a perfectly normal reflex reaction when your pup is feeling anxious or vulnerable. They are asserting dominance Sometimes pups bite as a way to show dominance over you. Even though Pug puppies are tiny, they still have a big ego. They are exploring Pups explore their new surroundings with their mouths and noses. Mouthing behavior is part and parcel of being a pup. When your Pug is still a puppy, they will not understand that a nip or a bite is a bad thing. That way the nipping phase will be just that. A phase. They are teething Last but not least, just like human babies, Pug pups go through a teething stage. And, just like human babies, your pup will want to chew on everything in sight. What they are actually doing is trying to soothe the pain that they are feeling during the teething process. To help them out, offer your pup a teething toy to chew on or some cold ice cubes to soothe those sore gums. Canines use their mouths for a lot of activities and functions. But not all oral behavior constitutes biting. Biting, nipping, and mouthing are all slightly different. Biting describes when a dog clamps down hard on an object or person. Nipping is not an act of aggression but a play response, or a reaction to a moment of fear or anxiety. Mouthing is a natural explorative behavior — especially for puppies during the teething phase. When Should I Be Worried? As your pooch gets older, play biting can turn into real biting. But biting behavior is still not to be encouraged. DO squeal and yelp This might sound a bit odd, but letting out a squeal or yelp when your pup nips or bites is a bit like speaking puppy language. When puppies play together in the litter this is how they tell their brothers and sisters to back off. So we can do this too. DO use chew toys As your pup starts to mature, stop letting their mouth on your hands and introduce a chew toy instead. Plus you can incorporate the chew into tons of fun and games around the house and garden. Around this time we want to be teaching our pups to feel relaxed when we place our hands in or around their mouth area — without biting. Encourage your pup to stop biting by diverting their attention with a delicious treat and plenty of praise. Some pups will develop food aggression. They may become super protective of their dinner and nip or bite when anybody tries to come near. Only let your Pug eat when the biting behavior ceases. If your pup is a persistent biter try placing your thumb under their tongue and finger under the chin and hold for ten seconds. DO assert your dominance You are in charge. Not your Pug. Pugs can be stubborn and prone to jealousy. Be assertive and reward good behavior with any kind of positive reinforcement — love, cuddles, and treats are usually best. Providing plenty of contact opportunities with other dogs and people is really important. Expose your pup to a variety of situations — even those that might be stressful the first time around e. Just remember to always supervise when your puppy is playing with Children. Your Pug will think that you are dangerous and will most likely continue biting out of fear, as a way of protecting themselves from you. If you do then your Pug will think that nipping and biting are totally fun. So resist temptation and give them some cuddles once they have calmed down. Do not let your Pug bite in perpetuity. Eventually, they must learn that this is not okay. So start training and stop your Pug puppy biting as soon as possible. Your precious little pup has turned into a vampire. How do you stop it? What are the best tactics to prevent Pug biting, chewing, and gnawing on people and property? Why do Pugs bite in the first place, anyway? Do Pugs bite their owners? Pugs have been known to bite their owners. Here are some signs that you might have a biter: They nip at you during playtime. They try to lunge and bite people or animals. You come home to destroyed objects such as chewed-up shoes or remotes. Another sign of a biter or potential biter is if they use their mouth a lot in general. However, if you notice that your Pug puts everything in its mouth, it might have become a habit that you need to break. Why is my Pug biting? For example, do they bite things when they get angry or stressed? This is the equivalent of a toddler having a temper tantrum. It can also be compounded by things like separation anxiety where your Pug self-soothes by gnawing on objects with your scent. Do they have any medical issues? Last but not least, your Pug might simply have a habit of chewing on things. How do I get my Pug to stop biting? There are many tips and tricks to stop a Pug biting, and you can employ a little trial and error to figure out which ones work for you. Ignore them whenever they bite. If your Pug is biting to get attention, take the attention away. Buy them toys or teething objects. Get them used to your hands being around their mouth. Some dogs respond instinctively to the perceived threat of a hand near their face and mouth. You can re-condition this response by slowly and incrementally petting them closer to their snouts. You can also deliver more treats by hand or palm! Another option is enrolling in obedience courses such as the ones available at the Pupford Academy. They have a multitude of training modules that can help with biting, leash walking, crate training, and more. With patience, dedication, and a lot of love, you can de-fang your vampire and turn them back into a sweet and snuggly pup. Good luck!