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Email Charity southbranchgoldens. Contact us Welcome to South Branch Goldens! For over 70 years, South Branch Goldens has been dedicated to raising healthy, loving, AKC registered golden retrievers. Our golden retrievers have excellent temperaments and make great family pets. Our breeding program concentrates on health, temperament and characteristics consistent with the Golden Retriever Breed Standard. Our Goldens are show quality with genetics from European Champion lines. Click the link below to place your order for NuVet products Order NuVet This section of our home page is dedicated to the faithful, old souls of South Branch. These goldens have been there and done that. They have blessed their families with many wonderful memories including those such as this: Our beautiful Hayden earned his puppy wings yesterday at the age of 16 years 7 days. Do you know if any of his litter mates lived this long? And how about his parents…there is an empty spot in our hearts but so thankful for all these years with him, he actually was in pretty good health, eye and hearing ok, but his hind legs would give out and he would fall. The picture was taken yesterday before we said goodbye. Hayden made a lot of friends the police chief neighbor , postman who cried when we told him , the UPS driver who stopped if Hayden was outside even with no delivery, the city of SL workers who stopped everyday to give him a cookie, etc…. License Number DS. See the litter information page for additional litters. Getting a new puppy is a wonderful, exciting experience. The love, loyalty and friendship you feel from your new family member is so rewarding. We are very proud of our dogs and very particular about their care. Our Golden Retrievers come from championship pedigrees. Most importantly our Goldens are family pets. They are lovingly raised in our home with our children and grandchildren where they receive daily interaction with our family members. Our goal is for you to love and enjoy your new dog as much as we do ours. One of our top priorities is to offer puppies that have a sweet disposition and calm temperment. Our puppies are sold with limited AKC registration and are wormed, have their first vaccinations, dew claws removed and are vet checked and micro-chipped. Our puppies are always excited to have visitors. Although we welcome guests, we ask that you call or email for an appointment before stopping by as this is our family home and we may not be able to accomidate your visit otherwise. Taking the time to research your new puppy and breeder will assure your family many years of happiness with your new companion.

View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Peru Indiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Bernedoodle, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Bernedoodles". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new Bernedoodle owner successfully raise their new "Dood" from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Bernedoodles young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Register for a Puppy Breed traits and characteristics The Boxer is a large, short-haired dog breed that is well known for its playful and protective personality. They are tremendously loyal to their family members and are famed for being great around children. Boxers have a varied lineage which is believed to include the Great Dane, the Bulldog, and the now extinct Bullenbeisser. The Boxer originated in Germany, where they were bred to be bullbaiting dogs due to their muscular physique. However, later on, they were used to control cattle in slaughterhouses. As an intelligent and highly social dog breed, the boxer needs constant companionship and regular exercise to thrive. That said, their legendary gentleness and clownish personalities have made them popular the world over. Boxers also make great watchdogs because they are curious to the point of being excessively nosy! They will inform you immediately if there's a strange sound or a person approaching your door. These high-energy dogs make great companions for families of all ages, as long as they receive all the attention and stimulation they crave. Learn More No puppy mill pledge Our mission is to eliminate puppy and kitten farms and backyard breeders by promoting ethical and registered breeders. They offer health guarantees to give you extra piece of mind. Nunc vulputate libero et velit interdum, ac aliquet odio mattis. They have worked as police dogs, guide dogs, and they even served the German army during World War I as messengers and scouts. They are loyal and protective As a result of their working history, Boxers naturally take on the role of your protector and commit to keep their family safe. They are brilliant with children As well as protecting young kids from harm, Boxers are patient and love to gently play and clown around with them. They will keep you fit If you need an excuse to become more active, a Boxer is it! They are goofy These cheerful, playful pups are hilarious during play sessions as they combine jumping and twisting into a funny dance move. They love to cuddle and kiss A Boxer wants to show its affection to its owner regularly, so expect lots of cuddles and kisses from this adorable canine. They are easy to train Because of their strong connection, Boxers are alway eager to engage in training sessions with their owners and learn commands and tricks well. They are adorable! Meet the Boxer dog The Boxer is a medium to large dog, weighing between 50—80 pounds and standing 21 to 25 inches tall. They have very muscular bodies with a strong back and a square head, in perfect proportion to their body. They have short, tight-fitting coats that will be either fawn anywhere from light tan to mahogany or brindle fawn with black stripes. Many will have white flecks on their chest, face, and paws, too. They have many distinctive features on their faces, including a wrinkled forehead and floppy ears that give them a sweet expression. In addition, they have black rimming around the eyes and nose, creating the appearance of a face mask and adding to their adorable appearance. Plus, their round chocolate eyes are to die for, and the muzzle that points upwards oozes cuteness too. Unfortunately, Boxers struggle in extreme temperatures. Their coat doesn't keep them warm in challenging winters, and their short nose makes it difficult to cool themselves down in hot climates. Therefore, they are not outdoor dogs and need to be kept indoors. Like all pedigree dogs, Boxers do have some health predispositions. For example, the breed is prone to cancer and aortic stenosis, a common heart defect. Moreover, you'll also need to look out for Boxer cardiomyopathy. This inherited condition can cause their heart to beat erratically and, if left untreated, can be fatal. However, as long as you buy a Boxer from a reputable breeder on The Pedigree Paws, they should be fully healthy and live for 10 to 12 years. The temperament of a Boxer Boxers are a bundle of joy and are playful, fun, and friendly. In addition, they are incredibly loyal and protective of their owners, which makes them fantastic guard dogs. However, Boxers tend to distrust strangers, so early socialisation is critical with this breed. Even if your Boxer is not super friendly towards strangers, they are not known to be aggressive. However, they can take their role as a bodyguard a little far and sometimes misunderstand whether something is a threat to their owners. Thus, it's essential to train them to listen to your commands early to prevent any unwanted behaviour. Luckily, Boxers excel in obedience and agility training, quickly learning good manners. Boxers love to be involved in family activities, and their favourite pastime is to clown around with their humans. Their high spirits will put a smile on your face no matter how bad your day has been, and their quirky "kidney bean" dance move will never get old. In fact, Boxers make a wide range of unusual but hilarious movements from twists to jumps. Boxers can get bored with routine, and they thrive when their owners keep them on their toys, teaching them new tricks or introducing unknown games. However, this does mean that when left alone for hours, they can become restless and agitated. They do not play independently, so they will release their boredom and frustration by causing mischief. Therefore, they need a home where there is always someone around. Best homes for a Boxer dog Many people choose a Boxer dog to guard their house at night. However, a Boxer is a people-oriented dog that craves affection and wants to be part of the family. Moreover, they are not well-suited to homes with other canines, as dog-to-dog aggression is common with this breed. Boxers thrive with people who lead active lifestyles and involve them in it. Thus, they make a great companion for someone who enjoys running, hiking and camping. However, they need human interaction every day, not just on the weekends. So, if you work full-time and there is no one else home, a Boxer is not ideal. This is why they do well with large families where there is always someone around. It's essential to buy a Boxer puppy from a reputable and experienced breeder who breeds healthy and well-natured dogs. At The Pedigree Paws, we work with top Boxer breeders in Britain and Europe who take the health of their dogs and puppies exceptionally seriously. We are firmly against puppy mills; thus, we only work with moral breeders who raise their puppies in clean and healthy conditions and socialise them well. Therefore, you can have complete confidence that you will not be supporting unethical breeding when you buy a Boxer from The Pedigree Paws. Is a Boxer the right puppy for me? Boxers are not for everyone as they need an owner who has plenty of time for them. However, they thrive with both available and active people, as they have high energy and need lots of walks. So, if you work from home and go for daily walks or runs, a Boxer could be a fab choice. They are also ideal for families as their protective and patient nature means they make excellent friends for young children. What's more, they do best in homes where they are the only dog. Is The Pedigree Paws trustworthy? Unfortunately, due to the continued operation of puppy mills, reputable breeders are not always easy to come by. However, at The Pedigree Paws, we have selected the highest quality and top-rated Boxer breeders in Britain and Europe. To ensure they are reputable and trustworthy, we conduct comprehensive checks before accepting their application. The rising number of excellent testimonials from our previous customers shows our diligence and transparency is paying off. Are Boxer puppies from The Pedigree Paws healthy? Unfortunately, purebred dogs like Boxers are prone to certain health conditions, some of which can be serious. Therefore, it's vital to buy from a reputable breeder who breeds only fully healthy dogs. Because of this, you'll be pleased to hear that our breeders always run DNA tests on their breeding dogs to ensure they have no health conditions that puppies could inherit. Moreover, every Boxer puppy will have a thorough health check and examination with a licensed veterinarian before we allow the breeder to list them. The vet will also vaccinate, deworm, vaccinate and microchip your new baby Boxer. When can I receive my Boxer puppy? The first two to three months of a puppy's life is essential for its development and socialisation. Part of the breeder's job is to ensure your new Boxer is healthy, well-developed and socialised to humans and other animals. Because of this, every puppy from The Pedigree Paws stays with their mother until they are eight to 12 weeks old. This is in your best interest, too, as early-weaned pups often develop behavioural problems. Can I see the parents of my Boxer puppy? Yes, we completely understand how reassuring it can be to see the parents of a pedigree puppy before committing. Therefore, we always allow our customers to video call the breeder to see the puppy and the parents. Witnessing that your new Boxer pup comes from two healthy, friendly and even-tempered dogs will put your mind at ease. Will I receive the pedigree documents of my Boxer? Purebred puppies like Boxers are not cheap, so, naturally, you want proof of its pedigree status. Therefore, you'll be pleased to know that all our Boxer puppies come with official records from an international dog breeding organisation. Do your Boxer puppies come from good breeders? As animal welfare is our top priority, we only work with trustworthy and reputable Boxer breeders. We have a thorough application procedure to filter out dog breeders who don't match our high values or meet our requirements. For example, we only accept a breeder if they prove that they treat their puppies and breeding dogs like human family members instead of money-making products. Therefore, you can trust that your new Boxer will be fully healthy, even-tempered, and friendly around people. Are these Boxer puppies raised in a family home or breeding facility? We only work with dog breeders who raise their puppies in their homes and do not keep them in cages without their mothers. Growing up in a family home dramatically impacts a dog's temperament as the environment is excellent for their socialisation. Thus, it prepares them for an effortless transition to their forever home and new owner. Furthermore, they receive attentive care and stay with their mum until they are fully weaned and ready to leave. As a result, we don't work with puppy mills. These organisations do not deliver the care or socialisation that Boxer puppies need, leading to future behavioural problems. How can I help my Boxer settle into its new home? Bringing a puppy home is an exciting time for both the pup and you. However, as it's such a big change for a young canine, they may feel overwhelmed or scared at first. Therefore, we recommend following a few steps to ensure a successful first introduction. Before your pup arrives, set up their bed, food and water bowls and put down some pee pads. Then, when they arrive, calmly greet them, keep them on their leash and slowly introduce them to their new home, showing them where everything is. Furthermore, make sure their bed is in a quiet and safe place and put a warm hot water bottle under their pillow for extra comfort. Their stories We love happy endings. Discover stories of pets who found their beloved family with the help of The Pedigree Paws Neo We had some concerns purchasing a kitten online but our experience with The Pedigree Paws was great. They connected us with Caroline, the Russian Blue breeder and we had many conversations and received multiple pictures and videos. She answered to all our questions. Thank you for all your help The Pedigree Paws! Highly recommended! Pete V. However they connected me with a very good FCI breeder in Barcelona. He showed me all the health documents of both parents, their pedigree and answer to all my questions. I am so happy they helped me to find a healthy puppy as finding one by myself was very overwhelming. Contacting The Pedigree Paws was the best decision and I highly recommend them to everybody! Daniela D. We had great experience with them, and they breeder Alexandra from France with whom they connected us and from whom we got our kitten from. They are very prompt in answering our initial and follow-up questions while our kitten was in transit. Very reliable and trustworthy! Thank you so much for all your help. We are very happy with our new family member. We will definitely recommend it to all our friends. Dom F. We contacted The Pedigree Paws and they connected us with a very unique breeder in Greece. Many videos and pictures were shown, the breeder shared with us the proof of vaccinations, deworming and her 5 generation pedigree. We were fortunate as George, the breeder was able to deliver the puppy to us personally. We are very pleased with our beautiful Athena. Thank you, The Pedigree Paws, for being truthful and transparent. Kate W. Thor is the absolute dream! The Pedigree Paws team was really patient and responsible in everything. Lovely experience! They replied to every questions, requirements, and information I ask about the kitten. Jane Z. I love him so much from the minute I saw him. He changed my world. Kate, from The Pedigree Paws assisted me through the whole process informing me about everything from health checks to arranging a Pet Nanny to transport Fin directly to my door. So thankful that the experience went so well! I love my Fin. Goldie M. I reached out to The Pedigree Paws and they were very accommodating and transparent from the start. They offered me few kittens from their list of breeders and when I saw Emi I knew she was the one! We went through the kitten's parents DNA testing as for me that was a priority to have a kitten free from genetic disorders. We sealed the deal and now I have the best kitten I could dream of! Thank you very much for all your help Andrew W. I had my first call with Natalia, from The Pedigree Paws and with her help I was able to connect with the breeder, that I knew I could trust. I am very lucky to have now Shima, she is an absolute joy to live with.

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. 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! The transition period can be a little intimidating once you get over the cuteness overload and realize that your new puppy has no training whatsoever and it's up to you how things will progress from there. We'll try to make it easier for you with this short list of things to do the first 2 weeks after bringing your new puppy home. Your puppy is in a brand new place and it's their first time being away from their mom and siblings. I know you want to bring the puppy with you everywhere, play all day and show him or her off to all of your friends and family. But take it slow at first so that your new puppy can get settled and relax. Hang out at home. Become a professional treat dispenser. And begin the foundation of building your bond with your pup. Crate training is the best way to house train. Introduce your puppy to the crate early on by making it a positive experience. Toss a high value treat inside and let them explore and go inside on their own volition. Place a chew toy that can hold treats into the crate and close the door. Make sure the puppy sees you do this. When the puppy tries to paw and get inside the crate, open the door and let them in. When they start chewing on the toy, close the door for a few seconds before opening. And remember to reward your puppy when it's playing quietly inside the crate and to ignore any whining. Also remember the rules of potty training using the crate. If the pup just ate or drank, let them outside. If the pup is coming out of the crate for any extended time, let them outside. If your pup is so much as sniffing the ground a little too much, you guessed it, let them outside. The fewer accidents inside the house, the less likely it is for the puppy to get into the habit of going inside the house. Start immediately with potty training and socialization. Puppies aren't fully protected until their final vaccination at weeks, so openly socializing in public isn't the best idea. But you can have friends and family come over to meet your puppy, as well as their fully vaccinated, well behaved dogs and puppies. You can also begin the foundation of basic obedience commands. All that's necessary later on is getting consistency and working around distractions. Unless of course you want to compete in obedience or a sport that requires obedience. Competition makes things a little more complicated than that. This step is often overlooked and it's arguably the most important step for a new puppy. Puppies love a routine. It's comforting knowing what's going to happen. Wake up in the morning, outside to potty. A little training with treats, breakfast, outside to potty again. A little play time etc. If you have to go to work, make sure you have a friend, relative, dog walker or dog sitter to let the puppy outside if you can't make it home during your break to let the puppy use the potty. They have a tiny bladder and can't hold it for a full workday. When you have a routine that works, things will go smoothly. If you stray from that routine or never establish one, you'll have more accidents, a confused puppy, and quite possibly a headache. Consistency is key, and make sure you throw in several short training sessions. Most places require these. It may sound silly that you're probably legally required to get a license for your dog, but.But rules are rules. Better safe than fined! A vet who has fair prices for your area, yet is also professional and competent is a must. You will see your vet often enough that they will eventually know your name without having to check the paperwork. So your best bet is to find a good one! Routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor or even major health issues will happen. So build a relationship with a local vet as soon as possible. Also, if you have a German Shepherd or any other large breed and ever intend to breed, you should try to find either an orthopedic vet or a vet who is experienced in taking and sending in hip and elbow x-rays to the OFA to be graded. This may not be your primary veterinarian, but it's good to plan ahead. Even if you don't intend to breed, most breeders state in their contract that they will cover hips and elbows, but only if you get preliminary x-rays or have x-rays graded within a certain amount of time usually 2 years. As a bonus, taking hip and elbow x-rays at 2 years old can help extend the quality of life for your dog if they do end up having dysplasia. You'll know to dial down exercise that is hard on the joints, and that can mean the difference between a dog with pain at 5, and a dog who lives its whole life without pain. It'll also give you a head start on a medication and treatment plan. There are dogs with moderate hip dysplasia that live a very comfortable, long life without the need for surgery thanks to their owner taking that extra step of getting x-rays done. The advanced notice gives their owner a head start on supplements and getting into therapy programs, like swimming, to strengthen the muscle around the joint before they're ever in pain. So this may not be a necessary step if you don't care about your breeder's guarantee, but it can help ease your mind or give you a heads up before a problem even surfaces. But it'll be much less stressful if you have a plan in advance and stick with these 6 tips. If you have any other tips or tricks, leave them down in the comments below and be sure to leave a like and share! Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. As a breed, however, German Shepherds often show these other traits: Easily bored if not given something to do, which may lead to barking or chewing Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly Can have an unstable temperament if not bred properly, including excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression Suspicious of strangers Prone to a number of health problems She is a faithful companion that can excel at most anything. With early socialization and confident leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in .The German Shepherd has consistently been one of the most popular breeds in the United States since the early s with a rise in fame then attributed to canine film stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. GSDs are favored working dogs because of their strength, intelligence, versatility, and obedient natures. The German Shepherd is unmatched in her devotion and courage. She is eager to serve a greater cause with her human companions. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shepherd. By knowing about health concerns specific to German Shepherd Dogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in German Shepherd Dogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for German Shepherd Dogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your GSD looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your German Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in German Shepherd Dogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. The Vida Veterinary Care doctors will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Shepherd is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Shepherd is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Digestive Disorders Several inherited conditions can cause recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss in your Shepherd. These conditions include pancreatic or intestinal disease, food sensitivities, and food allergies. Some of these problems may begin very early in life. To help prevent these conditions, feed only a high-quality pet food we can help you choose the right diet and, most importantly, avoid snacks and table food. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific digestive disorders your pet may encounter. Bleeding Disorders Your breed is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food. Digestive enzymes are produced by the exocrine part of the pancreas. GSDs are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This causes inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss; foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea; and a dry and flaky coat due to his inability to absorb dietary fats. Lifelong dietary supplementation of digestive enzymes is an effective therapy. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. You should also provide ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on to prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Growing Shepherds can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano or eo-pan for short. It usually starts around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. If your dog has this condition and develops an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg s , rehabilitation exercises may be required. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and German Shepherd Dogs are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease German Shepherd Dogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Unfortunately, German Shepherd Dogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shepherds. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea the clear part of the eye , which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your GSD will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific cancers your pet may encounter. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects GSDs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but German Shepherds have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Anal Gland Problems German Shepherds are prone to a painful, longterm condition in which the area around the anus becomes inflamed or develops sores. Signs include bleeding, constipation, licking of the area, smelly discharge around the rectum, and straining or apparent pain when defecating. This condition can be difficult to treat and requires lifelong medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Taking Care of Your German Shepherd Dog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help. They still have their cute side of course, but they are often a whole lot more work than most people expect. And when it comes to German Shepherd puppies, while not anymore difficult than any other breed, there are a few specific things that may help both you and your furry pup through the struggle of puppy-hood. German Shepherds, in general, tend to be very loyal, loving, and protective. But they do have other characteristics that are good to be aware of before getting a puppy, in order to ensure that they are the right match for you. German Shepherd puppies can be a little shy and anxious sometimes, which, if not treated properly could develop into fear-based aggression. Socialization becomes very important for these puppies in order to keep the shyness and aggression in check. German Shepherd puppies are very energetic and intelligent. So keep in mind that you may need to get creative with the doggie activities! If you like your privacy, you may want to reconsider getting a German Shepherd because these puppies will follow you everywhere. Training in this area becomes extremely critical if you want to prevent their biting from transitioning into a much more dangerous game. German Shepherd puppies are incredibly intense when it comes to playtime, so get ready for some heavy-duty wrestling. You will need to supervise any interactions with other dogs to ensure that nobody gets hurt. A German Shepherd puppy just might be the right one for you. Finding Your Puppy The first step in caring for your puppy is finding your puppy, and the best place to go for that is a reputable breeder. While you can find plenty of breeders on the internet, your best bet would be to ask for referrals from other German Shepherd owners that you know. This way you can ensure that you find a German Shepherd puppy that has been well cared for from birth, giving you a great head start. And while there will be many times for playing and cuddling during the first few days and onward, even the very first moments you spend with your puppy are extremely critical for training. Potty Training Little puppies have little bladders, which means they will have to relieve themselves every two hours or so until they are about six months old. Take your puppy to your designated potty area frequently and praise your pup if he goes in the right place. Using a specific spot, rather than just the entire backyard, will help immensely during potty training. Sticking to a schedule can help minimize accidents. A good starting point is to take your puppy outside 20 minutes after eating, as this is generally when he will need to relieve himself. You will also need to wake up two or three times in the night to check on your pup. And keep an eye on him throughout the day. If he is whimpering uneasily, he probably needs to potty. Crate Training Crate training your German Shepherd puppy will become a huge help while you are teaching him the house rules. It also helps give them a safe place they can call their own. Keep your crate somewhere in the home where there are people around to supervise, but not too public or chaotic of a place that he will feel scared or threatened. Also, make sure the crate is not so small that they feel trapped and uncomfortable. Your pup should be able to comfortably stretch and lie down if they want to. Even when your dog is in the crate, make sure he is on his best behavior. If your pup exhibits bad behavior in the crate and you respond by taking him out, he may develop bad habits. Once your puppy calms down or shows good behavior, reward him by letting him out and giving him praise. Socialization Especially as German Shepherd puppies can lean more towards the aggressive side, socialization is critical if you want to keep this aggression in check. Letting your puppy meet new people and new dogs during the first couple months of life can really make a difference in his social skills and overall behavior. Let your puppy spend quality time with the family and everyone who may frequent your home such as neighbors, relatives, and babysitters. General Training The first thing your puppy should learn during training is that you are in charge. Otherwise, your puppy will take on that role himself and you could lose control completely. German Shepherd puppies respond well to positive training techniques, so keep those treats handy! Feeding Although your German Shepherd puppy may be small, his diet should not be. Growing from a puppy to an adult dog is hard work, and he will need a strong, healthy diet in order to do it. Until 6 months of age your puppy will need to eat 3 to 4 times a day. The best way to ensure that he is getting the right amount of grub is to check his ribs. You should be able to feel them through his skin, but not see them. The most common type of puppy food is your everyday kibble, but actually, raw dog foods are the best way to go, even for the littlest of pups. About Emilyn Gil Hello! My name is Emilyn and I am currently studying English at Utah Valley University and working as a copywriter, researcher and mother. Although I have had just one dog throughout my life, my sweet Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel mix, Pup, has given me many fond memories that I hold dear. In addition, have also owned and cared for cats, fish, hamsters, rats, parakeets, chickens, goats, rabbits, frogs, and lizards. Every one of these adorable pets has given me a love for all kinds of animal friends, which is something that I hope to share here at TruDog.

We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Glasgow Kentucky and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Glasgow, KY? We have answers. What class of dog are Goldendoodle puppies for sale near Glasgow? Goldendoodles are classified as hybrid or designer dogs. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, so they can exhibit characteristics of either parent breed in terms of temperament, size, and activity level. Goldendoodles can vary greatly in appearance, depending on their genetic background so they can range from a very curly coat to one that is almost wavy. Generally speaking, Goldendoodles have a medium to a large-sized build, with a fur coat that is usually curly or wavy, and frequently a combination of the two. How can I manage allergies with Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Glasgow? Goldendoodles are generally considered to be hypoallergenic and may be a suitable choice for those with allergies. However, keeping your pet's coat in good condition is key to helping manage your allergies. Regular grooming with brushing and clipping can help to remove the excess hair that causes allergic reactions. Additionally, vacuuming and cleaning all surfaces that come into contact with your pet regularly can help to reduce the allergens that may trigger symptoms. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about possible hypoallergenic diets that may also be beneficial. Do Glasgow Goldendoodle puppies for sale have special dietary needs? Goldendoodles can generally eat the same food as other large breed dogs, but they do have some special dietary needs. In particular, due to their high activity level, Goldendoodles need a diet that provides a lot of energy. This means a diet that is high in protein and healthy fats, with limited amounts of carbs and fillers. Additionally, since their coats are prone to shedding, Goldendoodles should have a diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for increased skin and coat health. Am I ready to adopt Goldendoodle puppies in Glasgow? Preparing your home for a new Goldendoodle can be a rewarding experience. First, decide where the pup will stay and set up a comfortable sleeping area. Gather the necessary supplies, such as food, water and food bowls, a collar, a leash, and toys. Establish a daily routine including feeding, potty breaks, and playtime. Create a safe environment; use baby gates to protect areas that your pup should not explore, and make sure all household chemicals and small items are out of reach. Are Goldendoodles for sale in Glasgow considered small dogs? Goldendoodles are considered a hybrid or designer breed, so their size can vary. Depending on the breed of parent dogs, they can range from small around 15 pounds to large over 90 pounds. Generally, they fall into the medium-sized category, although this can depend on the specific size of the parent breeds. Goldendoodles can also come in miniature sizes, bred from smaller Poodles and Golden Retrievers. These would be considered small dogs, with an average adult weight of pounds. Can I take my Goldendoodle puppies near Glasgow running? Yes, you can take your Goldendoodle running! Make sure that you're prepared before you take them out running. It's best to start them out slowly, as young puppies may get overexerted and tire easily. When going out for a run with your pup, it's important to make sure that they're up to date on their vaccinations and have been de-wormed. Are Goldendoodles in Glasgow good family dogs? Goldendoodles are absolutely wonderful family dogs! They are loyal, loving, and full of energy, making them an ideal pet for families of all sizes. Goldendoodle puppies have a gentle, affectionate temperament, and can easily learn and obey commands. They take on the characteristics of both their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents, becoming intelligent, playful yet gentle dogs. Their moderate size and low-shedding coats make them a perfectchoice for families looking for a friendly and loyal dog. Are Glasgow Goldendoodles for sale considered smart dogs? Goldendoodles are a hybrid breed created by crossing golden retrievers and poodles, two of the brightest dog breeds out there. So it comes as no surprise that Goldendoodles are intelligent and easily trainable. They are quick learners and form strong bonds with their owners. Additionally, they have plenty of enthusiasm and energy for activities. This intelligence and enthusiasm, combined with their devoted loyalty and outgoing personalities, make Goldendoodles a very popular hybrid breed. It's a great choice for those looking for an intelligent, affectionate, and playful pet.

Males average height: .Females average height: .Males average weight: lbs. Females: lbs. The Labrador was developed to retrieve waterfowl, hence their affinity for playing in water. They have a double coat, which is dense, short and water repellant. The Labrador is also used as a hunting or field dog. Labs shed moderately, about two times a year and they need to be brushed on regular basis. Overall, their coat needs minimal attention. Brushing should be done about once a week. They are loving, people-oriented, and because they are patient with kids, they make wonderful family dogs. This breed is excellent with children and elderly alike. The Labrador Retriever is a stable companion, not easily upset by strange occurrences or things. These fine qualities make them ideally suited for the job of service dog. They are used as guide dogs for the blind and as search-and-rescue dogs. They generally will not act aggressively, so they are not good guard dogs. Excessive barking is not generally typical of the breed. They bark only to sound an alarm, or warning, as a stranger approaches. Labs are intelligent and easy to train. If the dog is acquired from a reputable breeder, the dog will not be hyper, but Labs are active dogs. Labs do not fully mature until they reach three years of age and are mentally a puppy until this time. Your Labrador will require attention and plenty of daily exercise. Training required: socialization and obedience. Labrador Retrievers love to swim. They like to chew, are good climbers and are prone to dig if not given proper positive attention. They do best if given mental stimulation, such as proper obedience training, daily exercise. Both sexes make good pets. Males are more dependent, females somewhat independent. The Labrador is susceptible to hip dysplasia and other joint problems, such as OCD and arthritis. Obesity can be a problem, especially in their senior years. PRA, or progressive retinal atrophy, is a disease which causes blindness, and is present in the breed. Retrievers are prone to mild skin allergies in some US regions, notably S. Ear infections are always a potential problem in breeds with hanging ears, and especially those breeds that spend so much time in water! Colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. Good with pets within the home and with strange dogs. Our dogs all have basic obedience, little tricks, and live indoors and outside. Our girls are very friendly, funny, and athletic dogs. Male and Female. They come with full AKC Registration. They are very playful puppies and have been socialized with other dogs and cats. Labrador have a very friendly happy character and get on well with children and like to be in a family environment. We are always available to give any help and advice on general care and house training your new puppy. Free puppy pack and 4 weeks free Seremban golden labrador Malaysia for Xmas Sales at low prices! Stunning Chunky Golden Labradors. They are ready to become your life long companion, please contact directly via my email address for more details and photos at Seremban golden labrador Malaysia Stunning Chunky Golden Labradors golden labrador Seremban, Malaysia Stunning Chunky Golden Labradors Stunning Labrador puppies for sale 3 dogs left KC registered Excellent Pedigree 5 generation pedigree with puppy packs, and 4 weeks free insurance Both parents are golden, please contact directly via my email address for more details and photos at suzifarrell13 gmail. The have been vaccinated and dewormed. The Father is a Golden Retriever and the mother Labrador retriever please whatsapp for more information and photos Seremban golden labrador Malaysia.

These dogs were believed to be a cross between the Toy poodles and smaller canine breeds of the Terrier clan. The creation of these dogs in actuality as documented began in in the United States of America by crossing the Poodle and Schnauzer, with the first purposeful crossbreeding done in Minnesota. It was developed with the intention of creating a companion breed, inheriting the intelligence of both their parents, also being well-suited for people with dander allergies. Though it has not gained sufficient popularity in comparison to the other designer breeds, Schnoodle puppies are being highly sought after at present. At present breeders have also begun creating multigenerational Schnoodle where one dog of this breed is bred with the other. You might even spot a tiny teacup variety acquiring the genes of the teacup Poodle. Temperament and Personality The friendly, loving and easy-going disposition of the Schnoodles makes them ideal family dogs. In fact, traits of both their parents may be observed in these dogs, making them alert and playful like the Schnauzer or intelligent, active and obedient as the Poodle. Their intelligence may at times come in the way of their personality, making them over-demanding. Small-sized Schnoodles are well-suited to live in an apartment though the larger variations thrive well in large homes having a fenced yard. Keeping them alone in kennels is not recommended as they are prone to separation anxiety that might make them noisy and destructive. These loyal and devoted dogs are highly protective towards their family, a trait wholly inherited from their Schnauzer parent, which also makes them an excellent watchdog, causing them to bark on seeing any unfamiliar face at the door. Although they display fondness towards all members of their family, they might have a special affection for a particular person in the household just like the Schnauzer. Though the Schnoodle is said to mingle well with other pets, it might be harsh to other dogs regarding sharing their toys or space, especially if they have inherited the stubborn instinct of Terriers the Miniature Schnauzer categorized as a part of the Terrier group. If you have a Giant Schnoodle, it might adapt the behavioral traits of the Giant Schnauzer, being territorial reserved and even aggressive. They are highly inclined to hold blankets and toys with the help of their front paws that they use as hands. Schnoodles will develop a knack of digging and be very clingy towards its family members if one of its parents is the Miniature Schnauzer. Care Exercise Owing to their highly active nature, they need to be exercised at least for an hour every day to maintain a sound physical and mental health. They enjoy going out for a brisk walk or accompanying their master on a jogging spree. Since they are fond of playing, you can engage them in a ball fetching game when confined indoors. Grooming Their grooming needs vary according to the kind of coat they have. Those with a soft, wavy coat require brushing once or twice a week to prevent the hair from getting matted and tangled. If your pet has a double coat like the Schnauzer, then the coat would need to be stripped many times in a year, whereas if they have acquired the single-layered coat of the Poodle, then clip their hair in every six to eight weeks. Bathe your dog whenever needed to keep its coat clean and soft. Schnoodles have a tendency of developing hair inside the ear that should be removed by a professional groomer to avoid infections. Moreover, check their ears on a weekly basis for redness, bad smell or dirt and clean it using a damp cotton ball dipped in an ear cleaner prescribed by your vet. Do not allow excessive growth of fur around the anal to facilitate the excretion of the feces without any obstruction. Go for a professional groomer rather than trimming the hair on your own to avoid any injury and infection. Health Problems Though a healthy and hardy breed, they might acquire the health issues of both their parents. The Miniature and Toy breeds may be prone to developing luxating patella. Some of them may even suffer from allergies. The risk of dental problems is observed more in Toy Schnoodles because of their small mouth size. Socialization and obedience training are to be imparted to the Schnoodle puppies to help them develop a pleasing personality. As they get bored, quite easily try keeping them motivated by positive reinforcement techniques so that they acquire interest towards the training procedure. If you do not want to go through the tedious task of training your puppy, you may send them to a puppy kindergarten school. Feeding Schnoodles weighing up to 20 pounds can be given three-fourth to one cup of dry dog food of a higher quality daily. Miniature or Toy variants need a lesser amount of food, whereas the quantity for your Giant Schnoodle, should be greater. It is essential to feed your pet twice a day rather than giving him an excessive amount of food in a single meal. Their tails remain straight and upright when they are highly active or in a good mood, but they tuck them up whenever they get nervous or are sad. The F1 generation refers to the first cross between a purebred Miniature Schnauzer and a purebred Miniature Poodle. F2 generation results from breeding two F1 Mini Schnoodles together. Miniature Schnoodle vs. Standard Schnoodle vs. The size difference among these three Schnoodle variations is primarily determined by the size of the Schnauzer parent. The purpose was to create a small-sized companion dog with desirable traits from both parent breeds, such as intelligence, hypoallergenic coat, and friendly temperament. Origins of the Miniature Schnauzer The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany during the 19th century as a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer. It was primarily bred for its ratting abilities and as a companion. With its distinctive bearded face and wiry double coat, the Miniature Schnauzer quickly gained popularity as a show dog and a beloved family pet. It was initially bred as a water retriever and excelled in various dog sports. Known for its curly, hypoallergenic coat and high intelligence, the Miniature Poodle became a sought-after breed, both for its working abilities and its suitability as a companion. Physical Characteristics The Mini Schnoodle has a compact and sturdy build with a well-proportioned body. How big does the Mini Schnoodle get? As the name suggests, the Mini Schnoodle is a smaller-sized breed. On average, they reach a height of 12 to 15 inches 30 to 38 cm at the shoulder and weigh between 10 to 20 pounds 4. However, the size can vary depending on the specific mix of genes inherited from the Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle parents. The coat colors can include black, white, silver, salt and pepper, and combinations of these colors in a parti-color pattern. Chocolate and apricot Schnoodles are rarer colors and some of the most sought after. The texture of their coat can vary, ranging from tight and curly like the Poodle to slightly wavy and harsh like the Schnauzer. Each Mini Schnoodle inherits a unique combination of genes from their Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle parents, resulting in a diverse range of colors and coat types within the breed. These beautiful variations make Mini Schnoodles even more visually appealing and allow potential owners to find a color and pattern that suits their personal preferences. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Feed them high-quality dog food that meets their specific needs. Your veterinarian can guide you in choosing the right diet for your Mini Schnoodle based on their age, size, and activity level. Housing Needs Mini Schnoodles can adapt well to different living situations, including apartments or houses with a yard. They enjoy being indoors with their family but also need regular exercise and outdoor time. Make sure they have a cozy bed or crate where they can rest and feel safe. Exercise Needs Mini Schnoodles are active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Aim for about 45 mins of daily exercise. Take them for daily walks, play fetch in the backyard, or engage them in interactive play sessions. Providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training games is also important to keep their intelligent minds occupied. Grooming a Miniature Schnoodle Grooming a Mini Schnoodle is an essential part of their care routine, especially because of their unique doodle breed coat. Their coats can become tangled and matted if not properly maintained. This helps remove loose hair, keeps their coat clean, and prevents it from becoming unruly. Regular brushing also distributes natural oils and stimulates the skin. Trimming: To maintain a neat and tidy appearance, Mini Schnoodles may require regular professional grooming sessions. A professional groomer can trim their coat into different styles, such as a teddy bear or a lamb cut, depending on your preference. Regular grooming also includes nail trimming with pet claw clippers , ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Bathing: Mini Schnoodles should be bathed every weeks or as needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner to keep their coat clean and free of dirt or odor. Make sure to dry them thoroughly after bathing to prevent skin issues. Remember, proper grooming not only keeps your Mini Schnoodle looking their best but also promotes their overall health and comfort. Regular brushing, professional grooming, and maintaining good hygiene will keep their coat healthy and beautiful. Health Of The Mini Schnoodle In theory, Schnoodles can be healthier than their purebred parents since they have more diverse genetics. In fact, studies show that one major reason people love Doodles is the idea that they are healthier dogs than purebred breeds. They also suffer from questionable breeding practices that come any time a type of dog becomes popular. This means an unethical breeder may breed a Schnoodle with hereditary health issues. Allergies: Mini Schnoodles can be prone to allergies, which can cause itching, skin redness, and hair loss. Watch out for excessive scratching, licking, or chewing, and consult a veterinarian if you notice these symptoms. Ear Infections: Due to their floppy ears, Mini Schnoodles are susceptible to ear infections. Signs to watch for include scratching of the ears, head shaking, and a bad odor. Regular ear cleaning and proper drying after swimming can help prevent infections. Seborrhea: Seborrhea is a skin condition that can affect Miniature Schnoodles, causing flaky or greasy skin, dandruff, and itchiness. Keeping their skin clean and providing a balanced diet can help manage this condition. These bumps can become infected, leading to discomfort. Regular grooming and proper skin care can help prevent and manage this issue. Obesity can lead to various health problems, such as joint issues and diabetes. Patellar Luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap patella dislocates from its normal position, causing lameness and difficulty walking. If you notice your Mini Schnoodle limping or favoring a leg, consult a veterinarian for an evaluation. Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause seizures in dogs. Canine Hyperlipidemia: This condition involves abnormally high levels of fats lipids in the blood, which can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help manage this condition. Diabetes: Just like humans, dogs can develop diabetes. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and lethargy. Prompt veterinary care and proper management are essential for diabetic Mini Schnoodles. Miniature Schnauzerpoos are also extremely prone to tooth problems, so be sure to add a dental mouth rinse to their water. Also, keep an eye on their urinary tract health as they can be prone to UTIs and kidney problems. Mini Schnoodle Temperament, Personality, and Intelligence The Mini Schnoodle is a special dog with a unique temperament, personality, and intelligence. These adorable pups are super smart because their parents, the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle, are really clever too. In fact, the Schnauzer is the 12th most intelligent dog in the world, and the Poodle is the second most intelligent, according to a smart researcher named Stanley Coren! But remember, you have to be patient, consistent, and use positive reinforcement. If training is boring or unpleasant, they might just ignore you! These pups are active and full of energy. They absolutely love swimming and chasing anything that moves, especially small animals. So, if you have a squirrel in your yard, get ready for your little Schnoodle to be very interested. Mini Schnoodles are also really loyal and usually have a favorite person. With their outgoing personalities and courage, they make excellent companions and can help keep you safe. Are Mini Schnoodles Good Dogs? Mini Schnoodles are known for their wonderful qualities as companion dogs. They are smart, friendly, and love to be around their human family. These pups are loyal and devoted, making them great cuddle buddies and playmates. However, these are active dogs that can be destructive when bored. Doodle breeds are also controversial, so try to adopt rather than shop and if you do buy a puppy, investigate the breeder thoroughly. Miniature Schnauzer Doodles can get along well with other dogs if properly socialized. Socialization means introducing them to different dogs and situations from a young age so they can learn how to interact and play nicely. Are Mini Schnoodles Good with Kids? Yes, Mini Schnoodles can be great with kids! They are generally friendly and enjoy being part of the family. Mini Schnoodles often have a playful and gentle nature, making them good companions for children. Supervision is always important when kids and dogs are together to ensure the safety and well-being of both. With the right training, socialization, and supervision, Mini Schnoodles can form wonderful bonds with children and become beloved family pets. Miniature Schnoodles typically are low shedders. While no dog breed is completely non-shedding, neither the Poodle or the Schnauzer are shedding breeds, so shedding is not really an issue with Schnoodles. Are Miniature Schnoodles hypoallergenic? Miniature Schnoodles are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they are less likely to cause allergies in people who are sensitive. How long do Mini Schnoodles live? On average, Mini Schnoodles have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. They live much longer than Standard or Giant Schnoodles. With proper care, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups, they can live a long and happy life. Do Mini Schnoodles bark a lot? Mini Schnoodles have individual personalities, but as a general rule, they can be vocal and may bark to alert their owners or express their excitement. Proper training and socialization can help manage excessive barking behaviors. Where can I find a Mini Schnoodle to adopt? How much does a Mini Schnoodle puppy cost from a breeder? Final Thoughts In conclusion, the Mini Schnoodle is a delightful and intelligent breed that combines the best qualities of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Miniature Poodle. They make wonderful companions, displaying loyalty, playfulness, and a loving nature. While they may have some specific health considerations, proper care and regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure their well-being. With their unique coat and grooming needs, regular brushing and professional grooming sessions are important to keep them looking and feeling their best. With the right love, care, and attention, they will bring joy and happiness to your life for many years to come. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? What is a Schnoodle? I had the joy of having a Schnoodle in my life for 16 years! Dusty was the perfect dog for a family with energetic kids, a mom with allergies, and a dad who liked having a nearby buddy. Maybe the Schnoodle is the right match for your family as well! Here are a few things you should know. Here is a Schnoodle enjoying a fun beach day. A Schnoodle is a combination of a Schnauzer and a Poodle. The Schnauzer is energetic, loyal, and a little feisty. The Poodle is an intelligent dog with a reputation for being aristocratic — but who can also be a great athletic and versatile family dog. Combine the two, and you have a dog that is smart, energetic, and loyal! Not to mention, super cute. With one litter, you may get more of the personality traits of the Schnauzer and more of the physical traits of the Poodle — with the next litter, it may flip-flop! Schnoodle traits could even vary puppy to puppy. They may be extremely loyal like a Schnauzer, or more independent like a Poodle. Are Schnoodles hypoallergenic? Schnoodles have hair-like coats that have very little shedding and low dander. Like most Poodle crossbreeds, they have a reputation for being hypoallergenic. Overall, most people that have standard dog allergies are able to tolerate cohabiting with a Schnoodle! How big do Schnoodles get? Schnauzers and Poodles come in a variety of sizes — and so does the Schnoodle! The Schnoodle can range from 6 lbs — 75 lbs, depending on which sizes of Poodles and Schnauzers your mix. Poodles come in Toy small , Miniature medium , and Standard large. Schnauzers come in Miniature small , Standard medium , and Giant large. This perma-pup will range from 6 to 10 pounds and is a great size if you often travel and like to bring your dog on the plane with you. This mid-size dog is typically about lbs, and can be a great dog for a family! The next size up is a large Schnoodle, which crosses a Standard Poodle and a Giant Schnauzer, ranging anywhere from lbs. If you go this route, be prepared for a big and energetic dog! There is no regulation and little consistency within sizes. For example, a breeder could mix a Miniature medium Poodle with a Giant large Schnauzer for an in-between size, and many breeders do just that. The variations in sizes mean that if you have your heart set on the breed, you can certainly find one that fits your life and living space! Just make sure to ask what sizes the parents are! Are Schnoodles good pets? Schnoodle cuddling with an owner. Schnoodles want to be part of your family. They, like the Schnauzer, are very loyal and will possibly follow you around from room to room in order to stay near you. No matter what you are doing, they want to be there with you! Because Schnoodles value the family so much, they must be kept in the house with the rest of the family members. This breed gets along well with the family and will become a devoted family member. As with a Poodle, there are lots of options for how you choose to groom your dog. You can let it grow long and fluffy, or keep it short and soft. The choice is up to you! Because Schnoodles have longer coats that will grow and mat if not attended to, they require maintenance. They should be brushed at home a few times a week and brought to the groomers at least every 12 weeks. Like with the Poodle, you have a lot of options for how you want to groom your dog. You can cut the fur short, let it grow long and fluffy, or anything in-between! Otherwise, the choice is up to you! One thing to note is that Schnoodles do have a possibility of getting ear infections if their ear hair is not kept under control. When you bring your pup to the groomers, make sure to ask specifically for them to attend to the hair in the ears to help prevent infection. How long do Schnoodles live for? The size of the dog can greatly influence the lifespan of the dog. Small dogs tend to have longer life spans than bigger ones. Because there is such a large and unregulated variety in sizes of Schnoodles, their lifespans vary greatly. The average lifespan of a Miniature small Schnoodle is about years. The Standard medium size is about years, and the Giant large variety is about years. However, this could vary depending on the sizes of the parents, and the general health and lifestyle of the dog. Schnoodles are Active! A Schnoodle enjoying a long walk on the beach! These are an active breed, so make sure they get minutes of activity every day in order to keep them happy and healthy. The Schnauzer was originally bred to be an all-around farm dog, actively helping out on the family farm. The Poodle was originally used as a retriever dog, retrieving birds for their hunters. The Schnoodle loves to run and jump. His natural physical aptitude with its high intelligence makes the Schnoodle and great candidate for agility courses! Because there is such a variation in sizes for the Schnoodle, though, take into consideration that your dog may need more or less exercise. An hour of activity is a lot for a six-pound dog! The Sky is the Limit with Training Your Schnoodle will certainly be smart, and he will hopefully be eager to please, so the sky is the limit with what you can train him to do! In addition to training your pup to sit, stay, and come, this is a dog that you can train to fetch your slippers, scoot over a little bit, or find the kibble under one of three cups. Your creativity and patience are the only limiting factors — this dog will be able to keep up! Their ability to learn has benefits beyond simply learning fun tricks! Because of their loyal, devoted, and intelligent nature, Schnoodles have a reputation for making great therapy dogs! They can quickly learn what is requested of them, and once they have a connection with someone, they are friends for life. Schnoodles Live to have FUN! Full-grown Schnoodle energetically playing on a rope swing. Schnoodles live to have fun and will join you in whatever activity you are doing! Think of the kid you went to high school with that always wanted to play, could rarely sit still, and still got good grades on the test. This dog is smart, but at his core, he lives to have a good time. While other lower energy dogs might be happy with one or two walks per day and lots of naps in between, this dog will keep wanting to play long after the walk is finished! Terrier-like breeds like the Schnauzer love to dig, so you could designate an area of your yard to dig and bury a few toys or treats for your pup to dig up. Poodles are retrievers, so why not play a game of catch? The more fun and active! A tired dog is a happy and obedient! For all of its great personality and ability qualities, there is also absolutely no denying that the Schnoodle is stinking cute. The puppies and even the full-grown versions of the smallest size look like little stuffed animals. This teddy bear pup will grow into a full-grown, energetic dog requiring your time, love, and attention. By Lila Noffsinger. 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 Schnoodle Overview The Schnoodle is cheerful and intelligent. He makes a terrific jogging companion and his love of activity can get you off the couch. Despite that, he will also happily cuddle on the couch with you. A Schnoodle will fill your life and lap with both love and laughter. This breed is loyal like the Schnauzer and fun-loving like the Poodle. Like his Schnauzer parent, a Schnoodle has a protective nature and makes a good watch dog. Schnauzers are solid terriers and tend toward being a bit stubborn and independent. At the same time, they are known for being extremely loyal. Contrastingly, the Poodle is smart, agile, and active with a high-maintenance coat. Accordingly, the Schnoodle should have plenty of exercise every day, at least 30 to 60 minutes. Both Schnauzers and Poodles are smart, so this hybrid requires daily mental stimulation as well. This pup also has an unusual propensity to use his front paws as hands to hold toys and blankets. Unfortunately, some really enjoy digging. Some really enjoy barking , too. There are three different variations of both Schnauzers and Poodles, making for a wide range of sizes in the Schnoodle. The larger ones are still relatively uncommon. There is no breed standard for Schnoodles — nor any breed clubs — so, as of yet, their different sizes are currently defined as Toy, Miniature, Standard. Notably, size may make a difference in the personality of this hybrid. A large Schnoodle should have a softer temperament than a Giant Schnauzer. In the latter case, someone could simply slap a litter together because she has a purebred Schnauzer and lives down the street from a purebred Poodle. When the parents are carefully selected, the Schnoodle is a great dog. Hybrid vigor can work wonders, but poor parent selection can result in the worst traits of both breeds with none of the good ones. If you want the temperament that the hybrid is meant to provide, get a puppy from a responsible breeder who has taken care in selecting the parents. You can also adopt from a reputable rescue or shelter , since these pups are now appearing in those places. A small Schnoodle can do well in an apartment , but the larger Schnoodle does better in homes with fenced yards. Schnoodle Highlights Schnoodles are a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer, and they are known for being intelligent, friendly, and hypoallergenic. They come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Here are some of the highlights of the Schnoodle breed: Intelligence: Schnoodles are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They can learn basic commands quickly and can be trained to do more complex tasks, such as agility or obedience. Friendliness: Schnoodles are known for being friendly and outgoing dogs. They love to be around people and other animals, and they make great family pets. Hypoallergenic: Schnoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dog breeds. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active: Schnoodles are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and running around. Loyal: Schnoodles are loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They love to cuddle and be petted, and they will always be there to greet you at the door. If you are looking for a smart, friendly, and hypoallergenic dog, the Schnoodle may be the perfect breed for you. Here are some additional things to consider before getting a Schnoodle: Grooming: Schnoodles need to be groomed regularly to keep their coats looking their best. This includes brushing, trimming, and bathing. Training: Schnoodles are intelligent dogs, but they can also be stubborn. They need to be trained consistently and firmly. Exercise: Schnoodles need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They should be walked for at least 30 minutes a day. Schnoodle History The Schnoodle was developed in the s, when the interest began to grow in Poodle crosses. The original goal with the Schnoodle was to create a low-shedding, low-dander family dog. The Schnoodle is generally the result of breeding between a Schnauzer and a Poodle, although some breeders have started breeding multigenerational Schnoodles Schnoodles bred to other Schnoodles. Right now there are no breed clubs or standards, but efforts have begun to create both. Schnoodles can come in a variety of sizes, since there are three Poodle sizes and three Schnauzer sizes. The range of possibilities has created an interesting variety of hybrids. Despite that, Schnoodles have traditionally been small dogs. The introduction of the Giant Schnauzer and Standard Poodle into the mix is the most recent variation, producing a dog of a different temperament from the small, cuddly Schnoodle. Schnoodle Size The size of the Schnoodle depends on the size of the parents: a Standard Poodle bred to a Giant Schnauzer will produce offspring who will be the size of their large parents. If a Standard Poodle and Standard Schnauzer are crossed, than the result could be sizes ranging between both the Miniature Schnoodle and the Standard Schnoodle. This uncertainty is part of the joy of a mixed breed: the ultimate details can be a welcome surprise. Like any mixed breed, the variation involved can eliminate guarantees of size. Mixing and matching can add up to some interesting ranges and the variety is enticing. However, most Schnoodles tend to be 20 pounds or less. Toy Schnoodles range from 10 to 12 inches in height and weigh 6 to 10 pounds. Miniature Schnoodles range from 12 to 15 inches in height and weigh 13 to 20 pounds. Standard Schnoodles range from 15 to 26 inches in height and weigh 20 to 75 pounds. Giant Schnoodles range from 20 to 28 inches in height and weigh 50 to pounds. Schnoodle Personality The well-bred Schnoodle is a wonderfully happy, loyal, and intelligent companion. He enjoys having fun and aims for a life filled with love and play. A Schnoodle can have a strong temperament but generally is loving and loyal to his people. Socialization helps ensure that your Schnoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly — as well as taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors — will also help him polish his social skills. However, there is a general misconception that hybrid vigor automatically applies to mixed breeds. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA website. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Cataracts : These cause opacity on the lens of the eye, resulting in poor vision. Cataracts usually occur in old age and sometimes can be surgically removed to improve vision. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease : This involves the hip joint. If your Schnoodle has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. The first symptoms, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, usually occur when puppies are four to six months old. Surgery can correct the condition, usually resulting in a pain-free puppy. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Diabetes Mellitus : This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels, due to improper levels of insulin. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. More severe signs occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels become high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. But if your Schnoodle is on the large side, and had a Giant Schnauzer for a parent, this condition is worth knowing about. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists torsion. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. Schnoodle Care Although the energy level of the Schnoodle is reflective of the parents, and is therefore variable, expect to exercise your dog for about 30 to 60 minutes per day. Some require less while others require a bit more. Schnoodles enjoy brisk walks and make great jogging companions. Schnoodles can adapt to a variety of residences, but take size into consideration. A Toy or Miniature Schnoodle will do well in an apartment or condo , but a larger Standard may not. Ideally, a home with a fenced yard is best for all Schnoodles. Schnoodles can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to barking and destructive behaviors. And once that habit starts, it can be difficult to stop. Keep your Schnoodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice or three times a day rather than free feeding , or leaving food out all the time. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. When possible, minimize the amount of highly processed food your pup is consuming. Talk to your vet about switching your Schnoodle to a vegetarian diet if they suffer from certain health issues such as food allergies , skin issues , or even coat dullness. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Schnoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Schnoodle Coat Color And Grooming The Schnoodle coat can be black, gray, silver, brown, white, apricot, sable, black and white, black and tan, and even parti-color. The wavy coat occurs in multigenerational breeding. While Schnoodles are low-shedding dogs, they must be clipped or trimmed. The amount of grooming needed for a Schnoodle really depends on the coat of the individual dog. If your dog has the soft, wavy type of coat, brush once or twice a week to prevent tangles and mats. The Schnoodle will also need to be bathed on an as-needed basis to keep the coat soft. The best time to brush is after a bath. Drying the coat with a hair dryer will help prevent any mats from forming. Schnauzerpoo Description The Schnoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. They are good with children and get along fine with other animals. They are great watchdogs because they will let you know when someone is near, but they are non-aggressive. They not yappy dogs unless you allow them to take over your home. They love car rides. This great companion dog excels in obedience, agility, Flyball and makes an excellent therapy dogs , but they are first and foremost a loyal and loving companion! They would be fine in an apartment or on a farm, as long as they are with their family. These dogs are so loyal and affectionate they would not be happy kept outdoors. As far as exercise, the Schnoodle is very adaptable. A game of fetch played in the house or a 5-mile jog, either one is fine with them. Because the Poodle and the Schnauzer both do not shed, the Schnoodle does not shed so they must be brushed weekly and clipped every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the length of hair preferred. Their nails should be kept trimmed. The Schnoodle sheds little to no hair and is considered good for allergy sufferers. Quick to learn and can wear himself out playing. Very, very inquisitive and loves to chew his toys. Picked up his name, "fetch," "sit," "pee-pee" and "poopers" quickly although seems a little bashful. Took to the leash well. A little yappy with the neighbors and outdoor sounds. Loves people—presents his little tummy with ease. Plays hard with other dogs and doesn't share toys well. When running on "puppy power" somewhere between speed of sound and wartends to wipe out He is a little headstrong—little more coaxing required. Often willful—you can see the wheels turning. Hasn't figured out goldfish in our little pond—we're afraid he will attempt his own sushi recipe soon! Arlie is a Standard Schnoodle shown here at 9 months old. His mother was a Giant Schnauzer and dad was a Mini Poodle. Not a day goes by when people do not stop us to ask what kind of dog Arlie is. In fact, after playing with Arlie and seeing him walked daily , many people have inquired about Schnoodles. He loves to be cuddled and loved. We are fortunate to have gotten a dog that loves endless hugs, kisses and cuddles. He also loves to play tug with his rope. Doesn't matter what kind of rope as long as it's long and someone is at the other end pulling. He will drop the rope when asked and has been very easy to train. He is probably about 2 years old. His legs are very long, though, and his hair is soft and wavy. He is very affectionate, energetic and eager to learn. He is 16 inches tall at the shoulders. She is a month-old Schnoodle. We rescued her. She has a wonderful personality and she has a high energy level. She loves car rides and boating. She doesn't like to be left alone. She is a very loyal dog. She loves to play with our kids and she also loves to cuddle and give lots of kisses. She is a sweet and playful dog. Life Span Did You Know? As a cross-breed, the Miniature Schnoodle is meant to take on the best traits of both parent breeds, but they can end up with any combination of traits from one or both of the parents. Overall, Mini Schnoodles tend to be loyal dogs that are devoted and affectionate to their families. They also tend to have a very friendly disposition and a playful, energetic personality. Miniature Schnoodles are popular family pets and they often make good therapy dogs too. The Miniature Schnoodle is a small, cheerful, playful, and loving ball of fluff. They are intelligent dogs with a friendly, happy disposition and a gentle nature. Mini Schnoodles tend to get along with just about everyone including children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They tend to be a great addition to any family and a great companion for single owners too. The Mini Schndoodle is affectionate, loving, and devoted to their families. They thrive on affection and attention from their favorite humans and tend to bond closely with them. A Mini Schnoodle can also be prone to jumping up and ignoring personal space because they are so friendly and excitable. Training and socialization early on can help curb this behavior and channel it more positively. Mini Schnoodles are highly adaptable dogs. These little dogs may be energetic, but they adapt well to larger homes as well as apartments. They tend to thrive wherever they are as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They also tend to do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may need to bundle up to stay warm when winter sets in. But, having the right mix of winter dog products on hand can be a big help. Because a Mini Schnoodle tends to bond so closely to their families and owners, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. With a mixed dog breed, they can inherit the potential health concerns from both, one, or neither of their parent breeds. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing genetic issues on to puppies. Also, you can talk about any relevant health clearances or test results. Both of the parent breeds of a Miniature Schnoodle are highly intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable dog breeds. So, your Mini Schnoodle should also be a highly trainable dog that learns quickly. Oftentimes, your Mini Schnoodle will master basic commands and be ready for more advanced commands and tricks quickly if they are challenged and motivated. Although they are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level, puppy training classes can still be a good idea as they tend to offer great opportunities to brush up on training skills and to socialize a puppy. The Poodle is known for their low-shedding hypoallergenic coat, which is one of the reasons why there are so many Poodle mixes. There is no guarantee that a Schnoodle will inherit a full Poodle coat. Poodle coats need daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats. They also need professional grooming every weeks. On the Schnauzer side, weekly brushing is sufficient. However, they need regular bathing, stripping, and clipping to maintain a healthy coat. This usually means professional grooming every weeks. Checking ears on a weekly basis is usually a good routine for helping to prevent ear infections. Miniature Schnoodles tend to have moderate exercise requirements, but they also tend to match their energy levels to yours. Daily walks plus some playtime or extra activity is usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. But, if you want to do more, your Mini Schnoodle probably will too. Who knows? Your Mini Schnoodle might love taking trips to the dog park, going for a swim, learning to play frisbee , going on hikes, and more. A fully-grown Miniature Schnoodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. A Mini Schnoodle generally lives years. Although Mini or Miniature Schnoodle is the most common name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Miniature Schnauzerdoodle, a Mini Schnauzerpoo, or a Schnauzer Poodle Mix. Featured Mini Schnoodle Article. By Ashley Reyes September 9, Making the compassionate decision to buy or adopt a mini Schnoodle comes with a great deal of responsibility, both physical and financial. You probably have a few questions in mind before you bring home your smart, friendly, and loyal furry friend. So here are a few things to keep in mind. They are a funny, charming, and smart breed with an alert nature. The attentive quality of both Poodle and Schnauzer makes a Mini Schnoodles an excellent pet. The Schnauzer is a loyal, energetic and feisty dog, whereas a Poodle is an intelligent breed with strong athletic abilities. Together, you have a very smart, lively, and loyal dog! Not to mention a very cute one. Since it is a mix between a Poodle and a Schnauzer, it has different physical attributes of both breeds. The Mini Schnoodle has an expressive Schnauzer face with a typically curly Poodle coat. Together, this makes for an adorable combination. Mini Schnoodles come in a wide range of colors but are generally grey or black. Mini Poodles can be brown, white, red and black, or have a spotted appearance. When crossing Poodles and Schnauzers, you get a lot of color possibilities. Mini Schnoodles can come in solid colors like apricot, white, black, etc. They can also have a spotted or a combination coat containing different shades of white, black, grey, and brown. The wide variety in their look makes Mini Schnoodles very unique. Mini Schnoodles ranges from 6 to 10 pounds in weight and 10 to 12 inches in height. On the other hand, their standard Schnoodle counterparts weigh 20 to 75 pounds and are 15 to 26 inches tall. The Mini Schnoodle breed was initially developed during the s when pet lovers grew an interest in Poodle cross-breading. The primary goal was to create a low-shedding and low-dander breed that was ideal for families. Schnoodles have conventionally been small dogs because Schnauzer are generally smaller. The resulting breed comes in three main sizes, including standard Schnoodle, mini Schnoodle, and toy Schnoodle. The way Schnoodle genes combine and express themselves is not always in the hands of the breeder. Mini Schnoodles are not a pure breed but a hybrid. Even if the Poodle and Schnauzer used are purebred, the Mini Schnoodle is still not considered purebred. Therefore, it cannot be registered as one. Mini Schnoodles are not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, other reputable organizations, such as the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and the International Designer Canine Registry, among others, do recognize it. Mini Schnoodles are not a rare breed, but they can be difficult to find due to their high popularity. They come in a variety of colors, but the choice of color and its availability might be uncommon in certain cases. For instance, apricot Mini Schnoodles are much more common, but red Mini Schnoodles are a lot rarer to find. Larger-sized Schnoodles are more difficult to find since the most common cross utilizes a toy or miniature Schnauzer and Poodle. Besides the initial cost, you need to keep in mind the daily maintenance costs of a Mini Schnoodle as well. These generally include healthcare, grooming, food, toys, dog proofing, pet insurance, etc. Why are Mini Schnoodles so expensive? A Mini Schnoodle is a popular dog choice among pet lovers due to the many qualities they bring to the table. For this reason, they can be a little hard to find because of their non-shedding coat. Due to their high demand, the price of a Mini Schnoodle is often very high. Multicolored and trained dogs usually cost more. Similarly, colors that are in high demand will also be more expensive. The average lifespan of a Mini Schnoodle is around 10 to 18 years. Mini Schnoodles are generally healthy, but like all dogs, they are also prone to some health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, heart disease, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, patellar luxation, and liver disorders. Mini Schnoodles will be at a higher risk of developing a health condition if their parents suffer from it as well. So when buying or adopting a puppy, make sure to take a closer look at the medical history of the particular sizes being used in the breeding process. Mini Schnoodles experience a lot of health problems that are commonly found in regular Schnoodles. These include hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and luxating patella. However, in mini and toy breeds of Schnoodles, patellar luxation is more common, where one or both knees become unsteady and seldom slip out of place. Before you buy a Mini Schnoodle, be sure to ask the breeder for evidence that shows that both parents of the puppy have hip and patella certifications. Avoid breeders who cannot give proper health backgrounds of both parent dogs. Genetic testing is not the same as vet testing, and the former will save you a lot of money and hassle down the line. Depending on the exact size, age, activity level, metabolism rate, and build of your Mini Schnoodle, you can increase or decrease the quantity. The Mini Schnoodle is fun-loving like the Poodle and loyal like the Schnauzer. The protective and attentive qualities of the Schnauzer also make a Mini Schnoodle an excellent watchdog. This breed is prone to barking, but with proper training at the right age, that can be fixed. Mini Schnoodles are also less stubborn than their Schnauzer parent and less energetic than their Poodle parent, making them ideal as house pets. Mini Schnoodles are low-shedding dogs that require clipping and trimming. Whether or not they are hypoallergenic depends on their genes. The good news is because both parent dogs of Mini Schnoodles are hypoallergenic, the possibility of the puppy having the same coat is also quite high. Mini Schnoodles are an energetic breed, which means they require a certain amount of exercise every day. You should exercise your dog for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Let him run around the backyard, indulge in a game of fetch, or go for a walk at the beach. A good breeder is one who will allow and encourage you to spend time with both parents of the puppy so you can carefully assess their nature. They will also be very knowledgeable about the different breeds, have years of experience, and have a proper license to practice. A good breeder will also be able to give you several references from other clients and offer medical certifications for both dog parents. They will also never shy away from answering your queries and concerns and happily guide you throughout the process. Due to their friendly, vigilant, and loyal nature, Mini Schnoodles make great pets and watchdogs. Knowing their personality traits as well as what to expect from the breed can help you decide if they are right for you. In general, if you are looking for a cuddly pet, a workout buddy, or an alert watchdog, the Mini Schnoodle is an ideal option. Related Posts:. Can live in an apartment if given enough exercise daily. Good with Children Yes. Mini Schnoodle Size Mini Schnoodles get to the height of 12 to 15 inches .They are slightly taller than a Toy Schnoodle and slightly smaller than a Standard Schnoodle. Mini Schnoodles usually reach their full size between 7 and 10 months of age. At around 6 months they are nearly at their full adult height and for the remaining months they build up their muscle mass and weight. As they are a smaller size of Schnoodle, they have a higher price range. Smaller sized dogs of a high demand at the moment as they are considered cuter and are also more suited to urban living in an apartment than the Standard or Giant sizes. Check out the adorable Schnoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is dog advertising website based in the US that connects breeders with prospective pet parents. They screen and vet every breeder on an annual basis to make sure their puppies are of top quality as they have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills and substandard breeding practices of any kind. They also offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely. You can check out their current Schnoodle litters here. Mini Schnoodle Lifespan Mini Schnoodles live for 12 to 16 years. As a small dog size and also a cross breed, they have a long lifespan as they have a reduced risk of carrying genes for illnesses specific to the Poodle or Schnauzer breed. Mini Schnoodle Temperament Mini Schnoodles are a loyal, happy and affectionate companion dog. They love spending time with their family whether that is playing a game, exercising or just watching TV. Mini Schnoodles sometimes choose favorites in family groups which is a trait the Schnauzer is known for. They generally do love everyone but make it obvious who they prefer. Mini Schnoodles have quite a protective temperament so they make a good watch dog. They do have a reputation for barking however excessive barking can be trained out of them at a young age. Look for boredom-busting dogs toys such as ones you can hide treats inside. Other options include using ultra-sonic sound devices. Mini Schnoodles are also known to really like digging — they are a terrier mix breed after all! Give them lots of toys and things to do each day to avoid this destructive behavior. Mini Schnoodles do not shed much at all and are classified as low shedders. Both the Miniature Poodle and the Miniature Schnauzer are light shedders, so it is not a surprise that their puppies also have this trait. It is important to note that no dog can be totally non-shedding and a Schnoodle is one of the breeds that comes very close to that definition. Are Mini Schnoodles Hypoallergenic? Mini Schnoodles are classified as a hypoallergenic breed as they are low shedders and produce a minimal amount of dander. You can make your dog even more hypoallergenic by keeping up a good grooming routine as it will stop them from releasing allergens into your home. A brush down with a slicker brush every other day is ideal to remove any loose hairs. As for washing, a bath with a gentle dog shampoo every 3 months will remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris.

If you already have a Golden, how about doubling the fun by getting another one? Are Golden Retrievers better in pairs? Yes, Golden Retrievers will do better in pairs. Due to their social nature, they will have each other for constant companionship throughout the day and anytime you are away or busy. On the downside, taking care of two Golden Retriever dogs will double your chores and expenses. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! What if you can add another Golden Retriever dog to the household mix, and they could use some of their abundant energy wearing each other out instead? As you may already know, the purebred Golden Retriever was initially bred in Scotland around the s when breeders wanted a powerful hunting dog who could retrieve game from both land and water while running through the countryside all day long. Because of this, Golden Retrievers were bred to have abundant levels of energy. The rule of thumb with a Golden Retriever is you should take your pup for a minute walk at least 2 times per day more is better to keep him healthy and entertained. Between wrestling and chasing each other around the house, two Golden Retrievers will easily get their allotted exercise time each and every day. Note: While a second dog of the same breed is great, a Golden Retriever will be just as happy with a different breed of doggy companion. For the best level of exercise, however, another Golden or a breed with similar energy levels ie. Labrador Retriever would be best. This family picked out two Golden Retriever puppies right from the start! Why is this wrong? Having two dogs can be an excellent way to deal with spoiled behavior. When you go for walks, your dog will also learn to curb his urge to move around each time the other dog stops for a potty break. It Satisfies the Pack Instincts Regardless of the breed, all dogs want to live in a pack. They want to have an alpha leader to look up to, promoting their sense of overall security. It will also alleviate any separation anxiety that is common among Golden Retrievers. It Grants Your Senior Dog a New Sense of Purpose Like most large breed dogs, senior Golden Retrievers have a high risk of developing hip dysplasia, a destructive bone disease that limits their activity level. Getting a younger Golden Retriever can be the best way to rejuvenate your senior dog without demanding excessive physical activity. The older dog will teach the new member all the house rules, including where to do his business, how to react politely to visitors, how to play with kids without hurting them, and so forth. This really works! Not only did it give them a sense of purpose it seemed to make them feel more relaxed when we were away from home knowing they had a buddy in the house still. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! If they should each need veterinary treatment at the same time, it can really add up fast! If you thought one Golden could eat through a expensive 40lb bag of kibble quickly, just wait untill you see two in action! Consider grooming, for instance. Since Goldens have long, wavy coats, you should brush them at least once per week. Because Golden Retrievers have floppy ears, they may also develop nasty infections without regular ear cleaning. If you let that go for a day or two your backyard will look like poopageddon! You May Not Have Enough Space If you already have a Golden, you probably know that they can grow taller than 25 inches 63 cm and heavier than 60 pounds 27 kgs. In that case, you could still reap the benefits of getting a second dog by opting for a smaller breed, such as a Pug, Basset Hound, Boston Terrier, or even a Miniature Goldendoodle. Check out the following tips to ensure that your dogs get along well, especially when first introduced. Pick Neutral Ground For Introductions No matter how friendly your Golden Retriever is, his territorial instincts could kick in if a new dog invades his personal space all of a sudden. Encourage them to sniff and play together, but keep an eye out for the following signs of aggression so that you can intervene right away if necessary: Growling. Naturally, one would assume that having two of a good thing is better than one! Owning two Golden Retrievers means twice the fun, cuddles, and love! Golden Retrievers are highly social, and owning two means that they would have each other to play with, and keep each other company while you are away or busy. But, there are many downsides as well, owning two means double everything! Golden Retrievers do best when they are in the company of their family. It takes time for your Golden to adapt and accept another Golden into the household. Owning two means they will become best friends. Well, having two means twice the fun, laughs, love and cuddles! One might be very sweet and submissive, while the other may be more assertive. A common dilemma that many owners face is whether to get a male or female Golden Retriever. In fact, many fellow Golden Retriever owners enjoy having two dogs of the same sex, without experiencing any issues like dominance or aggressiveness. But, also because your older Golden Retriever will be able to teach the younger one new tricks. Your older Golden will be a role model for your younger one, making things like potty training, basic commands, and rules of the house much easier and faster to learn. Since most dogs naturally go potty where other dogs have gone, potty training can be accomplished with fewer problems. But, having two Golden Retrievers, will alleviate some of your responsibility, especially because they will do most of their playing together. Two Golden Retrievers means plenty of wrestling sessions, chasing each other, tug-of-war, and tiring each other out. Con 1: Double Everything! Cost, Work, Hair, Etc. Owning one Golden Retriever is expensive, it requires plenty of work and devotion from you, and you certainly need a lot of patience. And one Golden Retriever produces plenty of dog hair and dog poop! But, owning two Golden Retrievers means double everything! Plus the time and effort it takes to brush and bathe two Goldens. Owning two dogs means that you will need to allocate time to spend with each one on an individual basis. This means extra time spent going for walks, training, playing and grooming. Can your couch accommodate two full-size Goldens laying on it, plus yourself? Or, will you find yourself sitting on the floor while your two Goldens occupy your couch? Owning one Golden Retriever means giving up half of your couch and your bed. But, owning two means you might have to sacrifice your own comfort or invest in twice the furniture! Having two Goldens means you need plenty of space, not only in your home but also in your vehicle. This is especially true when it comes to fighting over food, toys, and your attention. Adding a second Golden Retriever to the household, suddenly means your current dog has to share your attention, love, and food. It could lead to competition and jealousy between the two dogs. It certainly is devastating for you to have to say goodbye, but, it is just as devastating for your remaining Golden to lose a best friend. Owning two Goldens means eventually the time will come when one dog outlives the other. Some will whine and cry out for their best friend, become lethargic and depressed, and many will search their home, yard and neighbourhood for their best friend. The more bonded your two Goldens are, the more difficult it will be when you lose one. Many owners find that adding another Golden to the household helps the other dog heal, as well as themselves. Con 6: Bad Habits Can Form If your current Golden Retriever has some bad habits, you can guarantee that those bad habits will be taught to the younger one. Make sure your current Golden is fully trained and obedient, before introducing a second Golden to the mix. This, however, can be reversed as well. For instance, a younger Golden can teach your older one some new bad habits as well. Training sessions and spending equal amounts of time with each dog individually can help to curb some of the bad habits. Their current Golden is amazing, and they just want a second one. They feel their current Golden could use a companion. Here are some important things you need to consider beforehand: Your Financial Situation Can you afford to properly care for two Golden Retrievers? Adding a second Golden Retriever to your family will certainly pull on the purse strings! The cost of food and treats, toys, grooming, vet bills, pet insurance, training, and other expenses quickly add up. You need to be sure that you are financially capable of caring for two Golden Retrievers. Consider how your current Golden will feel about sharing his home, toys, and your love and attention with another dog. Very few Golden Retrievers accept a new dog into their household right away, usually, there is a lengthy adjustment period lasting a few weeks to a few months. There are also a few instances where adding a second Golden has not worked out. This usually results in having to rehome the new dog. Before making the commitment, be sure to evaluate your current Golden Retriever, and if they enjoy being around other dogs, their energy level, play style, and health. Sure, the two of them will keep each other company and play together, but, they will both want your attention as well. Your new Golden Retriever will require plenty of your time and commitment to train and bond with, and your current Golden will require your attention equally to prevent feeling neglected. Space Having enough space for two full-size Golden Retrievers is an important factor to consider. When fully grown, these dogs range in height from 51 to 61 centimetres and weigh anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds or more. Goldens can easily adapt to smaller homes, as well as apartment living. That is as long as they get plenty of daily activity in the form of exercise and mental stimulation. Some, however, enjoy being motherly toward them and taking them under their wing. Age is an important factor to consider. If you currently have a senior, a puppy might bring out the playfulness in him, but it could also wear him out and affect his health and mobility. Typically, the most compatible arrangement is having two Goldens of similar ages, at least 2 years apart, so that they will have the same energy level. It just means you might have to step in and ensure the puppy is not too rambunctious for your older one. Gender Most dog experts agree that dogs of the opposite sex get along better than dogs of the same sex. Plus, for many Golden Retriever owners, having both a male and a female allows them to enjoy both genders. While gender is an important factor to consider, it is more important to consider compatibilities, such as temperament and personality. Two alpha males and two alpha females are likely to have jealousy and aggressive tendencies. This is easier if you are bringing home a puppy, but can also be accomplished when bringing home an adult. You can rub a blanket, towel, toy, sock, or any other item on the puppy, and bring the item home with you for your current Golden to sniff. This way neither dog will feel like their territory is being invaded. Let both Goldens sniff each other, and become familiar with each other. Once both dogs are comfortable around each other, you can return the items. Many Golden Retrievers become territorial over food, and an incident can occur. Supervise Play For the first little while, and especially if you have a puppy and an older dog, you will want to supervise their playtime. A young puppy can be too exuberant for a senior dog, as well as a bigger dog can hurt a puppy by accident. I have heard of too many close calls, from dogs almost being strangled because their collar got caught. But, realistically, you should expect there to be an adjustment period. It could take days, weeks, or even months for the two of them to accept each other. This short video demonstrates the adjustment period of Sterling and Colin, the same two Golden Retrievers we watched in the video above. However, there are certainly many factors to take into consideration such as your financial situation, and how your current Golden feels about sharing his home and you with another companion. Are you thinking of adding a second Golden Retriever to your family? Do you currently own two Golden Retrievers? Share your thoughts, experience, and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Golden Retrievers: 0. First, you might choose to bring home two puppies at once, usually littermates. Or, you might opt to get one Golden Retriever and then later on add a puppy or another adult Golden. Perhaps the idea of separating your puppy from their family makes you sad and you think that bringing home two will make it easier for them. Maybe the breeder suggested that you take two puppies. Or you think the idea of having two puppies at once seems like double the cuteness and fun, and that you can just get the puppy stage done with both dogs all at once. Are any of these ideas true? What is Littermate Syndrome? Littermate syndrome is when two puppies from the same litter , or two puppies from different litters but similar ages, are raised together and develop problematic behavior issues. There are several main categories of undesirable behavior that are associated with littermate syndrome: aggression, separation distress, fear of novelty, and lack of human-dog bond. Aggression In some cases, you might see that two Golden Retrievers display aggressive behavior towards each other, or toward others, both dog and human. Often the aggression arises around the time of adolescence or social maturity 6 months to 18 months. The two dogs might start having more conflict, whereas before they got along without issue. One dog might start becoming a bully towards the other. Perhaps intense conflicts break out over toys or bones. Maybe fights come out of nowhere without any apparent provocation. This can be extremely distressing to witness as an owner, and obviously frightening for the recipient. Two dogs snarling, barking and lunging at another dog or a person is probably not what you signed up for when you brought home a pair of fluffy Golden puppies. Separation Distress Another common result of littermate syndrome is intense separation distress. This can start much earlier than the aggression discussed above, and even puppies three months or four months old can show distress when separated from their littermate. Puppies or dogs might start screaming or thrashing around if separated even a short time or distance. You can imagine how hard this can make life for both you and the dogs. If one dog needs to go to the vet or have surgery, the other dog will be panicked. Crating or otherwise confining them separately might be impossible. Even trying to train them separately could be met with extreme anxiety from your pair of pups. Fear of Novelty This one sounds a little odd, but another way littermate syndrome can manifest is through the dogs showing fear of novelty, also known as neophobia. This can start when the littermates are young, and can worsen as they get older. They might show strong fear of new people or dogs, as well as new locations, environments or objects. Lack of Human-Dog Bond Because the two littermates spend so much time together, they may bond more closely with each other than with their human family. This hyper-attachment with each other can result in two dogs that care way more about each other than you, or what you have to say. Getting their attention might be a real struggle. They might blow you off when you call in favor of continuing to wrestle and play. Littermates may be so preoccupied with each other that they never really develop a social bond with you or your family. Your two Golden Retrievers may struggle to learn house rules and boundaries, and it can be harder for them to understand how to regulate themselves emotionally. Training can also be a challenge, as mentally, they are more focused on their sibling. Ask any experienced dog trainer, behavior consultant, or veterinary behaviorist, and they will tell you that littermate syndrome can happen when someone brings two pups home. And despite this breed being notoriously social, sweet and bonded with their humans, it can happen with Golden Retrievers. Bringing home two puppies does not necessarily mean they are doomed to experience littermate syndrome, but it is absolutely something to be mindful of and to proactively avoid it from happening. Want to potty train your Golden Retriever puppy fast? Click here to get the Potty Training Cheat Sheet! What Causes Littermate Syndrome? Again, there have not been formal studies, but there are some likely factors to which littermate syndrome can be attributed. You might know two people that have an unhealthy attachment, maybe romantic partners, a parent and child, or friends. The relationship impedes normal social, emotional, and mental development, and has a negative impact in other areas of their life. This is exactly what can happen with canine littermates too. They are missing out on some critical development due to this hyper-attachment. Behavior like aggression or separation distress may arise out of that unhealthy attachment. The thought is that they can entertain each other and tire each other out, which will make your job as the owner easier. The cost to this is that they are then spending a lot of time together, rather than getting one-on-one time with their owners, which is so crucial to properly raising a puppy. This lack of individualized attention may contribute to the dogs not closely bonding with their humans. Letting two pups spend all day every day together without enough solo time and attention could potentially lead to littermate syndrome. Lack of Training Training two Golden Retriever puppies at once is nearly impossible! It will be hectic, frustrating and confusing for both you and the puppies. In order to effectively teach anything, you will have to dedicate time to work with each puppy individually, which means double the time spent training. Some people might not have the time to train each puppy one-on-one, or may just not have the desire to put in double the effort. Training is also an excellent way to bond with your puppy, and so if training is minimal, you will miss out on a crucial opportunity to bond with each pup. Lack of Proper Socialization Socialization is critical to raising a confident, well-behaved dog. The prime time for socialization is before sixteen weeks of age. What your puppy learns and experiences during these first sixteen weeks of age can have a permanent effect on their temperament and behavior. Just like with training, socialization needs to be a one-on-one activity. Again, this means double the socialization, which is a huge time and energy investment for you. Each puppy needs to meet new people and new dogs away from the other puppy. Each puppy needs to visit new environments and have new experiences without their sibling. Each puppy will need to be walked individually. They may always need their sibling next to them in order to feel okay about the world. Lack of one-on-one socialization also leaves a gap in their relationship with you as their owner. Learning about the world with you as their guide creates a strong, positive relationship. Without that foundation, your puppy may choose to take their cues from their puppy sibling, instead of you, which can be very frustrating as they grow up. How To Avoid Littermate Syndrome As mentioned previously, littermate syndrome is not a guaranteed outcome if you do bring home two puppies. The idea that bringing home two puppies will make your job as their owner easier could not be more wrong. Properly training, socializing and raising two puppies at the same time is double the work. The obvious solution to preventing littermate syndrome is to only bring home one puppy. Life with a single Golden Retriever puppy is plenty busy and you completely avoid the risks associated with littermate syndrome. But if you are set on getting two puppies and fully understand the responsibility and risk associated with this, or you already have two, here are some ways that you can prevent littermate syndrome from happening with your pair of pups. This is absolutely crucial to building a strong relationship with your puppies. Play with each puppy one-on-one. Go on walks with each puppy individually. Romp around the yard with them separately. So to counteract any potential for hyper-attachment, commit to spending one-on-one time with each puppy. They may become very distressed if they are separated, which might include destructive behavior, barking, peeing or pooping , or even self-injury. When you work on this in addition to spending one-on-one time with each puppy, you set everyone up for success for the times where one dog needs to go to the vet and the other needs to stay home, for example. Train and Socialize Each Pup Individually While your pair of pups might be two peas in a pod, they are, in fact, two unique individuals, and should be treated as such. Each Golden Retriever puppy has their own distinct temperament, strengths, and weaknesses. Treating the puppies as a unit does them a disservice and might create issues as they mature. Perhaps one puppy can chill in their crate and practice their confinement skills while you work on training the other puppy. You will likely find that each puppy learns things at different paces, and what was easy for one puppy is harder for the other, and vice versa. Spending training time with them individually will help you learn about their unique personality so you can help them really shine. Likewise, socialization should also be done one-on-one. Socialization is a process of exposing your puppy to the world in a way that builds their confidence and teaches them how to feel and act in various environments. Introducing your Goldens to new people, other dogs, new locations, new experiences, new surfaces, new sounds, etc. For example, you take one puppy with you on an errand to a local dog-friendly gardening store. You notice that they are scared when someone else enters the store with a big dog. Your puppy cowers and bit and hides behind you. Ideally, you want each puppy learning how to confidently move through the world with you as their guide. You want them to learn that you are trustworthy and to look to you if they are unsure or scared. Double the Fun, Double the Trouble Bringing home two Golden Retriever puppies has the potential to be a highly rewarding experience, or a disaster waiting to happen. If you are dedicated to putting in the effort to help each puppy mature into a happy, confident, well-behaved dog, it can potentially have a positive outcome. You can always add another puppy to the family when they are more mature and well trained. This is generally a better way to go about it if you want to have two or more! Golden Retrievers. It allows you time to fully bond with your first dog and focus on their training and socialization before you get a second. Typically, things will go more smoothly by getting the two dogs with some time in between, but there are certainly considerations to keep in mind to set everyone up for success from the start. Now, no dog is perfect and they all have their little quirks, but if your current Golden loves to bark out the windows at every passerby, just imagine two Goldens engaging in that behavior. Dogs are social learners and they do learn from each other. You should feel overall comfortable with what your current dog might teach the newcomer. That terrible counter-surfing behavior might get way worse now that your attention is split between your dog and the new pup. You want to feel happy with where things are at with the current dog. However, it is generally a good idea to wait until two years old so that you have really formed a positive relationship with your first dog and have good habits in place. Is it possible to bring home another Golden Retriever when your first one is, say, one year old? Yes, but it might be more work for you. Every dog is different and some older dogs genuinely love interacting with puppies, while others find them to be utterly annoying. Some dogs just adore puppies while others find them repulsive. If your dog has positive, but more lowkey feelings about other dogs, then your process might move along at a quicker pace. Pick a Location First, decide on where the two dogs will meet for the first time. If your dog regularly has playdates at your house and is okay with sharing their space with other dogs, then setting up the first meeting at home might be an option. That way by the time the newcomer is in the house, your older dog is at least aware that they exist and knows their smell. Pick a Time Sometimes picking up your puppy from the breeder is an adventure in itself with road trips and flights involved. And that can mean your puppy might get home at a really odd time. Midnight may not be the ideal time to have your adult dog meet the new baby. Giving them a nice walk before they meet their new sibling can help your dog feel content and more relaxed when the meeting happens. You really need to know your dog and proactively set them up for the most possible success. You can put the puppy in the exercise pen and let them sniff and say hi through the pen at first, which can give you an idea of how both parties are feeling. Loose, wiggly, waggy body language is a positive indication. Signs that a dog is unsure or fearful include tucked tail, cowering, stiff body, hard stare, freezing in place, and growling or snapping. While this might seem sad, it can go a long way to keep everyone safe, and is a completely humane precaution to take. A basket muzzle allows dogs to pant, eat and drink, but prevents teeth from making any contact. If you feel a muzzle is necessary, you should also hire a professional trainer to help you facilitate the meeting process. Plus, getting professional help is never a bad idea. How to Integrate a New Dog with Your Dog Beyond the initial meet and greet, there is the whole process of integrating the new puppy into daily life with your current dog. Again, this requires some planning and strategy to ensure everyone is safe and happy. Management Tools It can help to let them drag light leashes around the house, at least for the first few days, so that you can easily redirect them if needed. This prevents you from having to manhandle your dog or puppy, which can sometimes make them uncomfortable and stressed. It is unrealistic to expect your dog and puppy to spend all day everyday together without issues. Your puppy will get overexcited. Your dog might be too exuberant and you will worry they will squish the baby. Use management strategies like crates , gates , leashes , and pens to give them separate spaces. Your adult Golden might not be too keen on this new punk puppy trying to lick up kibble crumbs while they are still eating dinner, so have a plan for keeping them separate during meal times to prevent any resource guarding issues. Similarly, things like toys and bones can become points of contention, depending on the dog. Or maybe they want to just sniff the toy your older dog is playing with. Keeping an eye out for these situations, and running interference when needed, can go a long way to get your two-dog household off to a good start. Play Times Always monitor play times to ensure that each dog is safe and having fun. You can call them over periodically for some treats and then give them a little down time before allowing them to go back to playing. Alone Time Any time you cannot be actively supervising the two dogs, confine them separately. Separate Spaces Provide them both with their own comfy places to relax. You might find that your puppy struggles to settle with your other dog around, or vice versa. Giving them each their own space, using a gate, crate or pen, can help them learn how to coexist peacefully without constantly erupting into play. Expect Some Bumps in the Road This can be a rocky process sometimes, and just know that is normal. You might find that your existing dog picks up a new bad habit when the puppy comes home. Remember that you have plenty of time to integrate the new pup into your home with your current dog. Do not rush the process! There is always the disappointing possibility that your current dog just cannot cope with another dog in the home. Some dogs truly do best being the only dog in the family. Getting help from a certified dog behavior consultant can help you evaluate your situation and process making a hard decision if necessary. Work on teaching the puppy new skills without your other dog, and then you can add them in as a distraction while you continue to strengthen their skills. Balance all this new attention on the puppy with some quality one-on-one time with your adult Golden Retriever. They used to be the solo light of your life, and now they are sharing you with a new puppy. While the puppy naps, perhaps you go for a walk at the park or hit up a favorite trail for a fun hike. Twice as Nice There is a lot to love about life with two Golden Retrievers. It can really help to have realistic expectations before you become a two-Golden family. Have a plan, and a plan B. The key is to be consistent with proactively avoiding negative interactions and unwanted behavior, while fostering positive interactions and behavior. Do you have two Golden Retrievers? Would you recommend it? Let us know down in the comments! And if you liked this article, check out the ultimate guide to raising a Golden Retriever puppy. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Related articles:. So, is adding a second golden retriever to the family a good idea? But what are the pros and cons? If your golden has separation anxiety, another dog will really help them out. No more fighting about who is going to pet or play with them because now you have two. When your retriever has a buddy, it can make them feel more secure They will never be alone or lonely Retrievers are cheerful dogs and one of them can light up your life so can you imagine what two of them will do. If the first dog is well trained, the second dog will copy most of their actions and make training them on commands much easier The cons Cleaning up will be a pickle because now you will clean up after two which means more hair all over your place You will need to make more budget for their food and needs, there will be twice the vet bills as well. Your retriever might be the jealous type which will make adding a new retriever to the family harder. You will need more energy for exercising two energetic retrievers Training two dogs will be more difficult if the first one is not already well trained. If they are chewers then it means twice the damage control Also, two dogs mean twice the potty pickups Want to learn more about how you life changes with a second golden retriever? Read my post on why are golden retrievers better in pairs here. So here is how you should introduce your second golden retriever to both your family members and first dog. Step 1: let the dog approach the children and not the other way around because the new dog might feel threatened and will snap in self-defense. Step 2: tell your children to sit down while holding a toy to encourage the puppy to approach them. Step 5: prevent any hugs or cuddles till the dog is completely ready for them. Step 6: After the first meeting, ask your children to give the puppy some space so they can explore the new environment. Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs, and they almost always get together super well, so this will be quite easy, but you still need to do a bit of effort. Step 5: for the meeting take them both out for a walk never introduce them inside the house. Step 6: you should take your first retriever in front of you and the new retriever behind with the person who is helping you. While you are both walking, start slowly to work your way to get them closer to each other. Step 8: After a minute of sniffing, start walking again, you need to keep their first interactions short and nice. Step 9: repeat the whole walking and sniffing part several times until they are both calm. Step since they both seem calm, you can bring both dogs inside the house, let your first retriever enter first then allow him to welcome the new retriever. Step give your new retriever more space in the house so they can adjust and explore the house. If you have a backyard, you can let the dogs run around and play together but still limit their playtime and keep it short a first. Do not leave them alone together Important Tips for introducing your second golden retriever Give both of the dog love and attention equally Keep their feeding areas separated Keep them both active, for example, take them for a walk or find an activity that can be both fun and burn out all their extra energy. Watch out for any signs of stress or aggression, if you do notice any sign of stress, reduce their time together. Golden retrievers are the best family dog because they are great with both humans and animals, getting a second retriever will be great because they will be both super friendly, however, golden retrievers are rarely aggressive but if they get jealous they can display some unwelcoming signs to the new dogs. So the most important thing is to spend time with each one of them equally and love them both unconditionally. If you liked this article you can share it with your friends and family, they might be considering adding a second dog to their family and it can help them as well, also It would make me really happy and grateful. Related Questions Is it good to have two golden retrievers? Can you have 2 male golden retrievers? What is the best age to add a second dog? The best age to add a second dog is one year according to many behaviorists because it can take up to six months for any dog to adjust to their new home then they take six more months to bond in the right way with their owner and to learn your commands and house rules. Helpful Resources. Many people who have a dog often ask themselves whether they should get another. I did! I often asked myself; Does my golden retriever need a companion? He is a social dog and will not have any issues adjusting especially when he spent his puppy life in a multi-dog family environment. Many fellow Golden Retriever owners say that having a pair of Goldens is a good thing. Golden Retrievers are known to be very social dogs, and always get along well with other Goldens. Before bringing a new puppy or adult Golden dog into your home, it is important to evaluate your current Golden and carefully assess if having a second golden dog will be beneficial. Here are ten things you may want to think about when asking yourself if getting a second dog is a good idea. Dog ownership cost has to be a top consideration. Food, vet bills, dog care supplies, and pet insurance can add up to a hefty amount. It is important to make sure your household budget can cater to owning a second dog. Everything works out if you plan well. How will your dog feel? It is crucial to consider how a second dog will make your first dog feel. Your first dog is used to being the only companion and might act upset or jealous and develop anxiety. So, consider a thorough assessment evaluation of your current dog before adding a second dog. Another Golden Retriever is the best companion dog for your Golden Retriever. However, Golden Retriever also gets along well with most other breeds of dogs. If you are considering a different breed, read up on their different character traits and behavior to make sure it is a good match. To further your dog breed education, consult your veterinarian and connect with other Golden Retriever owners who currently have a two-dog household. Gender Matters: Male or Female Dog? Gender plays an important role in whether your second dog will get along with your current dog. And, many experts tend to agree on this as sometimes bringing a same-sex second dog into the home can create problems: Female dogs can often display jealousy to each other, and male dogs may show aggression to each other. In our case, we did not follow this rule and decided to welcome another male dog into our household. No aggression and jealousy occurred. Is it better to get a puppy as a second dog? A puppy is always a temptation, but it may not be a good idea especially if you have an elderly or sick older dog. Do You Have the Space? Having adequate space to play and for comfortable living, eating and sleeping is another important factor. Golden Retrievers are considered big dogs but can definitely live in a small home as long as you provide adequate exercise, mental stimulation, proper training, and routine grooming. Do You Have the Time? As much as two dogs can keep each other company, they will still want a piece of you. So before you decide whether you should get another dog, make sure you can provide both dogs the energy and attention they both need; especially the new dog that will require a lot of your time. A good play routine for each dog is one way to stay on top of this requirement. Make sure you have your first dog fully-trained before introducing a second dog. Any new dog will learn from the older dog. Remember you will have to contribute a lot of your time and energy to this process also. So be honest and ask yourself — Do you have the ability to commit to all the responsibilities for another dog? Is a second dog really the right decision for your family? Having a second dog is double the joy if it is done for the right reasons. Does your family want a second dog? Make sure to include your whole family in making decisions. Owning dogs involve a huge commitment. Are you in for the long haul? When life changes occur unexpectedly, your family must be able to continue providing the best life for your dogs. No matter what, bringing a dog into your home will change your life. There are lots of responsibilities to having two dogs, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Two dogs mean double the fun, love, and will definitely keep you active. Be prepared to plan your life and your time around your dogs. Adding another dog to your life is a big decision and will definitely enrich your life. Hopefully, the above points will help you to decide if getting a second dog is a good idea. But one thing is for sure if you do it right — two dogs equal twice the fun, happiness, unconditional love, and enjoyable companionship for everyone around. 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