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Pinterest Goldendoodle puppy supplies: The ultimate list Oh. So that probably means you or someone you know are about to become a new puppy parent—and will soon be looking into the adoring eyes of a sweet Goldendoodle puppy. In fact, many dog parents have asked us about Goldendoodle puppy supplies. Teething toys. Goldendoodle accessories. Dog crates. Grooming tools. Please feel free to use it as your shopping list. When to get your Goldendoodle puppy supplies But first things first. We recommend that you buy the essentials for your Goldendoodle puppy before you bring your puppy home rather than waiting until after the big day. What do I need for my Goldendoodle puppy? For easy scanning, our list of Goldendoodle supplies is organized by activity— meal time, bed time, potty time, grooming time, play time, and training time. Goldendoodle puppy supplies for bedtime and nap time 1. Dog crate There are so many benefits to teaching your Goldendoodle puppy to enjoy the security and comfort of a dog crate. A natural disaster where you need a safe place to keep your dog in the hours following the event. Two of our favorites that we use are the Midwest Homes for Pets dog crate and the Petmate dog kennel. Yes, Goldendoodles and all dogs need their teeth brushed! Need supplies for every age and stage of your Goldendoodle? Take a look at our Goldendoodle supplies list. All products in the store have been used and recommended by us and our Doods. Goldendoodle accessories 4. But what size? In the photo below, you can see the size of her first puppy collar compared to the size of the rolled leather collar she wears now. Think of this first leash as an all-purpose leash that you can use for taking your puppy out to go potty, to the vet, etc. Cross-body leash The cross-body leash has been a game changer for our family! We used this style of leash to keep our puppy close to us while inside our home. For example, there are times when you need to be hands-free while keeping your inquisitive puppy nearby and out of trouble. The cross-body leash makes this possible! Goldendoodle puppy supplies for mealtime happiness 7. Then ask your veterinarian about the quality of the food and whether you will need to make a switch. If your puppy needs to transition away from the current puppy food to another formula, your vet will outline how to transition slowly to avoid tummy upset. Stainless steel food and water bowls We like stainless steel bowls because they are durable and resistant to bacteria. Measuring cup or kitchen food scale A measuring cup might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of puppy supplies. I want to do everything in my power to help them live their best lives—way beyond the average lifespan for a Goldendoodle. Just by keeping our dogs at their ideal weight, they can live up to two years longer! Training treats Goldendoodle puppies are eager to learn and eager to please you. Training treats are essential for teaching your puppy…positively. We like treats that are small, soft, made in the USA, and have very few ingredients. If you have any questions about which treats are right for your Goldendoodle puppy, talk with your vet at the first puppy wellness visit. Puppy shampoo and conditioner Puppies and dogs need a shampoo formulated especially for canines. Soft bristled dog brush When your Goldendoodle is a puppy, the goal of brushing is simply to help your Goldendoodle puppy get used to the concept, experience the feel of brushing, and make it fun. Since it is less about the brush itself and more about the act of brushing, just having a soft bristled brush on hand will work. Steel pet grooming comb It seems like brushes take center stage when pet parents think about grooming. But a good comb is equally as important. We love the Andis steel comb. As you can see in the photos below, I use this comb for both our adult Goldendoodle and also for our Goldendoodle puppy. Yes, the same one. It was a game changer for me. I recommend it after your puppy begins the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition. Both have been a game changer for happier nail trims. If you accidentally clip the quick the blood and nerve supply of the toenail , styptic powder helps control the bleeding. Dog grooming table If you decide to groom your Goldendoodle at home, a dog grooming table makes it so much easier. But I wanted to put it on your radar. We purchased the Flying Pig Grooming Table and have loved it! On our trip home with our Goldendoodle puppy, we used the puppy wipes to clean her paws after each potty break. Goldendoodle puppy supplies for potty time Your puppy will have accidents in your home. Cleaning up after an accident with an enzymatic cleaner makes it less likely that your puppy will sniff out the urine smell and want to return to the same spot. Over time, she started ringing the bell herself. It really does make picking up the poo in the yard easier. Paper towels and bath towels Yes, these are staples for puppies…because poop, pee, and muddy dog paws happen. Poopy bags Stick a few in your pocket so they are always handy. Our motto? Safety first and happiness will follow! Puppy chew toys The Kong puppy binky has been a huge hit for our F1 Goldendoodle puppy, the newest member of our pack. The soft rubber allows her to get a good grip with her puppy teeth. Keep the binky for the youngsters only. Puppy fetch balls The question for many Goldendoodle parents is not whether to buy a fetch ball , but how many! We have many fetch balls, but a couple of stand outs are the Chuckit Breathe Right ball and the Playology scented ball. Treat dispensing dog ball or toy A treat dispensing toy is a great way to slow down mealtime for your puppy. The Bob-A-Lot tops our list of interactive food dispensing toys. Puppy-sized classic Kong toy There is a reason that Kong dog toys are staples in many households—ours included! Kong toys are durable, easy to fill with a puppy treat, and most puppies love them! The Classic Kong Puppy Toy shown below is designed for puppies and made from a softer version of the Classic Kong rubber. Puppy gate Goldendoodle puppies are very curious. You may want to place puppy gates or baby gates around your home to minimize the places where your puppy can explore. Always supervise your puppy and make sure gates are puppy safe and securely fastened. For our Goldendoodle puppy, we purchased two. A dog first aid kit is part of that philosophy and a common sense item to have in your home. Pet insurance There are many different points of view about pet insurance. Puppy ID tag No one wants to think about a new puppy getting lost. But if the worst happens, having a puppy ID tag with your contact information on it could be a lifesaver. You can find a wide variety of puppy ID tags that can be personalized on Amazon. Additionally, you can talk with your vet about microchipping your puppy. Animal poison control phone number Accidents can happen so quickly. Now is a great time to add a pet poison control phone number to your contacts list on your phone. Note: Using their hotline number may require a consultation fee. To go along with training, you may want to consider purchasing a dog treat pouch that you can wear around your waist. Goldendoodle puppy supplies for travel time Will you be traveling with your new puppy? You might want to have a travel bag at the ready. Here are some travel time supplies that we keep packed in a travel bag: Collapsible food and water bowls , travel-sized food pouch, poopy sacks, travel toys, paw wipes, and a car safety harness or travel-sized crate. A name as perfect as your Goldendoodle puppy Now that you have a good start on what to buy your puppy, you may be ready to think about what to name your sweet Goldendoodle. To make shopping easier, print out this list and check each item off as you make your purchases. Preparing Your Home — The Basics Besides stocking up all of the required supplies a Goldendoodle puppy could possibly need, you should also take extra precautions to make sure that your home is properly prepared for a highly active and adventurous little puppy. Are they able to sniff around? Some of the things you should prepare in your home before the puppy arrives are: 1. Designated Daily Area Constantly looking after an energetic puppy is quite a challenge, so creating an enclosed area or room for them to live in will help you a lot. And preparing such a room before your puppy arrives is strongly advised. The designated daily area should contain a crate, some water, and food bowls, a bunch of toys, puppy treats, and some nearby cleaning products to use when needed. Designated House-Training Area As with several other types of training, house training should begin immediately after your puppy has moved in. Build a little area in the backyard of your home where the pup will be able to go do their business. Designated Sleeping Area Several studies have concluded that having your puppy sleep in a crate next to your bed and not in some other room of the house, will lead to a much more successful situation for your pup. All you really need to equip a crate with is a waterproof mat and some comforting toys or an old rag from the breeder. Remember to ask for something like that when picking up your puppy! Final Check Of Your Home As mentioned earlier, your new Goldendoodle puppy will most likely surprise you constantly with their enthusiasm and curiosity that never ends. A puppy is basically a toddler or baby, and we all know how important it is to keep all choking hazards far away from those. Their teeth, biting, chewing, and so on. And when you bring a new puppy home, remember that they might not have received any valuable training, which is why you should immediately be training when they get home to you, but even with training, you can still expect their habits of chewing and biting can be quite intense for the first few weeks. This is why I would recommend that you get a bunch of some proper puppy toys as that will be extremely beneficial for both you and your dog. The best toys for Doodle puppies include: Hard, durable chew toys. These types of toys are usually produced from hard rubber or plastic as has massagers and small recesse. Interactive toys. Chew bones. Known for being very durable, chew bones are often found with a slight flavor to make sure your puppy Is attracted to it and these toys are really great all-round products. Soft training toys. These toys should only be used for training where the toy will serve as a high-value reward for your pup after successfully completing a specific training exercise. The tips below will hopefully help you better understand what you should do in common situations new puppy owners often find themselves in. Use Comforters What I mean by comforters, is that you use something that your little pup will be able to associate with either your or their mother. It can be anything like the shape, texture, or smell of that item that invokes a sense of calm in your dog. These things combined will remind your puppy how it feels to have their mother right beside them. And other puppy owners are also giving them high recommendations. Goldendoodle puppies are highly intelligent, and will usually quickly be able to link your chosen command to bathroom time. When your dog finally does manage to do all of its business in the designated spot, even if that involves that you had to carry him all the way there, make sure you give your dog a lot of love and praise. The most important factor to a well-behaved dog is positive reinforcement. This is another thing that will make it much easier on the puppy when transitioning into this brand-new life. And cleaning up any potty mistakes will also be much easier if that area has some type of hard flooring. The safety of your puppy should always be your number one concern when having to leave them alone in the house. Wait until two weeks after the puppy has had their second round of vaccinations. As a trusted online marketplace, PuppySpot connects potential pet owners with responsible breeders and shelters across the United States, ensuring that you only deal with ethical and trustworthy sources. They can help you find the perfect puppy that fits your lifestyle and needs. Each Goldendoodle puppy comes with a comprehensive health guarantee, providing you with peace of mind knowing that your new puppy is in good health. They give back to the pet community by supporting various animal-related charities and initiatives. Overall, PuppySpot offers a convenient and ethical way to find your Goldendoodle puppy. Final Words So that was my new Goldendoodle puppy checklist, and by following even half of the advice given, you will be as prepared as you possibly can be before bringing home your new Goldendoodle puppy. Adopting a puppy and training them so they turn into great pets takes time and effort, but the result, in the end, will be worth all the hard work, as your dog grows up to be a fantastic member of your family. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Cart Puppy Shopping Checklist Below are some of the items you should consider when preparing for your new Moss Creek Goldendoodle puppy. You will not need everything listed before your puppy arrives - this list is intended to help you consider all your puppy's basic needs. You can print this and take it with you when you are shopping for your new puppy. General Paper towels - a lot of paper towels. Then use old towels. Once puppy is reliably crate trained, a "real" crate bed can be used. Old Blanket or Towel s to cover wire Crate. Acrylic Fake Nail file, cardboard with sandpaper type, for smoothing nails, if desired. Hydrogen Peroxide - to induce vomiting, if necessary. Baby Gate s - Try baby supply stores and Target - generally more choices and cheaper than pet stores Beware that horizontal bars provide a foot-hold for climbing puppies. Also consider spacing between bars, as some times it is large enough for little puppies to get caught. Storage bin for dry food - air tight. Poop Scooper I. Tag - See boomerangtags. They also sell collars with tags included for the smaller sized dogs. You can also make them yourself at PetSmart or PetCo. Wire Crate for crate training - Double door folding crate with divider. Check out the Crate Shopping page for the crate we use and recommend. Medium - Standard sized Goldendoodles need at least a 42 inch crate - If you have room, get the 48 inch. Doodles sleep stretched out like frogs. They like a lot of room to be comfortable. Small Doodles can use a 36 inch crate. This will work for them for several months. Smaller for mini-small Goldendoodle puppies. Food and water bowls stainless steel or ceramic, no plastic. Waste Bags Poochie-Bells to hang by back door. Helps with house training - they learn to ring the bell to alert you that they need to go out. I highly recommend them for house training your new puppy. Nutrition is incredibly important for our puppies, and we want to make sure that we are in compliance with current, science-based recommendations. Read more about this Food on our Puppy Food page. Your puppy will start them at 6 weeks old. You cannot purchase these at the pet store, you will need to order them online. Visit our NuVet Vitamin page to order online or call order code - .Shop NuVet Vitamins Chews, Treats and Toys Puppies don't need a lot of treats for the first month until they are about 12 weeks old - treats can upset their stomachs and cause diarrhea. It's best to treat them with pieces of their dog food and lots of praise. You have found the puppy of your dreams and you are probably feeling really excited and maybe a little nervous. One way to feel less nervous prior to bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is to make sure your new Goldendoodle puppy has everything it will need. There are so many puppy items to choose from, you may feel completely overwhelmed. In order to help you, I have compiled this handy shopping list which includes all the essential items you will need when bringing home a new Goldendoodle puppy. The puppy items on this list will make sure you are well-prepared for the first few days or weeks. Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support! Essential Goldendoodle Puppy Shopping List To learn more about any item on the must-have puppy shopping list, simply click on the photo or any underlined text to be directly linked to Amazon. Thank you. A lot of collars are adjustable, but you will probably end up buying several collars as time goes on. You want something that is light, but durable. Therefore, I like to start with a 6-foot leash like the one linked above, as this length is great for training and teaching loose leash walking. I also suggest investing in a foot leash for recall training. The longer leash allows the puppy to have some freedom, while still being under my control. Food Dish Your new Goldendoodle puppy is going to need a food dish. Some people like stainless steel food dishes because they are easy to clean. If your pup eats quickly, you may consider a slow-feeder bowl or even a muffin tin! Alternatively, your puppy may prefer ceramic, like this food and water bowl set that is weighted, food-grade, and lead-free. With my Goldendoodle, I use a ceramic bowl for her first meal, and then I am a big proponent of ditching the bowl and offering her second and third meals in a canine-enrichment feeder. Water Bowl Your new Goldendoodle puppy is going to need access to clean water throughout the day. If you research water bowls, it would seem that everyone has their favourite. The Neater Feeder is also a popular choice. As a puppy, my Goldendoodle enjoyed standing in her bowl and making a mess. Also, since she has a fuzzy muppet face, her beard would ultimately soak up the water from her bowl and she would drip water all over the house. After some trial and error, the best bowl I found for her was this one from LumoLeaf. It solved all of our problems and I highly recommend it. Food Your puppy should continue to eat the food it was eating before you brought it home. Goldendoodle Brush When bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy it is very important for it to become accustomed to being groomed from the start. To begin, use a soft slicker brush and provide treats while gently stroking your puppy to form a positive association with grooming. Goldendoodle Crate There are many crates to choose from and they can be very beneficial for housetraining and keeping your puppy safe when you ar e not there to monitor her. A wire crate usually comes with a divider, so you buy one for the size you think your puppy will eventually be and section it off with the divider as needed. You can also choose a plastic crate. These are great because they can also be used for travel in a car. There are also decorative crates that blend in to look like furniture. To start, the crate should be about two inches taller and longer than your puppy. Toothbrush and Toothpaste Dogs can have tartar and plaque build-up just like you. It is important to get your new Goldendoodle puppy used to dental hygiene. A finger toothbrush is usually the easiest to work with and most dogs enjoy the taste of liver-flavoured toothpaste. Puppy Playpen I found having a playpen to be absolutely essential with my Goldendoodle, so I am including it on this list. I used it for house training and when she was in the biting stage. It was also an excellent place for her when she was overstimulated and needed a quiet place to settle. The playpen was a positive space for her with her favourite stuffies and chews. In fact, I even served my Goldendoodle puppy her meals in her playpen so she could form a really positive association with her playpen. I never used it for discipline. Playpens come in all different sizes and shapes depending on your space. I have always used clippers for my dogs but recently purchased a Dremel. I am still getting used to the Dremel, but so far I really like it. I suggest watching some videos on puppy nail cutting prior to trying it yourself. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, then take your pup to a groomer that you trust for nail care. Benebones or Nylabones When bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy it is essential that you have some puppy-approved items for your puppy to chew on. Benebones and Nylabones are life-savers during the biting phase of puppyhood. When your Goldendoodle puppy is biting your fingers or a table leg, quickly stop the unwanted behaviour and give your Goldendoodle puppy this safe alternative to chew. Benebones and Nylabones come in different flavours and can help you to avoid ruined furniture or injured skin. Be sure to pick one that is made especially for puppy chewing. Soft and Hard Toys Undoubtedly, my Goldendoodle has no shortage of toys. Soft Training Treats You can never have enough training treats when bringing home a new Goldendoodle puppy, as training should start in the first few days. In fact, you will be amazed at how quickly they learn with direct training. Most importantly, soft training treats can be consumed quickly allowing you to practice training without having to stop and wait for chewing. I like to mix up higher-value and lower-value treats when training her to keep her guessing and motivated. Freeze Dried Meat Another training must-have is freeze-dried meat. My Goldendoodle has a chicken allergy which seems to be common in Goldendoodles so I like to use freeze-dried beef. The ones pictured above come in a variety of different meat types. Since freeze-dried meat is a high-value treat, it works great for potty training. In fact, some even come with a dispensing container that attaches to a leash. The Snuggle Puppy has a heartbeat that your new Goldendoodle puppy will find very comforting. Even though my Goldendoodle is now 1. Although it may seem a little pricey, I am so happy I had it for my Goldendoodle puppy. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the excitement and anticipation prior to bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is something that all new Goldendoodle owners experience. Hence, why it is important to be prepared for the arrival of your Goldendoodle puppy ahead of time. By stocking up on the items on my Essential Goldendoodle Puppy Shopping List before bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy, you will have everything you need, and your time and energy can be dedicated to spending time with your new furry bundle of joy. Happy Tail Wags xo Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail. Kinky Friedman. Photo outfit ideas, wedding planning tips and more. All my best advice. I spent hours reading about the best treats, toys, gear for puppies so that we had everything for our little guy before he arrived. As we are gearing up for my sister-in-law and aunt to bring home their new goldendoodle puppies, I thought a little blog post about my favorite things would be helpful to all the puppy parents and the soon-to-be puppy parents out there. Here is my must-have list for your goldendoodle puppy! We kept Clifton in here at night and when we would leave the house. This one fits perfectly with the crate. We used these to create a safe little area for Clifton once we stopped crate training him to be in. This clips right into the seat belt and on to any harness. This spray helps prevent your dog from chewing on things like your furniture, shoes, etc. You will be using this spray every time there is an accident in the house those first few weeks. We still use this spray 5 years later. Harness : We recently purchased this harness , and we LOVE this one and would recommend this to anyone with a pup as this harness is a little trickier to wiggle out of. Clifton has a medium he weighs about 30 pounds. Collar : We have a bunch of different collars that we switch between, but I love this cognac leather collar for every day. We have this one , and as soon as we switched to this, Clifton walked so much better and stopped pulling. Some of my current favorites are this modern set which is great because it includes a stand. Did You Feed the Dog? I love the smell of it. John Paul Pet Lavender Mint Detangling Spray : Doodles get matted super easily, so we add this detangling spray into our grooming routine to help with the matting. Andis Pet Steel Comb : If you can keep your furbaby mat-free this comb is great for combing him or her out. Safari Dematting Comb : You are going to need a de-matting comb to helpwith matting especially as your puppy gets older. It is the best thing we have bought, and we use it all the time. Start doing this when they are little. We love this little set that includes the toothpaste, brush and finger brush. Towel : We keep two of these pet towels in the bathroom where we give Clifton a bath. They are great at absorbing the water after a bath. We also pack these when we take him to the dog beach or Florida. Mushers Secret Paw Wax : If your pup lives in a cold climate, this is perfect for their dry, cracked paws that will come in winter. Shopping for toys was one of my favorite parts when I first started shopping for Clifton. My advice is not to buy too many toys at first like I did. Your puppy is going to destroy those cute, stuffed animals quickly. Grab a few because they make for some cute photos and toys around the house, but also stock up on things that will help when they need to chew. One thing to keep in mind when getting toys is to avoid any rope toys. Pups can eat the strings and have them wrap around their intestines — which is NOT good. So just skip them altogether. It is supposed to help transition them because it has a battery heartbeat and a pouch to make it warm. If you can, ask the breeder to rub it on his mom or the other puppies so it smells like them. Contact Recommended Puppy Supplies We suggest Amazon or PawTree for online purchasing of your supplies, they are almost always cheaper than the box stores! For more recommendations on food, treats, potty training, and toys visit our Nutrition page. While you do not need a bed right away I do recommend getting a nice pad or elevated dog bed for training purposes, we regularly use pads or elevated beds for training, and for placing our dogs and puppies, we keep ours in the main area of our home to place our dogs when people come over, during dinner, etc. We recommend getting one with a divider that can be adjusted, it will make crate training easier when your puppy first comes home and will prevent you from having to buy multiple crates. You can purchase a nice pad or cushion for the crate but we do not recommend using it inside of the crate until you are sure they will not have accidents in the crate until then use a towel or small blanket that is easier to wash! Single Door Dog Crate Durable heavy-duty slide bolt latch firmly locks the door to keep your dog safely inside while you're away. This will be a place for them to sleep and relax. Make sure that this bed is big enough for your Goldendoodle to sleep on. As a puppy, your Goldendoodle may chew on their bed and blankets. Make sure to get a bed that is made of out tough material but is soft enough for them to want to sleep on. As your Goldendoodle gets older , you may want to transition them to an orthopedic dog bed. These beds would not be a bad choice for a puppy either. Most dogs love the plush sides to rest their head. This bed is waterproof, which is great for those puppies learning to potty train. This bed is very comfy and is made of memory foam, which is a plus for older Goldendoodles. Check Price Food and Water Bowls As soon as you get your Goldendoodle home, they will need to have food and water available. There are many different size and shape food bowls that you can get for your Goldendoodle puppy. There are even pet water fountains to keep your Goldendoodle entertained while drinking water. This is a very personal preference. When looking for a food and water bowl, also look at your new puppies eating style. Many people will let their Goldendoodle eat out of Tupperware for a few days until they know if they have a dog that is constantly moving the bowl around the house or one that eats very fast. If your dog is moving the bowl around the house, consider a bowl with a rubber bottom to help it stay in place more. Stainless steel bowls are great for cleaning but may be strange for your puppy to eat out of. If your pup is eating their food very fast, consider a puzzle bowl. This bowl is designed for them to have to eat around different parts until they finish their meal. If your dog eats very fast, they are prone to vomiting shortly after eating or even Bloat. Your Puppy's New Home 1. Foldable Wire Crate I recommend a wire-sided crate with a removable tray and adjustable divider. This encourages pottying outside. This pen should be helpful for the first several months. Puppy Toys Each of these items are in my personal inventory for puppy families to purchase when they pick up their puppy! My top recommendation is the Snuggle Puppy. KONG puppy toys are also available in my inventory for purchase. You can choose to purchase for in-person pick up in your puppy pack, or order to be shipped to you. This can cause crying at night and anxiety being alone for the first weeks home. A snuggle puppy is a soft toy with a heart beat simulator and heating pack. These features make it feel like your puppy is cuddling with another dog. It makes a huge difference for your puppy! I encourage every family to order one for your puppy pack so I can send it home with you on adoption day. Play fetch, or stuff with treats or canned food to keep your puppy content for crate time. It is soft rubber, and squeaks when your dog catches or chews. Medium is the size of an average tennis ball. Food should be offered twice per day: morning and night. Food should be restricted before a long period of crate time and at least an hour before bed, to prevent unnecessary accidents. Puppy Food My dogs and puppies are fed an exclusive diet of premium dog food and nutritional supplements not sold in stores. As part of my conditions of sale and health guarantee , this food is a requirement for your puppy. This holistic food was designed by Dr. Jane Bicks, a veterinary nutrition specialist. It is locally sourced and has a list of top quality, limited ingredients. As a calorie-dense, nutrition-packed food, your puppy will need to consume less volume than with other brands. I am proud to say this nutrition company has always been chemical and recall free! For informational videos about the nutrition value and ingredients of this food, please visit the Healthy Pet Challenge site! Here are some of my top recommendations. I use each of them in my own home and puppy nursery. To browse through other recommended products, visit the LA webpage here. Canned Food.

Since your bulldog will likely eat anything he can get his grubby little paws on, you're responsible for portioning his food and monitoring his weight. Fit bulldogs have better overall health, so feed carefully for a longer, happier life. Feeding Puppies Puppies are big eaters by nature, and bulldogs are no exception. Until he's about 4 months old, your puppy should eat almost twice as much as an adult. Always defer to the portioning instructions on your food package, since the nutrition content changes from brand to brand. That in mind, though, a puppy under 4 months old should eat three to four cups of food per day, divided into four feedings. Between 4 and 6 months, cut back to three feedings for a total of two and a quarter to three cups of food per day. Amount and Frequency After six months, your dog should be on his adult feeding regimen: one and a half to two cups of food per day, divided into two meals. Bulldogs have a tendency to gorge themselves when free-fed, and eating too much too fast can make them sick. Unlike other dogs that can self-regulate their meals, then, bulldogs must be fed on a routine schedule to keep their digestion healthy and regular. Avoiding Obesity Monitoring your bulldog's weight begins when he is a puppy, because this short, stout breed is prone to joint and bone problems when overweight. Since bulldogs are naturally so pudgy and wrinkly, you may have difficulty eyeballing his weight. Instead, get hands-on—literally—to see if your dog has too much junk in the trunk. When your dog is standing, wrap your hands around his midsection with your thumbs on the spine and your fingers stretching out along his sides. If you can feel his ribs without squeezing too much, he's in good shape. If not, gradually restrict his diet and make your morning walks a little longer. Treats and Behavior Feeding your dog doesn't stop with what goes in his bowl. You have to monitor his treat intake, too, or else his health and behavior can both suffer. Never give your dog a treat without his earning it, or he won't be motivated when you try to train him. Instead, reward him with attention like playing together or going on a walk, both of which help him maintain a healthy weight. When you do give him treats in a training context, remember not to overfeed—always defer to the portioning instructions on the package. More Articles. Allergies, and more. Level Of Care How good you take care of your dog can go a long way to determine their lifespan. You can promote longer life for your Fido by meeting their dietary, exercise, and veterinary care needs, including ensuring that your pup is up to date with vaccinations. Want more years of those great moments with your pet? Taking good care of your American Bulldog involves ensuring that your four-pawed friend lives a healthy lifestyle. As stated earlier, an adequate amount of exercise, healthy diet and proper veterinary care are all essential building blocks of a healthy lifestyle. Before you visit that breeder or walk into that animal shelter for one, think again, especially if you live a sedentary lifestyle. American Bulldogs need 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise to stay happy and well-behaved. They are more athletic than the English Bulldogs, and that tells you how much they need it. Therefore, before you think of having one, figure out whether you can stick to a regular exercise routine. Did you get that? American Bulldog food needs to be rich in proteins but poor in carbohydrates. To retain that great wealth of muscles you see, these dogs need protein-rich food. However, low carbs are necessary to prevent those muscles from getting sunk into fat! However, American Bulldogs seem to violate the law of nature when it comes to feeding behaviors. American Bulldog puppies aged between 4 to 6 months need 3 cups of food coming in at 4 meals every day. This amount is significantly more than that of what adults, aged 6 months and older, need, which is 2 cups in two meals every day. Your American Bully requires a high-quality diet, and you should never at any time settle for anything short of that unless you want to bully their stomachs! For high-quality food, Pet Plate comes in as your best friend with your pet. Their preparation and storage quality standards are second to none, so your canine gets what exactly they deserve! However, your pet requires more than what that kibble offers. Multivitamins supply nutrients that are often missing in staple food, helping them live healthier lives by boosting their immune health and maintaining their coat health. That is more than I first thought. Now, taking good care of your American Bulldog entails ensuring everything is up to par, including dental health. Dental water additives help fight numerous periodontal conditions, keeping your American Bulldog happy. Do American Bulldogs Bite? However, whether by an American Bulldog or not, biting is a behavior we should fight hard to curb. And yes, training helps a great deal with keeping this undesired trait under control. These canines are just as brave and confident as they look. However, they always keep up their aggression and hostility until situations force it. This is one of the traits that make them excellent watchdogs. They use their bark to tell intruders that they know they are around and are not welcome. They will only switch to the extreme end of things when they feel that they are being ignored. Image from Dog. They keep safe all interactions with the people they love. Accidents happen. Protective American Bulldogs have ingrained hunting and guarding instincts. That means they have a big drive to protect what they believe is theirs. Family-Oriented Never leave your American Bulldog alone for extended periods as they are family-oriented. The best moments for these canines are those spent with family. They love being part of the family activities and want attention from their human partners. Stubborn But Eager To Please American Bulldogs are easy to train because of the big urge they have to please their human partners. However, at times, they have a mind of their own and tend to do things in a manner they see fit, thereby posing difficulties during training. And for training to be successful, patience and skill are all prerequisites. Grooming Tips For American Bulldogs American Bulldogs typically shed moderately all year round, although the shedding tends to increase a bit when seasons change. Here are a few grooming tips for your pup. And by the way, literally, no dog is hypoallergenic. Shedding levels differ, though. You can stop your American Bulldog from shedding hair all over the house by using a Furminator Undercoat Tool. They have short and hard coats, so make sure you get a hard-bristle brush for the job. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. Again, avoid human toothpaste as it contains Xylitol which has fatal repercussions when ingested by dogs. Consult with your vet on what product to use for your pup. Trim Their Nails Long nails can create excellent breeding zones for bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms. Nails of American Bulldogs need trimming after every few weeks, preferably 3 to 4. Fortunately, we have lots of tools for this job. Only beware that going past the nail curve risks hitting the blood vessels. Compared to most dog breeds, American Bulldogs are so expensive because they are highly loved and more difficult to breed. Can American Bulldogs Swim? American Bulldogs can only swim for a short period. Their large faces and jaws can be difficult to keep afloat for long. No, an American Bulldog is not the same as a Pitbull and the two main differences are in their sizes and coat colors. American Bulldogs are much larger. However, when it comes to color varieties, Pitbulls carry the day as they can come in any color, unlike the American Bulldogs that are only available in white, sometimes with patches of either black, red, tan, brown, or brindle. September 30, Did you know that American Bulldog is a breed that loves to eat much? That's why you should carefully keep an eye at their ration and forbid him to eat anything he can get his paws on. A dog owner is responsible for his dog, and you should become responsible for his ration to grow a healthy and happy dog, you should watch for portioning and monitor his weight, which, in the end will grant your Bully happier and longer life. While your American Bulldog is a puppy, you should feed him twice as much as an adult until he's 4 months old. Keep in mind that puppies under 4 months should eat four times a day, in general three cups of food, puppies between 4 and 6 months - three times a day and a total of two cups of food. After your Bulldog reaches the six months' age, he should chande to an adult feeding plan, which is two times a day feeding with a total of two meals a day. While choosing between commercial and homemade food, you should remember that nowadays it is only a question of time - commercial food contains all necessary minerals and vitamis as well as the homemade one. Feed your dog correctly and he will become a happy mature American Bully! It is a perfect item for any activity where strength and reliability of the collar mean much. Thus, it will do a great service in training your American Bulldog, walking on small and large distances or without a lead, as well as exercising and sporting. It is time to take care of your pet and change old into new one. This Luxurious Shining Leather Dog Harness is a perfect tool for training, daily walks, daily exercising and just for making your dog more gorgeous. Nutritional requirements of a American Bulldog What exactly should the diet of a American Bulldog consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your American Bulldog, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a American Bulldog, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. American Bulldog raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your American Bulldog, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. American Bulldog Feeding Chart. At eighteen months of age, they are already considered fully grown in terms of height, but it is possible they will put on more muscle until they are two years old. Large dogs that have different-sized parents can range from medium-large to large and require a lot of protein in their diet. So, an American Bulldog puppy will need more caloric food than an English Bulldog. This is especially important during the period between six and twelve months when at least eighty percent of their adult body weight is already there. Weighing your American Bulldog is crucial in fine-tuning the amount of food per meal. High-quality kibble is a great choice for puppies because it provides the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals without much calculation on your side. Wet foods can be useful too, but only if the ingredients are well balanced. Meal frequency decreases with an increase in amount. Every individual dog requires adjustments, and the chart is supposed to give you an estimate of how much and how often. If your dog is very active, then you might want to add some treats during the day. Always promote frequent physical activity over lowering the amount of food. Dog bodies are astonishingly efficient at spending those extra calories, especially with the amount of muscle American Bulldogs have. Up until eighteen months of age, you should feed your puppy the full twenty-two percent of protein from dry matter and around ten to twelve percent fat per meal. Make sure the food you are feeding to your puppy has adequate amounts of vitamins A, B-complex, D, E, K, and choline. Minerals such as phosphorus and calcium play a key role in nutrient synthesis and normal hormonal function , so read the list of ingredients and nutrients on the food label. Calcium, vitamins B-complex and choline are all vital in normal bone formation and strength. Large dogs with a lot of muscle require dense bones to be able to support the pressure of the entire body. An American Bulldog puppy grows so rapidly that the bone density can often fall behind weight gain. Regularly weigh your dog to see if its weight matches that from the chart, and feed accordingly. Once your American Bulldog reaches eighteen months, you can slowly start switching to a raw diet if you set your mind to it. Do not feed puppies fewer than two meals a day. It is always better to feed them three or four smaller meals to avoid bloat or Gastric dilatation and volvulus GDV. Although it is rarer in young dogs, it is still a risk you would want to avoid. Also, make sure the food is small enough for the dog to be able to chew it properly without just swallowing. Many high-quality dog food brands have puppy food, which contains all the ingredients for a balanced diet and is appropriate in terms of size. Consult the veterinarian before adding dairy or third-party liquids to the meal. Creating new diet plans and regimes seems to be a trend that is ramping up. Some are well-received by the animal medical community, while others receive negative feedback. Kibble and wet food are convenient, and busy people find them an excellent choice. Those with more time to spend with their dog prefer a home-cooked fresh or raw diet. Every diet has pros and cons, so allow me to help you decide which one is the right fit for you and your dog. Kibble And Wet Food Diets I am sure you have read about additives whenever kibble or wet food is mentioned. Indeed, eliminating fillers from large-scale kibble and wet food production would be a very bad business decision. Storing this type of food is great too. It has a lengthy shelf-life and can be stored virtually anywhere. The packaging always has detailed information about what ingredients are in the food. Portioning is simple with kibble and wet food — you can measure the correct amount by calculating cups of food. The standard unit of measure is an eight-ounce cup. All is good if the protein content is first in line, followed by fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The long shelf-life is achieved by adding preservatives. The two types include natural and artificial preservatives. Overall health and lifespan will be improved if you opt for wet food because canning mostly includes natural preservatives. Dry food will probably be your best choice for an American Bulldog puppy, and wet food once it reaches sixteen or eighteen months of age. Wet foods can cause diarrhea in puppies, so best to avoid them at the beginning. Canned food does not have enough water content for your growing puppy or adult dog. Animal meat, organs, vegetables, and bones are all ingredients of a comprehensive meal. Many dog owners claim their dog had a longer life and better overall health on a fresh diet. Unfortunately, there is no scientific proof confirming a drastically better quality of life in dogs that are on a fresh diet. A large number of breeders and performance dog owners are adamant that their dogs have a higher level of activity and better coats when on a fresh or raw diet. The higher level of activity is plausible since the food will be digested more quickly the nutrients in this form are easier to absorb , and poops will be smaller due to the greater concentration of easily absorbable ingredients. By now, you must have realized that it is actually a slightly healthier diet than kibble or canned food, but there are some downsides. You first have to find certified and high-quality raw ingredients. Then, you have to cook and portion them fittingly. This is time-consuming and takes a while before you establish a routine that will create an efficient process. Consider your budget as well because a fresh diet does not come cheap. Their developing digestive system is not able to process the nutrients properly. Once your American Bulldog reaches one and a half years of age, you can start introducing raw food. Raw food diets are similar to fresh food diets, with one big difference — the ingredients stay raw. Veterinarians and animal medical associations agree that a fresh diet is superior in terms of nutritional value and health reasons. Prepackaged raw food meals are available for you to buy, but it is important to look for certificates that guarantee the meat passed all health checks with flying colors. This simplifies portioning and saves you some time, but every dog should have a diet tailored to its individual needs. Unlike French Bulldogs, the American counterpart is much more athletic and with fewer health problems. Purely on their role as working dogs and muscularity, owners often deem raw diets mandatory. Be Cautious Of Bacteria Whether we are talking about a Husky, American Bulldog, Pitbull, or any other breed, the type of diet does not matter as long as it contains all the required ingredients for a healthy life. Still, raw food has a major downside — bacterial, viral, or parasite infections. The meat can be certified and successfully pass health checks but still contain traces of pathogens such as salmonella or listeria. Just handling the raw food can spread germs all over the house, putting your family at risk of infection too. Certain grains like oat are tough to digest in a raw form, and the dog will benefit from them being cooked. The same goes for vegetables and fruit, though fruit is not a dietary requirement for dogs. Fruit such as plantains, fig newtons , prunes , durian , and guava are all safe for your dog if you want to add some new flavor to the diet. Keep in mind that your dog could be allergic to certain foods, so consult a vet before including them. Putting the word science in a product name does not make it better. There have been several recalls of this product line due to toxic quantities of vitamin D in the food. I would not consider products that have been recalled as the main diet for my dog. From a purely logical point of view, buying any product that has been recalled would be a hard pass for me. High-quality food does not have to come from a corporate giant. This means that your American Bulldog has a higher chance of having problems with its airways and allergens that can be inhaled. Unfortunately, this is not the only health problem that likes a good boy or girl. Obesity caused by overfeeding, hip dysplasia, and cherry eye are some of the most common health issues that plague Bulldogs. Let us quickly go through them and be done with the bad stuff. Obesity American Bulldogs grow fast. You will break out the best snacks the snack drawer has to offer and perhaps share some of them with your dog. Even if you feed your dog only the best foods on any kind of diet, there is a possibility of overfeeding it. One of the most common causes of overfeeding is treats. Most owners do not count them in the daily calories total and unwillingly teach their dogs some bad eating habits. Oftentimes, owners will want their dogs to grow faster or bigger than they naturally can, so they feed them so much meat that the dog becomes obese in just a few months. A diet should be balanced for the best result. Low-quality foods with lots of fillers that include starch and complex carbohydrates can cause sudden weight gain. You will know your dog is overweight if its size increases, but the musculation is less visible. Hip Dysplasia Everybody and their dog knows about this condition. It occurs when the ball of the femur does not sit properly in the socket joint of the hip, and the cartilage that lines the bone starts degrading until it is completely gone. Once that happens, the bone tissue becomes damaged with every move, and the dog starts experiencing pain and difficulty moving. If caught early, it can be treated with NSAIDs, but more severe cases require complex surgery or hip replacement. Cherry Eye This is a congenital condition that affects Bulldog breeds more than others. It is characterized by a protruded third eyelid that gets inflamed due to irregular eye anatomy. Dogs affected by cherry eye or protruding eyelid often have something that resembles a red cherry mass on the inside corner of the eye. Routine surgery is the most common treatment, with a rather easy and short recovery. Long exposure to foods your American Bulldog is allergic to can cause cherry eye. If you are a first-time dog owner, this American Bulldog feeding chart will be immensely helpful in getting you started. There is no one size fits all approach to dog feeding, so some effort in ironing out the details will be required. All these elements combined have an impact on the lifespan and overall health of your American Bulldog. Do not forget to provide ample exercise for your canine friend, and consult a vet if you notice a change in behavior when switching between diets. One can never be too careful. Read Next:. Share Are you aware that the American Bulldog is a breed that enjoys eating a lot? That is why you should keep a close eye on their rations and prevent him from eating anything he can get his hands on. A dog owner is accountable for his dog, and you should take responsibility for his diet in order to raise a healthy and happy dog. You should control portion sizes and keep track of his weight, which will help your Bully live a happier and longer life. Bulldogs in the United States are typically gentle, playful, and voracious eaters. Bulldogs who are in good physical shape have superior overall health, so feed them properly for a longer, happier life. Puppies Feeding Bulldog puppies, like any puppies, are voracious feeders. Because the nutritional composition of foods varies by brand, always follow the portioning guidelines on the container. Keeping this in mind, a puppy under the age of four months should consume three to four cups of food every day, divided into four feedings. Reduce feedings to three times a day between 4 and 6 months, for a total of two and a quarter to three cups of food each day. Quantity and Recurrence Your dog should be on an adult eating schedule after six months: one and a half to two cups of food per day, divided into two meals. When free-fed, bulldogs have a tendency to overeat, and eating too much too soon might make them unwell. Bulldogs, unlike other dogs that may self-regulate their meals, must be fed on a regular schedule to maintain a healthy and regular digestive system. You could have trouble judging his weight because bulldogs are inherently chubby and wrinkled. If not, progressively reduce his food intake and lengthen your morning walks. Behavior And Treats Feeding your dog entails more than just putting food in his bowl. You must also keep track of his treat intake, or else his health and behavior will deteriorate. Instead, give him attention by playing with him or taking a stroll with him, both of which will help him maintain a healthy weight. When you do offer him goodies in a training situation, remember not to overfeed him—always follow the product portioning guidelines. Feed three meals a day to American bulldog puppies aged three to six months. Puppies aged six months to one year should be fed two meals every day. When the American bulldog reaches the age of one, one meal per day is sufficient. Adult American bulldogs, on the other hand, may benefit from two smaller bowls. Excellent-quality dry dogfood can be mixed with canned food, broth, or water to give a well-rounded diet for growing American bulldogs. Puppies of the American Bulldog should be fed high-quality, brand-name puppy food. Only clean, fresh water should be used, and food and water dishes should be washed frequently. Only if the puppy has been separated from his mother or if there is a large litter and not all of the puppies are getting adequate food will a human be required to intervene in this process. If this is the case, you should seek advice from your veterinarian. At this stage, their tummies are too sensitive to give them anything. English Bulldog Puppy, 4 Weeks If you have a four-week-old English Bulldog puppy, he should still be with his mother and littermates. At this stage, he is unlikely to be ready for puppy chow, but you are allowed to see if he is interested. English Bulldog Puppy, 6 Weeks When you have an English Bulldog puppy that is 6 weeks old, you may notice certain changes. While it is still too young for him to leave his mother, weaning should begin at this stage. At least once a day, he should be given puppy chow. If your puppy is still not interested in puppy food, it is possible that it is still too early, and you should try again. Your puppy should be weaned from his mother and eating puppy chow by the age of eight weeks. Even though he is unlikely to eat much at a meal, you should feed him three times a day. Each day, roughly 1. At this stage, his hunger is likely to have increased. Make sure your dog is gaining adequate weight if he looks ravenous. As previously said, you should be able to see a waist in your puppy but not be able to count any ribs. English Bulldog Puppy, 12 Weeks When your English Bulldog puppy reaches the age of 12 weeks, he will consume around 2 cups of puppy food each day. He should still consume three meals every day because he will be burning a lot of calories from both growing and exercising. For the first 14 months, feed your dog large-breed puppy kibble to encourage moderate but steady growth. Until your dog is fully grown and eating an adult diet, avoid calcium-rich foods or supplements. The additional calcium may interfere with proper bone development. Before switching their food, seek advice from your veterinarian. Then gradually introduce your puppy to his new diet. When it comes to determining what to feed your Bulldog puppy, you have four options. An English Bulldog puppy who is free fed has constant access to the food and can eat as much and as often as they desire. This manner of feeding, while simple and convenient, poses a risk to your puppy. This strategy is effective provided your puppy only eats when he or she is hungry, which is not the case for the majority of dogs. House training and establishing feeding patterns are challenging with free feeding. It can result in obesity in dogs who are unable to stop eating when they are full. Kibble for a Bulldog Puppy The most popular all-around puppy food is definitely dry kibble. Choose a dry puppy formula that is specifically formulated for puppies. You should also look for one that is appropriate for medium to large breeds. Not all brands, however, are created equal. Avoid using substances such as Corn. Low History of the American Bulldog English bulldogs were originally used for bull baiting in 17th century England, a gruesome sport involving dogs fighting bulls. The practice has since been eliminated, and bulldogs dazzled their way into the lives of families across England even becoming a national symbol. English bulldogs were brought to North America to use their strength and determination as farm dogs. Farmers bred them with other working dogs to get the best all-around breed for their specific jobs. Their intelligence, loyalty, and agility made them helpful for both herding and hunting. Thanks to two determined breeders, John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, these dogs were repopulated and went on to become the popular companions they are today. As the breed developed, American bulldogs were known as friendly pets that were a must for families across North America. Their intimidating looks and strength made them a great breed to represent competitive sports teams. Bulldog baseball mascot, May .In the grooming department, these short-haired dogs don't require much aside from basic care. Exercise American bulldogs do best with at least an hour of exercise per day, which owners can provide through daily walks or playing in the yard. Along with helping your dog maintain its health and a suitable weight, exercise is a great way to keep this breed mentally stimulated. Without enough exercise, American bulldogs are prone to find their own entertainment—which can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or getting into off-limits items at home. This breed is best suited for active families that enjoy plenty of playtime with their dogs. Your American bulldog will be happy to join you on walks, runs, hikes, and games like fetch or tug-of-war. These dogs typically enjoy grooming, and weekly brushing will significantly help owners manage shedding. Though their coat is relatively low-maintenance, American bulldogs are known to have issues with excess drool. Their slobber is natural; just be sure to keep any wrinkles free from excess moisture to avoid bacteria buildup or infections. Like other dogs, American bulldogs require regular baths, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Their nails should be trimmed every few weeks to avoid overgrowth and pain, while ears should be cleaned as needed to prevent infections. Training Consistent training is a must for this breed. American bulldogs are naturally protective sometimes to a fault , but they do love to learn. Training your dog in basic obedience can begin as early as six to eight weeks of age, and socialization is necessary once puppies have received the necessary vaccines to be safe in public. American bulldogs can need a helping hand when it comes to acceptable behavior around strangers and other animals. This will help your dog become a friendly companion and avoid unnecessary aggression. Since these dogs do best with love and attention from their owners, they also respond very well to positive reinforcement methods. Offer treats, affection, and playtime as rewards for desired behavior. Training should be consistent and ongoing throughout the dog's life. Responsible breeders will test prospective parent dogs before breeding to avoid passing these problems down to puppies. The following are conditions to be aware of with this breed: Elbow and Hip Dysplasia : Common in large dog breeds, dysplasia is caused by a malformation in the dog's joints as they age. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: This hereditary disorder affects your dog's central nervous system. Genetic tests can determine whether this disease is present in specific bloodlines. Allergies : American bulldogs can develop allergies caused by an overactive immune system. While many puppies grow out of it, these symptoms are manageable in older dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend a food allergy test if symptoms like redness, itchy skin, or licking paws are present. Avoid overfeeding to prevent unnecessary weight gain , which can cause joint issues. Your veterinarian may also recommend omega-3 fatty acids for joint health. Along with maintaining the proper nutrients, it's important to be aware of any food allergies your dog may have if they struggle with red, itchy skin. Talk to your veterinarian to determine a suitable diet and portion sizes for your dog based on their age, weight, activity level, and specific medical needs. Allergy tests provide the most definitive results, but owners can also slowly switch between different protein options to find the best results. Where to Adopt or Buy an American Bulldog American bulldogs are a popular breed in many regions of the United States, so finding this breed shouldn't be a major challenge for prospective adopters. Check your local shelters to meet American bulldogs in need of forever homes in your area, or reach out to breed-specific rescues to meet a variety of dogs. If you're set on starting with a puppy, it's essential to research responsible breeders before adopting. Always ask for a health guarantee and the litter's family medical history. The right breeder should also allow you to meet the litter's parents and see the conditions in which their dogs are kept. To start your search, check out these resources for breed-specific rescues, the national breed club, and the AKC:. Nutritional needs of American Bulldogs American Bulldogs are known for their muscular build and active lifestyle, which means they require a diet high in protein and other essential nutrients. Speak with your vet to find out the exact amount of macro and micronutrients your Bully needs, but in general, American Bulldogs require: Protein Protein is a crucial nutrient for American Bulldogs as it helps build and repair muscles and supports their immune system. AAFCO recommends growing dogs eat a diet with at least .Protein-rich food sources for American Bulldogs include chicken, beef and fish. American Bulldogs require a moderate amount of fat in their diet, at least 8. Excellent sources of healthy fats for American Bulldogs include fish oil, flaxseed oil, and chicken fat. Carbohydrate Carbohydrates provide energy for American Bulldogs and also help in the absorption of other nutrients. Include complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice and whole grains in their diet rather than simple carbohydrates like corn and wheat. Vitamins and minerals American Bulldogs require essential vitamins and minerals to maintain their overall health. Vitamins A, C and E support their immune system, while minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are necessary for bone health. We formulate our delicious, healthy, wet dog food and crunchy dry dog food with the best human-grade, ethically-sourced ingredients. This food contains nutrient-rich meat, organ and bone and is free of grains, legumes and any byproducts, making it an irresistible and wholesome choice for your pet. Coconut oil adds health benefits like easy digestion and energy. We also use non-GMO chickpeas, which provide protein, iron, copper, zinc and magnesium. Tips for feeding American Bulldogs If you are wondering how much should I feed my dog to avoid issues like obesity, you should feed an adult American Bulldog twice a day. Puppies may require three to four meals per day. The amount of food your dog needs depends on their age, size and activity level. Measure their food to avoid overfeeding and obesity and establish a consistent feeding schedule. This can help your American Bulldog maintain a healthy weight and prevent digestive issues. At Open Farm, we offer percent ethically-sourced, nutrient-rich dog food options , including freeze-dried, wet and dry kibble. Shop our dog food, treats and bone broth today to give your American Bulldog the best diet to keep them healthy and happy. Share this post. Some Bulldogs are known to jump six feet or higher into the air. American Bulldogs are intelligent and affectionate, delivering them great, protective family dogs; although, they have high exercise needs and want an experienced, active pet parent. American Bulldogs can make loving family companions. Bulldog does require particular care needs to keep him healthy and ensure longevity in his life. Diet A proper diet is more important to care for your bulldog puppy. Unfortunately, many cheap versions of dog foods are available today, and many do not put meat first as the first or main ingredient. American bulldog puppy needs a well-rounded diet of proteins, fats, carbs and vitamins, and minerals. Nutrition: While your American Bulldog is a puppy, you should feed him twice as much as an adult. American Bulldog puppies under 4 months should eat four times a day, as usual, three cups of food, puppies between 4 and 6 months three times a day, and a total of two cups of food. What should you give pup? Start with a portion of high-grade dog food, with meat as the first ingredient. Unprocessed protein should be no fewer than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. As well, the fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less. Grooming Bulldogs enjoy being groomed except for nail trimming, and their greatest love is taking a bath. The Bulldog has a smooth, short coat and is naturally a reasonably clean dog. Keep a Bulldogs coat shiny and beautiful, and it must be groomed about 4 times a week. How to clean American bulldog Pup Ears and Teeth? They do, however, need to be brushed regularly to help keep the shedding fur from building up and the natural oils in their skin from causing skin issues. In addition, your bulldog pup should get proper dental care. Maintain normal vet visits, check their ears weekly, and keep up with monthly nail clipping and normal dental care. This kind yet courageous dog can be bathed regularly every week up to no longer than every six weeks depending on its lifestyle. How to trim American bulldog Pup coat and toenails? Nails that are left to develop too long can cause damages to you and your dog. Take one paw of your bulldog pup into your hand. Gently squeeze the paw until you see the nails. Then, clip the nail in short sections using the nail clippers. Cut the nails to just under the arch of each nail. Check the nail closely. File down each trimmed nail with a nail file. This assists in preventing snagging of the nails by filing away the points. Filing the nails also makes the nails shorter length without hitting the quick. They need exercise outside of the home regularly. In addition, they require the exercise of any sort regularly to retain their heart and bones healthy. The American Bulldog is a powerful and high-energy dog that needs between 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day. This should include an everyday walk at a medium pace or off-leash for at least 30 to 45 minutes. In addition, they require purposeful high-intensity activities and play to tone their muscles and tire them further. Dog vaccinations include the injection of antigens alternatively of the actual viruses. This is because they are injecting a part of the virus into an individual trigger an immune response. This immune response is more useful in preserving the individual against the virus injected into the body. Give them lots of love and attraction Bulldog puppies are considerable family dogs that are more than willing to love all family members and love attention back. They can be quite the cut-up and keep their owners on their toes with their funny dispositions. Bulldogs tend to love children particularly, so by socializing and giving them lots of love and attraction to your puppy to kids of all ages starting from puppyhood. You will be nourishing that natural, sweet nature in them that they have for children. American Bulldog Puppy Training The American Bulldog was the first bred as a strong and athletic all-purpose effective dog to catch hogs and cattle. These dogs are adorable, and as adults, they are great, stocky, and intelligent. Puppyhood is the most suitable time to train your American bulldog, as the personalities of the greatest bulldogs are developed and structured at a young age. You can give the below training to your American bulldog Puppy. Potty training: To avoid undesired accidents within the home, you must potty train your puppy. Take your pup out every hour on the hour to the spot you require the dog to eliminate throughout the day for several days. Obedience training: American Bulldogs are a highly intelligent, strong-willed, and generally stubborn puppies breed. Unfortunately, these qualities of a puppy can make them more challenging to train, particularly for first-time dog owners. They will require knowing that you are the dominant one in the connection, and training them will need a lot of devotion and patience. Socialization: Bring them with you to a range of places. This can help your dog learn how to act with different people and animals further as to how to act in numerous things. Socialize will end up your dog familiar stable, pleasant, and fearless adult. Keep your American Bulldog on a leash when including it to new people, such as neighbors. Learn the basic commands like return, sit, stay, heel, down. The only way to discipline is by leading them with confidence and quality. But, like any dog, this pup can be destructive if left with nothing to do. As a result, American Bulldogs are generally excellent watchdogs. These pups generally bark when a stranger approaches the door, or a new animal is in the vicinity. Biting: All dogs, including Bulldog pups, will bite when they are young. Bulldogs can bite, and they bite very hard. Then, they go through a phase called teething, during which time they will put anything and everything they can in their mouths. Bulldogs are not aggressive by nature, but like any dog, they can become aggressive when provoked. But regardless of the bulldog breed, all bulldogs have a flatter face with a more defined jaw. When it comes to feeding your American Bulldog puppy, it is important to choose a high-quality food that is designed for large breeds. Puppies grow quickly and need plenty of nutrients to support their growing bodies. Look for a food that is rich in protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods that are high in fillers or contain artificial ingredients. Your American Bulldog puppy should eat three to four times a day, so divide their daily ration into smaller meals. Puppies under six months old need to eat more often than older puppies. Always have fresh water available for your puppy and monitor their food intake to ensure they are getting enough to eat. A healthy American Bulldog should eat about 2 to 3 cups of food a day, divided into two or three meals. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian how much food your dog needs. Puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs may need more food. Senior dogs may need less. There are a variety of raw meats that you can feed your American Bulldog. Some of the most popular include chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb. You can also find specialty raw foods that are made specifically for Bulldogs. These can be found at most pet stores or online. You should also wash the meat thoroughly before feeding it to your dog. Raw meat is an excellent source of protein for your American Bulldog. It can help to build muscle and keep their coat healthy. Raw meat is also easy for them to digest and can give them the energy they need to stay active. If you are unsure of what kind of raw meat to feed your American Bulldog, you can always ask your veterinarian for advice. They will be able to recommend the best type of food for your dog based on their individual needs. Blue Buffalo is considered a good source of nutrition for American Bulldogs. It is a high-quality food that contains all of the necessary nutrients and vitamins that these dogs need to stay healthy and active. Additionally, Blue Buffalo does not use any cheap fillers or artificial ingredients in their products. This makes them a safe and healthy option for American Bulldogs. Is Pedigree Good for American Bulldogs? Just like with any other type of dog, it is important to do your research before you decide to feed your American Bulldog Pedigree. While Pedigree is a popular brand of dog food, it may not be the best option for American Bulldogs. There are a variety of factors that you should consider when choosing the right food for your dog. This includes the ingredients, the size and activity level of your dog, and any health concerns that your dog may have. One of the main things to consider when choosing food for your American Bulldog is the ingredients. Another thing to consider is the size and activity level of your American Bulldog. If your dog is on the smaller side or is not very active, he may do better with food that has fewer calories. Conversely, if your dog is larger or more active, he may need food that has more calories to help him maintain his weight. Finally, you should also consider any health concerns that your American Bulldog may have. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, you will want to choose a food that does not contain any ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction. There are a few commercially available dog foods that are specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and these may be a good option for your American Bulldog. Can American Bulldogs Eat Chicken? Yes, American Bulldogs can eat chicken. In fact, chicken is a great source of protein for them. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues. Can Bulldogs Eat Bread? Most bread is perfectly safe for American Bulldogs to eat, but there are a few things to be aware of. Additionally, some bread can be very high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Chocolate is toxic to American Bulldogs and can make them very sick. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is a stimulant that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in large quantities. Can Bulldogs Drink Milk? Yes, Bulldogs can drink milk. In fact, many American Bulldogs enjoy drinking milk and it can be a good source of nutrition for them. Just be sure to choose low-fat or skim milk to avoid any health problems. Can Bulldogs Eat Fruit? Yes, Bulldogs can eat fruit. In fact, some fruits, such as blueberries and strawberries, are packed with nutrients that can be beneficial for them. Just be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly and remove any pits or seeds before feeding it to your Bulldog. Can Bulldogs Eat Peanut Butter? Yes, American Bulldogs can eat peanut butter. Can They Eat Table Scraps? Table scraps are often high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. There are a variety of dog treats available that are safe for American Bulldogs to eat. Just be sure to choose treats that are low in fat and calories, and avoid any that contain chocolate or other potentially harmful ingredients. Foods that are high in fat, sugar, or calories can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

News and Articles Daily routine at Labrador Kennel The adoption of a Labrador — Retriever puppy is a truly an important and exciting event in your life. We work very hard to assign the best characteristics and personality traits to our Labradors, which allows them to be good hunters, companion dogs and also members of your family. Buy a Labrador puppy today! Labradors are fun, intelligent, and extremely playful, making them ideal pets for your children and family. If you are truly on the lookout for a furry fellow to always stay by your side, our top-bred Labrador retriever puppies will suit you the best. Raised with love and attention, Kennel Labradors will make the perfect new addition to your home. Truly one of a kind, Labradors are one of the most gentle and loving breeds of dogs. They love snuggling up with their humans and will never leave their side. So what makes our Labradors a highly sought-after breed and why should every pet owner invest in one? For starters, Labradors are excellent family dogs that will fit in with your children and other family members. Moreover, our top-bred Labradors are extremely playful and bursting with energy which makes them the coolest domesticated dogs ever. Here are the pros of owning a Labrador — Retriever : Easy To Train: Labradors are a very obedient breed that along with being intelligent, follow directions to the core. Their eagerness to learn makes them super attentive and willing to learn new tricks. Our Labradors are extremely sweet-natured and relatively easy to train compared to other breeds as we have raised them in contact with children and other people A Companion Forever: Owning a Labrador puppy means you will never be alone. Whether you are single or if your partner is out of town, you will have a furry buddy to keep you company. Having a loyal friend by your side will give you everlasting companionship. A Gentle Breed: We all know how different dog breeds have their own distinct nature and characteristics. Some make excellent guard dogs whereas some make the perfect family pet. Labrafamily Labradors will be the perfect addition to any home, living up to their super intelligent and gentle nature. Also, if you live with someone with special needs or any other medical issue, Labradors are the best breed to choose. Easy To Groom: Do you work a super busy job that hardly gives you any time to groom your dog daily? They will simply need occasional baths and coat brushing sessions about every two weeks. Labs Are Loyal: Even though Labradors are always brimming with energy and excitement, they are also super loyal to their humans. They might get excited to see strangers in the park, but they will always come to snuggle next to their humans at home. Being the proud owner of our Labradors, you will be getting a loyal buddy for your entire life. They Give Your Life Meaning: Many of us lead super busy lives; some have long work schedules whereas others have a large family to manage. On the other hand, some of us are either retired or are single and need something to keep us busy. Your Labrafamily will give you just that. Having a bundle of energy roaming around your house will always keep you on your toes and never bored. Why Us? Let us find out: Registered Breeders: If you want to buy a Labrador puppy in Canada, make sure you choose us. Whether you want the English Labrador or the American, we have everything for you. Top Bloodline: Here at Labrafamily, our goal is to breed puppies that are of top quality. This is exactly why we choose parents that are of a certified and great bloodline. We thoroughly research the parents and only use the best ones for breeding. Safe Environment: We understand how important it is to breed puppies in an environment that will nurture their mental and physical as well as social skills. This is why all our Labrador pups are raised in a safe and soothing environment till they are old enough to go to their forever homes. Healthy Puppies: Thanks to the wonderful genes they get from their parents, our Labrador puppies are healthy and fulfill all health clearances. Our Labradors and pups are completely tested and are free of any genetic diseases. Worldwide Delivery: No matter which part of the world you are in, if you have your heart set on one of our puppies, your wish will be granted. We are proud to be among the very few dog breeders who offer worldwide delivery. Not to forget, you can buy a Labrador in Canada at a super affordable price at Labrafamily. You are bound to fall in love with the newest furry addition to your family. We love all of our fur family of animals as our own. Each one is a precious life who we raised for the joy of contribution as "YOUR" lifetime family member for you and yours. Here at our unique ranch, we breed Top Show Quality English Style Labradors, American Quarter Horses, Arabian Horses and a menagerie of fairytale like small animals in a certified wildlife habitat and preserve, with 47 years of agriculture and breeding experience. Our life and our home is dedicated to these beings and making life long lasting friends with our community. We don't own our animals, Our animals own us! Our dogs are part of our family, No mass production. They get the best quality feed and natural nursing. They are gently held and cared for as infant babies would be. They are loved and socialized with people and other animals. We will provide you with our recommendations from many years experience. Reserve your labrador puppy with select look, color, gender, temperament and perfect match! A Furever Friend Our lab puppies have been adopted as high quality pets, as contribution for other breeding programs, for service and therapy, for agility, hunting and great companionship! They love to cuddle for a good movie snuggled on the couch and play during the day. They care, they have feelings and they know what you require from them. What would it be like to have one of these puppies? We like yogurt!!! Around the clock for the first 8 weeks of their lives, we assure they are properly eating, exercising, give them lots of love, kisses and begin socialization. Introducing them to unusual sounds, activities, animals, toys, obstacles, etc. At 8 weeks, they are ready to be adopted and go home with their forever families! The fun begins! Or do you prefer black lab puppies? We evaluate our english lab puppies which are best for show, breeding, pet, service and therapy. Investing in a healthy breed quality Labrador puppy ensures a long life of optimal health enjoying every moment of your time together. He's our sweet stocky beautiful block head boy and is available at STUD. Proven as an ultimate producer of show english lab puppies. Breeding for the betterment of the breed is our primary focus. Outstanding Pedigree Rain Forest. So Many Options! Where To Get a Labrador? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Except, you remember hearing you should only buy from professional breeders?! But that puppy in the pet store was so achingly cute! This article discusses the things you should consider before making that life changing decision. From dedicated experts who breed pedigree dogs to work or for show, to those who breed too many puppies, litter after litter purely for sale without love nor care for the health of the mother or quality of the litter. For how to recognize who the good breeders are, read our article: Labrador breeders — How to find the good ones! Buying from a good, responsible breeder is without doubt the best source for a quality, healthy Labrador puppy. They care about the overall welfare of the breed, as well as the health of the mother, quality of the litter and giving the puppies the best start in life. Responsible breeders: Guarantee a purebred and pedigree Labrador. Screen the parents for health problems before breeding , so puppies will be as free as possible from inherited diseases. Selectively breed aiming for conformance to the breed standard, so your lab has the most chance of looking like the perfect lab. Carefully socialize puppies from birth so they are well-adjusted and confident before sending them to a new home. Help buyers to select the right puppy from the litter to suit their personality, hopes and expectations. Helping you to get the puppy of your dreams. Provide expert help and advice on caring for the dog from puppyhood right through to adulthood. When you go to a good breeder you should expect lots of questions. They will also help to match you to the perfect puppy that suits your personality, preventing you from getting the wrong dog on impulse. You know the cute but feisty one that got your attention by barging through his litter mates to run up to you and be the first to say hello? Well, he may very likely become a dominant and strong-willed dog! You May Need Patience You should note that many breeders will have a long waiting list for their Labrador puppies. Then this may not be the right way for you. But this is a good thing! And nobody should buy a puppy on impulse, it must be a well thought out and reasoned decision. Maybe you would like to give a lucky Labrador a second chance at life and happiness? Adopting an Older Labrador From a Rescue Kennel Can Have Many Benefits: They will have been house trained already — No getting up in the middle of the night to relieve your puppy…or cleaning your floor after the inevitable mishaps. An adult Labrador will already show signs of any underlying problems so you can avoid this. Many will have received a decent amount of training already — Saving you lots of time and work. Having said all that… There are Some Obvious Risks! Or perhaps due to health problems that developed. Some may have faced abuse and neglect leaving them with psychological scars. Behavioral problems are sometimes well hidden, and aggression may only surface in very particular situations only. But if you are patient, understanding and can inject some routine and love into one of these dogs lives, they can become absolutely wonderful pets. There are also different types of rescue center and animal shelters. You will be able to get a feel for the level of the center when you visit and how professional they are and the staff to dog ratios. The Process When rescuing a lab, a good, well staffed shelter will ask you to visit and spend time with your potential pet. They will have assessed the dog and will tell you all they know about the dogs history and temperament. They will ask you lots of questions to find out whether you and your lifestyle are a good fit for a Labrador. They will want to meet you and your whole family. They will want to see how the people the Labrador is to live with interact with it and how the lab interacts with them. And that your choice of dog is well suited to you and interacts well with you on visits will they eventually allow you to adopt. Rescuing a Labrador can be a very good choice as long as due care is taken to pick the right one. And you will earn many karma points for doing a very good deed. It is a massive risk to take a puppy from a litter like this. These dogs have more than the average number of inherited diseases and behavioral problems. So although you will be saving a bit of money compared to paying out to a professional Labrador breeder. Or you might even be saving a dog from being given to a rescue center and possibly eventually being put down. You just might be letting yourself in for some expensive surprises in the way of vets bills or behavioral specialists later. But having said that, of course many of these puppies do become very good pets indeed. In fact a few places in the world have now banned the sale of puppies from pet stores. In these places, dogs are often bred in poor conditions, sometimes kept in small wire cages and given very little chance to socialize and little if any personal contact with humans. Have you had any good or bad experiences of getting a Labrador from any of the places listed above? Is there anything you would like to add about the pros and cons of the various places you can get yourself a Lab? Please let us know in the comments section below and you just might help people reading this article to make the right decision! Related Article:. Print Looking for a new gun dog or duck dog? Many people start their search with good intentions. They want to find a good quality pup that will serve as a hunting companion as well as a family dog. However, somewhere along the way they end up just picking up a cute puppy that the family could not resist. Maybe, but it is a needle-in-the-haystack approach. While there is no guarantee that any puppy you bring home is going to grow into a well-mannered hunting partner, there are ways to stack the odds in your favor. Today, we are going to discuss the process I go through when looking for a new puppy. These are my opinions, so take it for what it is worth, but I do have extensive experience buying Labrador puppies. I have been doing this for over 30 years and I rarely have a puppy that does not work out. Research puppy litters I buy my puppies based on pedigree. I want proven working parents. This means that I want to see that either the mom or dad, preferably both, have AKC retriever field trial titles , AKC retriever hunting test titles or UKC retriever hunting test titles behind their names on an official pedigree. Be sure you see field trial or hunt test titles. Sometimes you will see AKC show titles or other titles like agility. These are NOT the same as field trial or hunt test titles and are generally not something you want to see on the pedigree of a hunting or competition dog. There are many places to search for litters on the internet. And many sites offer the ability to limit your search by state. However, do not be afraid to look for puppies further away from you. If the litter has a great pedigree and is exactly what you are looking for, you can always have the puppy flown or shipped to you. Some of the sites that are good for looking for litters are: retrievertraining. Again, I am not saying that great dogs cannot come out of these places but rather that the odds are not in your favor. Why are hunting titles important? Hunting titles tell you that the dog has proven its ability to perform at a certain level. It also tells you that the genetics are there. If the parents can perform at a Field Champion or Master Hunter level, there is a good chance the puppies will also have that ability. Do all your research prior to going to look at the puppies Everybody loves puppies. They are cute, cuddly and so lovable. That is why I recommend that you do not ever go look at a litter that does not already meet your standards regarding pedigree. It is just too easy to end up bringing one home. And if you have kids or a spouse involved, I guarantee that any litter you go look at you are most certainly going to end up bringing home a puppy. Does color make a difference? Well-bred puppies are available in each of these colors, and we have trained excellent hunting dogs in each color. However, you may now see litters advertised as fox red or white. These colors are not recognized by the AKC and you should beware of purchasing a dog based solely on color. In addition, there are now Labs being sold as silver, charcoal and champaign. These litters are technically not pure Labrador Retrievers. They are often referred to as dilutes because the genetics have been diluted to produce these colors. Many trainers will not train dilutes because of the many health problems and genetic issues that go along with these breeds. There are, unfortunately, people breeding pups specifically to produce a specific color without regard for temperament and the betterment of the breed. We prefer to stay away from litters that do not have a proven pedigree and have been breed specifically for color. In addition, our experience training dogs from these types of litters has proven to be a struggle. How much does a good puppy cost? For many people this is a defining question. So, a new hunting partner can be a significant investment. But for us it is worth it to stack the odds in our favor. Find a great retriever breeder Unfortunately, not all breeders are equal. Over the years, some breeders have stood out to us as exceptional. They go over and beyond just taking good care of the puppies. You can tell they really want their puppies to turn out great and they take steps, while the pups are very young, to help ensure their puppies have a good strong foundation that will help them succeed in the future. Beyond the breeding of quality dogs, the difference is in the socialization of the puppies. As I talk extensively about in Raising a Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog , socialization is an essential key component in training a retriever puppy. Breeders that go out of their way to socialize young pups are worth their weight in gold. The truth is that raising puppies, done the right way, takes a lot of time and commitment. We specialize in training and prefer to let others specialize in doing a great job raising litters. Ask prospective breeder the right questions When you call and talk to a breeder about an upcoming litter, it is important to get answers to some important questions. If the pedigrees are not available online, be sure and request one from the breeder. How often do you breed? How often has this mother been bred? When looking for a great hunting dog puppy, you want to avoid puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeders that are just pumping out puppies for money and without concern to the overall health and betterment of the breed. Responsible breeders have a plan for the litters they are producing and will be able to talk to you about why the litter is worth the money they are asking. What breeds do you breed? Look for a breeder that specializes in Labrador Retrievers or whatever breed you are looking to purchase. What does your health guarantee cover? Responsible breeders will offer you a health guarantee for the puppy. While what this guarantee covers may vary, with Labrador Retrievers some of the things you want to make sure the health guarantee covers includes: Hip dysplasia Eye issues In addition, you may want to make sure that the parents have been genetically tested for other genetic diseases such as Exercise Induced Collapse EIC and Centronuclear Myopathy CNM. What do you do to socialize the puppies? Asking this open-ended question can give breeders a chance to tell you about the work they do socializing the young pups before they are ready to go home. Or, you may want to follow up with more specific questions such as: Are the pups exposed to children at all? Do you take the pups to different locations during the day? Do the puppies get outside time, what does that look like? The goal is to find out if the puppies are getting socialization and exposure to new and different things on a regular basis. Pups that get this exposure tend to adjust more quickly to their new homes and new situations later in life. Have you done this specific breeding before? How did those puppies turn out? Breeders that are working for the betterment of the breed, may breed a set of parents more than once. If this is a repeat breeding, it is likely that the breeder will know how previous litters performed in the field or in competition. Serious Labrador Retriever breeders often keep track of how their puppies perform as they age. Alternatively, you could ask for references and talk to previous buyers to find out what they think of the breeder and the puppy they bought. Should I meet the prospective dog parents? While some people might tell you that you should meet the prospective parents of the puppies, I do not see a lot of value in this. Some good breeders do not own both the parents. Often, they work with other breeders so both the Dam and Sire may not be onsite. And if you are basing your pup purchase off pedigree first, as I would recommend, you already know the most important things about the parents. If looks are important to you, then photos of the parents will show you what you need to know. Choose a retriever puppy from the litter Once you decide on a litter, the waiting begins. Ask the breeder to provide videos and photos of puppies as the grow. This is a great way to see the puppies progress and you can see some personality traits in the different pups. If you did all the work in researching pedigree and breeders, you already have stacked the odds in your favor. You know that the litter is a good one and that the puppies have a good chance of turning out to be great hunting partners. This is important because it takes a lot of pressure off when it is time to pick the puppy from the litter. When you do go to the breeder to pick your puppy, take a few minutes to observe the puppies. This will allow you to see some personality traits. Understand though that this is only one snapshot in time. The puppy that is active at this time, might have been sleeping right before you showed up. Or, the one that is sleepy may have been running around like crazy just minutes before. At Otter Tail Kennels, we often look for a puppy that likes people. A puppy that chases a child around the yard or runs to the owner when they walk away is attractive to us because we want a people-centered dog instead of a dog that prefers to spend its time with litter mates. But this is not an exact science by any means. That is why we rely on the fact that we have done our homework and know the entire litter has promise. Final thoughts on how to find a good Labrador puppy Any time you set out to buy a puppy, you do not know how the journey will end. There are a lot of unknowns. You cannot tell for sure what the puppy will look like as an adult, and you cannot tell if they will be a great hunter or a great family dog. What you can do is stack the odds in your favor. Find a great litter from a great breeder and select a puppy from that litter. Once you do that, you are on your way to having a great duck or gun dog. Then the next important step is to socialize, expose and train the puppy. Read how to do that here. Have questions about finding a great retriever for your hunting and family needs? I am here to help! You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs and services I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. How to find a good Labrador puppy. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. We currently have puppies available now as our mothers have hade much larger litters than expected and we had more puppies than people on our waiting list. When searching for a Retriever Breeder in Ontario it never pays to gear your search toward finding a Labrador puppy quickly, rather, focus your efforts on finding a Chocolate Lab puppy of quality, bred by a breeder with a reputation who will stand behind the Labrador Retriever puppies they breed. Please visit our Facebook site by entering luckylabspuppies in the search box on Facebook, see the pictures of our Labrador puppies and hear what our owners have to say about our commitment to quality. Look for quality puppies for sale not quick puppies. A second thing to consider is that you will want your breeder of Labrador retrievers to provide you with support after your Labrador puppy goes home with you. Lucky Labs guarantees this lifelong commitment to support for you and your Lab and we are happy to do so. We have deep discounts to Labrador puppy training websites , many articles on our blog dealing with health, behavior and other aspects of owning a Labrador puppy. We are available for you after your puppy goes home either by email or a phone call. Our availability changes at times in regards to the color of Labrador puppy we have available. As well, there are times when we get so busy and focused on our pups that we may have beautiful ckc yellow black or purebred chocolate lab puppies for sale that are not listed here. So if we are the small scale family based registered breeder for you please send us an application for a puppy in order to get the most accurate and up to date information about what our availability is. Puppies for sale Our silver lab puppies for sale are actually a faded coat chocolate lab. When both parents carry the chocolate gene, and they both carry the dilute gene then the color is diluted to a silver. If you look close you will notice that the silver lab still had brown pigment around its eyes and mouth because officially it is a chocolate lab. Silver Labradors make excellent family dogs. The Labrador Retriever breed regardless of color has been the most popular breed for over 25 years and the Silver Lab is no different. We have some Silver Labs who will be mating in the future resulting in puppies for sale. If you are interested to get on the waiting please read toward the bottom of this page to see what colors we are accepting applications for. For more information about silver Labradors click here. There is 1 male and 1 female yellow Lab puppy available to reserve who go home Oct 7th. One of these yellows will go to an Ontario Police force and the sibling will be available. Please apply below for more information. There are 2 black males available to reserve from this litter. Please apply below. Haddie and Archie Haddie had her puppies. There is 1 chocolate female available to go home Sept .Reservations are available please apply below. Ginger and Hank Ginger had her puppies Aug 5th and they will go home Sept 30th. Available for reservation are 2 black females, and 1 chocolate female. Reservations are available please apply below Chanel and Archie Chanel had her puppies. This litter will go home Oct 7th, 1 yellow male, 2 yellow females, 1 chocolate male and 4 chocolate female puppies are available for reservation. Daisy Flowers and Gus One chocolate female puppy is available for reservation to go home Oct 8. Ruby Emma and Archie Ruby has 5 chocolate males available and 1 chocolate female available to go home Oct 18th. Interested in one of our chocolate lab puppies for sale? Click here and visit the Lab Puppy Quality page for further information and price. If you are ready to apply click the button below and send us an application for one of our puppies for sale. You may want to consider being a guardian of one of our dogs, if so, click here. We are accepting applications for chocolate, silver, and black lab puppies. For chocolates we have some mothers mated who will have puppies ready for homes Sept through December. Our availability changes daily as people reserve puppies and sometimes change their minds for a puppy later on, or a different sex or color. We are expecting one litter with a few yellow puppies who will be ready to go home in Oct. We will have black lab puppies that will be born in August and Sept, reservations are available. For silver litters our next silver puppies will be ready in winter of .We are accepting applications now for our silver waiting list and first born silver puppies will be offered to those on the waiting list in the order that their deposits are received. To reserve one of our silver puppies or to get onto our waiting list for winter silvers please apply below. The earlier you place your deposit the higher up on the list you are. To check the quality of our purebred dogs click here. If you have had a family talk, everyone is on board getting a puppy, and you are ready to take that step please apply here. If you want a puppy later this fall or winter we are accepting applications for those timings as well. If an adult lab is better suited for you view availability on this page. View our Labradors There are many pictures of our Labs on the pages of our website, please click through some of the pages to view them. There is a photo gallery of our dogs here. As well, once a litter is born and we reach your position on the waiting list we will email you a picture of the puppies and the parents for you to decide if you want to move into that litter and take one of the puppies, or, you can wait for the next litter. To see many many more pictures and videos of our dogs please scroll back through our Facebook page as it goes back to .Trained Chocolate Lab Puppies. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today!

Labradoodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the US. They are friendly, loving family dogs who are intelligent and easy and keen to train. Planning on adopting a Labradoodle in the state of Florida? The majority of rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender. The most common reasons for surrender are a change in lifestyle or the specific breed not being a good fit. A hefty price tag for Labradoodle puppies leads to high expectations from buyers. Puppies of certain colors and fur types are seen as less desirable, making them difficult to sell, and can end up in rescue. Due to their popularity, they are generally rehomed very quickly. Adoption applications for a single dog can easily reach the hundreds. Many centers use third-party platforms to advertise the dogs they are rehoming. The platforms advertise thousands of dogs available for adoption and are always the best place to start your search as your net is cast wider and you can refine your search by breed and location. Absolutely Pawesome has provided you with 23 of the very best Labradoodle rescue shelters located in the state of Florida below: Table of Contents. It works on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming as many abused, neglected, and abandoned Labradoodles and other Poodle mixes as possible. Whether it finds these dogs in shelters, the streets, or fresh out of homes, the Doodle Rock Rescue places these furry babies in temporary foster homes to concentrate on their individual needs, such as being trained and treated, to prepare them before finding their forever homes. In addition, the center takes in and rehabilitates dogs from anywhere across the country. Yet, the farthest this center will accept applications is from anyone who lives within miles of Dallas to make regular monitoring easier. Even better, the facility has its own clinic, the CHEW Animal Clinic, which provides high-quality, yet affordable veterinarian care in the area. Work Hard. Based in Dallas, Texas, the facility has been around for approximately two years only. In addition, the facility allows adoption for people within a five-hour radius of the DFW area in Texas. Rest assured that these Doodles receive immediate medical attention once they become a part of DDR. They also stay with a foster family for at least three weeks before adoption to learn everything about them. Founded in , the International Doodle Owners Group is based out of Houston, Texas, but has a network of volunteers across the United States and some parts of Canada. In its operation, it managed to rescue and rehome 2, Doodles. Founded in , the rescue center has over a decade of experience in rescuing and rehoming Labradoodles in need of a home. How to Pick a Labradoodle Rescue in Texas? So, to become the excellent dog parent that your future Labradoodle needs you to be, do your research on the breed so that you have a better understanding of what it needs. For example, Labradoodles are pretty energetic and active. They need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. The happiness of your Labradoodle relies heavily on your company. So, having excellent knowledge of the breed increases your chances of getting your own Labradoodle. However, not all of them are equal. Other rescues lack transparency in the information that they provide because they want to leave future adopters in the dark as much as possible. Speaking of money, some rescue centers are sketchy when it comes to finances. We already know that Labradoodles are expensive. Typically, younger and healthier Labradoodles are more expensive than older ones. Nonetheless, they all deserve a loving home. Some rescue centers have application fees, as well. Final Thoughts Hopefully, this article has given you a comprehensive idea about where to adopt a Labradoodle rescue in your area. The big star of our list of the greatest Labradoodle rescue in Texas is listed below. Our top choice is the Doodle Rock Rescue because it does excellent work to save as many abandoned and surrendered Labradoodles in its vicinity as possible. It also provides complete veterinary care and has reasonable adoption fees. Sharing is caring! Email: summitdogrescue yahoo. They take in different breeds of dogs and look for loving homes for them. The facility was established in .Since then, they have rescued more than animals and settled them in their permanent homes. The rescued dogs come from different places, including high-kill shelters. The facility has plenty of dogs at any given time. However, if you are interested, you can check out specific pets you would like to adopt. Most times, dog rescues in Colorado may not know the exact breed of a Doodle. You will have to keep checking their website of available pets to find a quality Labradoodle potentially. If your want to adopt a dog from 2 Blondes Rescue in Colorado, you will need to fill out a detailed application form. You can also apply as a foster parent. All of their dogs are offered the necessary medical care once they are rescued from their high-kill shelters. They are also vaccinated before they are allowed to leave for their permanent homes. Therefore, you can be sure to get a healthy and quality Labradoodle from 2 Blondes Rescue. There are also several ways that you can get involved with 2 Blondes Rescue if you want to volunteer or donate. They have friendly workers who will welcome you and help you identify your desired dog. You can visit their website to see the available dogs looking for new homes or contact them through their email address. They work with several volunteers throughout the area to help care for their canine friends. They mostly have Doodle dogs or different types of Poodle mixes. Therefore, you will need to check their website from time to time. They have an active website where they usually update their list of available dogs looking for new homes. In addition to rescuing and caring for dogs throughout the region, they help families with pets of their own to get neutering and spaying services. The facility usually takes in dogs, rabbits, and cats. Their adoption process is quite extensive. If you want to adopt a Labradoodle from this dog rescue , you will be required to fill out an extensive application form that will require you to discuss yourself. They will also require you to discuss your lifestyle so that they give you a dog that suits you best. In addition, you will be required to pay an adoption fee, provide proof of a willingness to care for the dog you adopt, prove your current address, and consent of your landlord if you have one. Their dogs are vaccinated before being taken to their permanent homes. For more inquiries about their services, you can contact them through their phone number. All their dogs are placed into foster homes which have been specially screened to offer the best possible care to puppies and their mothers. All dogs at Colorado Puppy Rescue are offered the necessary medical care and vaccination once they are rescued from their high-kill shelters. They are also trained and socialized with other pets before being moved to their new homes. Therefore, you can be sure of adopting a healthy and well-socialized Labradoodle from them. They have been rescuing puppies and dogs for over 15 years. Over the years, they have won a reputation because of their top services. If you want to adopt a Labradoodle from them, you will need to visit their website and fill out an application form. Applications usually stay on file for six months. Therefore, if you are willing to wait, there is a possibility that a puppy that meets your needs will be available. All dogs at the facility receive a full veterinary examination. They also offer a complimentary free wellness check. You can reach them through their email address for any questions about their services. Colorado Puppy Rescue Details. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. They are generally very friendly and are an ideal best friend. Labradoodles are very playful and have a high energy level. Long walks, hiking or jogging will definitely be a part of your future life as dog-parent to a Labradoodle. These dogs tend to do well with children in the home, but sometimes are better suited for older kids since they could knock smaller family members over with their size and exuberance. Are you looking for a dog park buddy? The Labradoodle could be the perfect match for you! They usually like to play with other dogs, so a good romp with some canine friends is ideal for them, with proper oversight and introductions. They would be a good choice if you have other pets in the home, given their general good nature. Still, cautious introductions of new pets are always a must! Labradoodles usually want to please their parents, so can be easily trained with positive methods. Upkeep Labradoodles have a lot of energy to burn! You should expect to dedicate at least minutes per day to giving your Labradoodle an outlet for their energy, whether in the form of a structured walk, playing in the yard with them, training, or a trip to the dog park to socialize. Their enthusiasm could easily turn to destructive behavior if not given this outlet. They would do best in a home with a fenced yard, so this energetic dog may not be the best option if you have a low-energy apartment life. Grooming needs will vary, depending on whether your Labradoodle inherits smoother or curlier fur from the Labrador and Poodle breeds. You can expect to devote some time each week to regular brushing and bathing, but some may require a trip to a professional groomer every weeks. What people love most are their incredibly cute looks and dazzling personality. They are like big cuddly teddy bears with their wavy soft fur, big round brown eyes and dark noses. As soon as you see one you will want to cuddle. These dogs are huge love bugs and will certainly want to cuddle with you too! These days everyone seems to want a Labradoodle! Lots of people are now breeding Labradoodles because of a huge demand. However, not all breeders are trustworthy. Reputable breeders will know how to breed a healthy puppy. They will also adhere to the standards set by the Australian Labradoodle Club of America. For first time owners Labradoodles are one of the best breeds because of how obedient and smart they are. Because they are a combination of a Labrador and a Poodle they can be easily trained. They also make great family dogs because of their gentleness with children. However, these dogs are not meant for everyone. They need someone who can be dedicated to them and can take them out on long walks and exciting adventures. Unfortunately this means some Labradoodles end up in shelters. Other times Labradoodles might grow larger than some people were expecting. By adopting a Labradoodle you are decreasing the demand on breeders and giving a dog a loving home. To help you on your journey we have put together a list of all the Labradoodle rescue shelters in the US. Just choose your state in the tool below and easily find Labradoodles for adoption near you. Labradoodle Rescue By State.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd reference page. German Shepherds are strong, protective dogs that make great family pets and guards. They thrive in relationships and establish close bonds with their owners and children. German Shepherds crave structure and leadership from their pack and will respond best to owners who are consistent, patient, and firm. These dogs need a lot of exercise and plenty of activities to keep their minds stimulated. If you can provide your German Shepherd with all of these things, he will be a happy, well-adjusted dog. The price will depend on several factors including lineage, quality of breeder and temperament of the litter. The AKC is the largest and most respected dog registry in the world. They maintain a breeder referral service that can connect you with breeders in your area who have met their stringent requirements. This organization is dedicated to promoting the breeding and training of German Shepherds as working dogs. They have a comprehensive breeder directory and offer unbiased advice on finding a reputable breeder. This will give you the opportunity to meet the dogs and ask any questions you may have. A responsible breeder will welcome you with open arms and be more than happy to answer any of your questions. Visiting in person will help you see how these pups will interact with children, other dogs and their surroundings. You can also see the conditions in which they are being raised. This is super important for the development of your puppy. This is an excellent way for you to find out more about their services and evaluate the quality of their dogs. By following these simple tips, you can find a responsible breeder who will match your needs and expectations. Good breeders will have nothing to hide and should be more than happy to answer any of your questions. There are plenty of quality vets out there that would be a great match for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Trust your instincts when dealing with a breeder. An ethical breeder will only charge fair market value for their puppies and never guarantee that one specific puppy will fulfill all of your needs and expectations. These are all signs of an unethical breeder. If you come into contact with an unethical breeder, report them to the Better Business Bureau and your local authorities. Good breeders will screen their puppies for genetic health problems and will have documentation to prove it. Puppies from bad breeders may have health problems that can cost you a lot of money down the road. Good breeders will also be able to provide you with a health guarantee for your new puppy. This guarantee should cover any major health problems that the pup may have in the first year or two of its life. This should cover any major health problems that the pup may have in its first year or two of life. Reputable German Shepherd Breeders in New Mexico will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about their puppies and their health. So, be sure to ask away. Some people choose to buy a kennel or crate while others use old dresser drawers or laundry hampers. This type of enclosure will help with house training because dogs naturally do not want to soil their sleeping area if they can help it. They also provide a safe place where owners can confine their dog when they are unable to watch them. You can buy a pre-made bed or use an old towel or blanket. Be sure to provide your pup with plenty of toys to keep them occupied. Kongs are a great option because they can be filled with food or treats that will keep your pup entertained for hours on end. Other good toy options include balls, stuffed animals, and chew toys. Just make sure that whatever you give your pup is safe for them to chew on since pups love to put everything in their mouths. A food scale can also be helpful for making sure your puppy receives the proper amount of nutrients each day until he or she reaches adulthood. Make sure that this bowl is big enough for them to drink from without spilling too much. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy Potty training your new puppy is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that they live a long and healthy life. You should take your German Shepherd Puppy outside immediately after eating or drinking, after waking up from napping, and after playing. If possible, try taking them out last thing before bed as well. Younger puppies will usually need to be taken out every hour during the day and every two hours at night. As they get older, you can gradually lengthen the time between potty breaks. Rewarding Your Puppy for Going Potty in The Right Place When your pup goes potty in the right place, be sure to reward them with a treat or verbal praise. This will help them to learn that good things happen when they go potty in the right spot. Just clean it up and continue taking them outside as scheduled. Punishing your dog will only make it harder for them to learn where they are supposed to go potty. The most important thing you can do is be prepared for everything that comes with owning a new dog. Being ready and willing to put the work and time into raising your pup will ensure that they grow up to be happy, healthy, and well-trained. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. Beautiful of course! Our dogs here at Claro Cielo German Shepherds are all of these and more. They are a part of our family. They are our constant companions. They are our guardians. And at times, they are our entertainment! Our dogs receive the best of care from us. They live a busy, active lifestyle, which fits their needs for exercise and stimulation. Living on a ranch in the vast New Mexico big mesa country gives our pack ample opportunity to exercise with us. The possible adventures are endless! We keep our dogs healthy, fit, and well-trained. Being a small breeder, we have only litters per year. Puppies are born in our home, under my watchful eye. They are constantly seeing, hearing, and smelling what a normal family home is like. We handle them daily and build a strong bond with them, despite their short time with us. This enables us to place them in homes where they will flourish and reach their full potential. We strive to produce healthy and intelligent dogs that will thrive in any situation. Getting a Claro Cielo German Shepherd means you will join our ever-growing family tree. We support our buyers for the life of their puppy. We hope you will join our family and see for yourself why life is indeed better with a Claro Cielo German Shepherd! We run a full genetic panel by Embark, screening for over different genetic conditions. IF passing scores are received, we then pair them with a mate that will bring out the best in their temperaments and physical structure. Family Raised Raising puppies is a job for the whole family. Even the baby gets in on the action at times! Love and Attention Those first experiences for a puppy can shape their outlook on life. We expose our puppies to positive experiences with various people and situations to ensure they are confident, happy dogs. Free Time! We are constantly observing our puppies from the moment of birth. We see their temperaments start to emerge quickly and are able to skillfully match puppies with their families when they are old enough to leave their littermates. Feedback One of the greatest pleasures and priveleges of being a breeder is meeting such amazing families. We stay in touch with our puppy families, sharing tips and updates. Here are some comments from past puppy buyers: My family and I highly recommend Claro Cielo German Shepherds because their passion for the breed and the family units their pups are placed with is second to none. We were immediately impressed by the thoughtfulness of the communication and information presented to us by the breeder. She is so knowledgeable about the breed in general, but also goes above and beyond to get a feel for each individual pup and their instincts and personalities. He is very good in social situations and is wonderful interacting with our children. I believe he thrives in social situations because he had a good foundation from birth. We have Claro Cielo German Shepherds to thank for his early social experiences. Claro Cielo German Shepherds has remained in contact with us and is always willing to help and answer any of our questions. We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of Claro Cielo German Shepherds and highly recommend them to you and yours! Jennifer D. We picked our puppy up in August and he has been making our life sweeter ever since! He has an amazing temperament and is so much fun. He is also extremely smart and picks up on things very quickly. Rebecca is amazing to work with. She takes the time to educate you and loves to watch her puppies grow! Allie and Ryan H. Before we found Becky, we had a horrible experience with a breeder in CO that just ripped our hearts out for the chances of having a German Shepherd. Just when we thought we lost all hope, Becky was a light in the darkness! She went above and beyond to make sure that we received progress pics of our pup, since at the time she was going to be transporting them from MT to CO. She drove down to CO to deliver our new family member. Now about 4. He came from a very healthy line and gets compliments wherever we take him. He is not only beautiful on the outside but has a beautiful soul too. We believe that he is so healthy and sweet from the experienced breeding that Becky is so versed in doing. Thanks to Becky and her family, our dream of having a GSD came true. Thank you, Becky, for your compassion all those years ago and being so understanding and thoughtful to bless us with our baby boy! We will always and forever recommend her trustworthiness! Nino and Holly F. Owner of Rostam, Currently living in Florida! My husband and I had been looking for a German Shepherd for a while. One thing I asked her was if she could tell me the personalities of the puppies. She gave a very detailed description of each puppy, which helped us determine the one we wanted. I was really nice to see a breeder that actually truly cared about where her puppies were going to end up. At the time my husband was away for work and Rebecca was so kind to let our puppy stay with her a couple of weeks longer. Rebecca called me a week before we were supposed to drive down to get the puppy and said that she was coming to our area for the weekend and that they would bring our puppy to us. Of course we said yes! She met us somewhere to give us our new baby! We named her Piper, and she was the best decision we have ever made! I told my family if something were to happen to my husband and I that we would want Piper to go back to Rebecca because we know she would live her best life ever. Lexie and Kyle C. Everyone I meet is impressed how well-behaved she is! I love my girl so much, she is seriously the bomb! Since then he has been a great companion for myself and for my kids. He has adapted well to living around our livestock and follows the rules well. His favorite thing in the world is to come along with us when we take our horses out on the trail. Becky has been great to work with both before and since we picked up Rowdy. I would definitely recommend her breeding program for anyone looking for a pup. Dave T. I also completed a small animal dietitian program and regularly attend seminars and clinics around the country to stay abreast of pet related topics. Several articles I wrote appeared in national dog magazines and books, and it has also been my pleasure to be a featured speaker on dog-related topics. Since , Hodenhof German Shepherds has maintained the highest standards of breeding top Schutzhund, Obedience, Tracking and Herding dogs. We have won numerous national titles and continue to be actively involved. Equally important to us, our dogs have won the hearts of the many families they have touched over the years. Many of our long-time clients are now enjoying their third generation Hodenhof GSD. They are such little characters, aren't they and make the very best lap dogs?! In , due to many requests, we made the decision to breed our beautiful female, Kimchi and now have two more exquisite young females in our family! We look forward to raising a limited number of litters from these three.We are enjoying showing Pugs again, on a limited basis, as we explore our new home state. Jana Mitchell. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Mexico? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Mexico cost? Lots of factors come into play when it comes to the price of German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Mexico, including coat color, pedigree, size, and more. The experience of the breeder also needs to be taken into consideration. Can I find breeders and litters around the country here? All the businesses and breeders in our network are highly experienced at making travel arrangements for puppies, so you can pick up your new pup at your nearest major airport. How do you go about screening all the breeders? We take lots of factors into consideration including health, skill, and more. Find out more in our Breeder Pledge. Is this any different from searching elsewhere online? We connect you with these top German Shepherd breeders New Mexico so you can search with complete peace of mind. Why should I avoid using puppy mills? They only care about profits, and the truth is they are more like factories for pups. Please steer well clear when you search for German Shepherd puppies New Mexico. Mill pups are more likely to suffer from health problems that can lead to much higher vet bills for you. Will I be able to find a specific type of German Shepherd here? Simply start searching and see what you can find. You may be just a few clicks away from finding your adorable new puppy! How does the process work here at Uptown Puppies? We make it easy and fun to find your perfect German Shepherd for sale New Mexico. Just start your search for New Mexico German Shepherds for sale or something similar. When you find a litter that looks perfect, connect with the breeder or business, and you can start making arrangements. Can I trust you when I search for my new puppy? Just take a look at our great reviews to see what everyone is saying about us. People use us time and time again to find German Shepherds for sale New Mexico because they know that we will only connect them with the best breeders. We make finding a puppy fun again, so now you can find your New Mexico German Shepherd for sale with peace of mind. Will I find it easy to train my German Shepherd? Yes, German Shepherds are typically very easy to train. They are one of the smartest breeds, after all, which is one thing that makes German Shepherds for sale in New Mexico so popular. They love learning new things and they will be quick to learn and eager to please. Do German Shepherds need lots of grooming? They have lovely thick coats, and they are great for cuddling, but they shed throughout the year. We have answers. Instead of coming to a dead end at the end of a long day you can speak with an intelligent puppy raiser and begin your journey to meeting an adorable new German Shepherd. Begin by browsing some of the vetted breeders below. How do I avoid fraudulent puppy raisers? When you begin to search for reputable Albuquerque German Shepherd breeders you may find yourself coming across breeders who are operating out of their backyard or maybe even a spare room in their place of residence instead of spending the money for a top of line facility. The term for these businesses is backyard breeders. In order to empower more Americans to avoid these backyard breeders our network is set up with a thorough screening process to filter through the countless applications we receive each week. Can I find German Shepherd puppies in Albuquerque now? Of course you can. Instead of wasting time trying to find a reputable local breeder who may not even exist you can begin your process of finding a litter of German Shepherd puppies for sale in Albuquerque right now! Having a hard time finding German Shepherd breeders in Albuquerque? Are German Shepherds easy to train? Dogs that are intelligent and capable of accomplishing complex tasks like the German Shepherd are perfect for dog lovers who want to own an obedient pup. Just remember, when it comes to choosing a reputable breeder all you have to do browse the pre-screened businesses below. Yes, puppy mills are everywhere and they can be hard to recognize. A puppy mill is a factory like breeding facility where popular breeds are forced to reproduce more often than they naturally would which can cause stress and eventually health issues down the line. Do I have to choose from a local breeder? Before companies like Uptown Puppies existed, consumers were pretty limited when it came to finding qualified German Shepherd breeders. Luckily, the breeders with German Shepherds for sale in Albuquerque who have been accepted into the Uptown network have decades of experience arranging travel for their dogs to major airports around the US, which makes your search easier than ever! Can German Shepherds make for great family dogs? German Shepherds are fun-loving, loyal dogs that were bred to join and fit into a pack. Early on in your search for a new German Shepherd puppy you will realize just how coveted these dogs are and how quickly they will become attached to your family. Is it difficult to find a well bred German Shepherd for sale in Albuquerque? It can be difficult to find a properly bred litter of German Shepherd puppies mostly because these dogs are extremely popular among dog lovers across the country. At Uptown Puppies we are committed to making your shopping experience as easy as possible! Instead of wasting countless hours sitting at your desk searching for reputable breeders all you have to do to find your next companion is browse some of the pre-screened businesses below. Do you sell the cheapest puppies? Rather than offering cheap puppies the breeders who tend to get approved to join the Uptown Network offer a more boutique experience that involves exceptional breeding standards and even puppy transportation for out of state customers.

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. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow 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, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. The breed is named after a region in Europe where the GSDs were originally bred source. Although the name Alsation Dog is rarely heard, it is more popular in Europe and the United Kingdom vs. Regardless of their name, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in both America and Great Britain. Female vs. Male Temperament Female German Shepherds tend to have a gently, friendly disposition. Generally, female GSDs are sweeter and friendlier companions to have around a family. They tend to have a gentle disposition compared to male GSDs. Male GSDs are more territorial in nature. They mark their territory by urination and this can annoy some owners. They are also more likely to have stronger personalities and a proud sense of character. Female German Shepherd dogs are gentle when compared to males. They are more gentle and friendlier towards their family. The female GSD tends to have a higher tolerance for strangers and other people, in general. They can, however, turn more protective when they have a litter of their puppies around. This breed is known to stick closely to their person, which can turn into possessiveness if not corrected early. Having different family members use positive training and taking turns working with your dog can help prevent this issue. Males are considered more aggressive and protective. Both males and females are known to bark to alert their family of people or other dogs in their yards or along the street. Some owners find this makes them an excellent watchdog, but other people, like your neighbors, might not appreciate the barking. Males tend to become more dominant and aggressive, which can increase their protectiveness for their family. They are better suited for protection roles and families without children. But a female German Shepherd will still bark and alert you of strangers and intruders on the property. A prominent dog psychology researcher even named the German Shepherd as the second breed most likely dog to bark as a watchdog source. So, this can be seen as a more protective feature of male German Shepherds. Both sexes have an intimidating bark and are athletic, large dogs — a protective feature that usually scares outsiders. Male vs. Female Size Comparison While there are exceptions to every rule, the male German Shepherd is generally larger than the female German Shepherd. Males also tend to have larger muscles, while females tend to have sleeker muscles. Both males and females should have an athletic form and should not be overweight. A male has a height of 24 to 26 inches at the withers shoulder area , while females are about 22 to 24 inches tall at the withers. The male can weigh up to 95 pounds, while the female typically is lower — anywhere from 75 to 85 pounds. Males may exhibit more protectiveness due to their muscular build and larger size. Female German Shepherds should be considered for families with kids. Research shows that males German Shepherds are more aggressive than female German Shepherds. This means that a family should consider choosing a female for a companion over a male. Males tend to perform better for roles in protection and guarding and could do well in a home without children and the proper training. And both males and females are powerful dogs with lots of energy… including jumping. These traits could make them harder to handle around small kids or children. Generally, female GSDs interact better with children due to their maternal, less dominant nature. And male GSDs tend to be larger, more muscular, and may become too powerful for smaller children. Their large personalities and behavior may push around the kids and they are more aggressive in nature. Females are a better match for a family with children. Children and Training The German Shepherd enjoys the company of children when trained. Even children can learn to control this breed with the right guidance from their parents. While some parents of young children are afraid of choosing the GSD breed due to their size, the main concern comes from properly training the dog and the children to live together. Early training of both parties has the greatest chance of a strong bond between the pair. And parents should not only train the dog themselves but show the children how to train their German Shepherd. Younger children might see their playfulness, such as ear tugging or tail pulling, as cute or funny. Kids must learn to respect the breed, and parents must show their children how to do this in a positive manner. German Shepherds may seem reserved or aloof at first. But, they have a funny sweet side when comfortable with their family and are truly lifelong companions. Both sexes of the breed can become possessive, but males tend to show this behavior more easily. Having different family members train your dog can cut down on overall possessiveness. One-Person Connection Both male and female dogs prefer to have company with their people. They may develop anxiety when left alone or not given the proper attention for long periods of time. Their personality can become demanding for attention, so when you choose a German Shepherd, know they want your undivided attention and will suffer without it. Male German Shepherds tend to pick one person with whom they bond the strongest. This can lead to possessiveness or overprotection of this individual. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds to own. They are highly intelligent and have a natural curiosity to learn new commands and behaviors. German Shepherds are ready for you to train them daily and are easier to train compared to many other dog breeds. Males can also become more dominant, especially as they mature, and may become difficult for you to train. While females tend to want to appease their owners more readily and are better suited to a new owner. Training a German Shepherd The most important and best way to train a German Shepherd is through positive training, which engates their minds and bodies. Choose a positive training program that you find fun and will participate in almost daily. For the best results use these tips: Start training as a young puppy to develop the good habits you want. Keep the training sessions short, especially for puppies. Use a high-value reward that is also healthy — choose from this list of GSD treats: The Healthiest Treats for a German Shepherd Enroll in a training program that uses their mental ability to increase your bond With plenty of training the right way, you may find your German Shepherd, both male and female, excels at sports, such as agility and rally obedience. And, this breed is a true tracker with their excellent scenting abilities. Certain traits make male German Shepherds better as police and military working dogs. Female German Shepherds are used in police and military service, but they are generally outnumbered by male German Shepherds. This is in part to selective breeding for certain traits, such as: Aggressiveness Size and build Athletic ability As working dog breeders tend to choose these traits over others they may choose male dogs that fit this profile. So, more male GSDs wind up in police and military dog units. As mentioned previously, males dogs also make better working dogs in the protection service due to not only their larger size, but their protection and aggression drive. These drives are highly sought after in the police fields for K-9 units. Male German Shepherds are seen as more intimidating and male handlers may even want to choose a male working partner over a female as male dogs are seen as more tough and rugged. Both male and female GSDs have a tough exterior that makes them suitable for military and police work. When a female goes into heat she is more distracted and less likely to listen to commands and become more moody. Other male dogs would also make it impossible to have a female GSD around unless she was spayed. Female German Shepherds are in heat generally twice a year, or about every 6 months. This schedule also coincides with the blowing of their coat. She will generally be in heat for about 21 days, though this can differ from dog to dog. There is some bleeding that is noticeable, so many owners prefer to keep their female GSD secure in an easy to clean room with hard floors, away from the male dogs. A female GSD can begin her heat cycle as young as 6 months old. This may vary anywhere between 6 months to 1 year, depending on their individual genetics. On average, she will come into her heat cycle every 6 months, though this could be as early as every 4 months for some females. Being in estrus, or in season in heat can make a female dog moody and temporarily change its behavior and personality. This is normal, but owners should be aware of this difference in their female dogs. Owners must secure and contain their females to avoid any unnecessary mating and unwanted litters. All males within a short and long distance can smell a female in heat, so due caution must be taken. Health Concerns This breed is susceptible to a number of health concerns that you should consider before choosing a German Shepherd. Only adopt or choose your dog from a respectable breeder that has completed the necessary testing for their health. Some issues the German Shepherd is susceptible to include: Hip Dysplasia. Both males and females can exhibit the best qualities of German Shepherds. They can be equally loving and devoted, and both can be tough, helpful and brave. There are some traits specific to each gender that are fairly common. For example, males tend to be more territorial and dominant. They often mark their territory at every opportunity. They can be very independent and sometimes seem a bit standoffish. Females, on the other hand, are a bit more family oriented. They tend to protect their tribe and are often more affectionate. But females may be less patient than males when it comes to tolerating behavior like jumping or fur pulling from young children. Male German Shepherds are usually a bit bigger than their female counterparts, and they reach maturity a bit slower. While they can still be trained better than almost any other breed, it will take extra patience to train a male. When a male who is not neutered smells a female in heat, look out. They can misbehave wildly in an attempt to go meet their potential mate. While neutering should be discussed with your veterinarian, if you do not plan to breed your male German Shepherd, it is probably a good idea to have him neutered while he is young. This has been proven to improve behavior and make training slightly easier. It should also make him less aggressive overall and less likely to roam. In a lot of ways, it comes down to the individual puppy or dog and your needs. Unless you have your heart set on a male or female, keep an open mind. The same goes with either gender. The only big caveat to that is if you already have a dog in your house. In general, dogs of opposite sex pairings get along better than couples of the same sex. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. Male vs. Dec 12, Both male and female German shepherd dogs make fantastic active family pets. They are great family guardians and companions. Both are extremely smart and easy to train. Both need lots of exercise, guidance, and socialization. As with any breed, there are subtle differences between the sexes. In German shepherds, these differences can vary greatly due to their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is more active than the more low-key American show line dog. The German shepherd dog is considered a medium sized dog. However, there are many breeders producing large or even giant shepherds. Physical Appearance: Male German shepherds are slightly larger than female German shepherds, with deeper chests. They are typically heavier boned, more muscular, and have larger heads. Females are inches high and weigh 50 to 70 pounds. Male shepherds tend to have a more masculine look about them while female shepherds have narrower heads, narrower snouts, and are more feminine around the eyes. One can usually guess which shepherd is the male or female simply by looking at them. Characteristics As with any breed, the upbringing of the dog plays a huge role in how a dog behaves. Dogs that are raised in a secure, social environment act very different than dogs that lack leadership and affection. German shepherds that lack training and guidance can suffer from behavior problems, no matter what sex they are. How they are raised from puppyhood is crucial to their personality development. In general, both sexes are typically confident, loyal, and athletic. Both are smart and, as herding dogs, naturally alert and protective. Both dogs can be aloof, however, their upbringing and socialization plays a huge role in how they greet strangers and new situations. The males tend to be pushier, bolder and more aggressive than the females. However, many German shepherd dog owners will tell you their female is moodier than their male. Since females are naturally more maternal, they can also be more reactive than males. Males tend to be more possessive. Many German shepherd owners will also say that their males are more affectionate and goofy while their females are more reserved. That is not to say that females are not as sweet, some just may not be as cuddly. Both sexes are extremely curious about everything going on in their household. Unspayed dogs may exhibit more extreme differences. Unspayed females can be more moody than a male dog. However, an unaltered male can become more frustrated when a female is in heat. Both can be more inattentive to their family during these times. An unaltered male will be more prone to marking and guarding his territory. Personalities German shepherds are a dominate breed and need training from a young age. Both sexes are equally smart and will try to rule the house and outwit their owners if given the chance. Most owners will tell you that males tend to vie for dominance more often than females while the females are more laid back. Both sexes bond strongly with their family. The more maternal female shepherd tends to attach themselves to the entire family while the males can become more bonded to one person. That is not to say the male will not be attached to other people in the family, it simply means they have a tendency to play favorites. All in all, although there are differences between both sexes, their breeding, rearing, and how well socialized they are is more important to their personality development than their sex. These traits are simply generalities and not hard and fast rules. You can learn a lot about the future personality of a dog by understanding their lineage and providing a stable, loving home with lots of guidance and training. A German shepherd dog that is well loved, well trained, and secure will return that love and respect in great measure-it does not matter if they are a male or female. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

We are experienced Labradoodle breeders with 6 years of working with Australian Labradoodles. Our puppies are non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them not just a family pet but a perfect addition to any family. Quality - At Michigan Labradoodles, we have the best team! Our dogs , are members of our family—they are all descendants of experienced selective family- based Labradoodle breeders in the business. Our business is centered around our family, including our dogs—you can always expect an exceptional experience with our family based company. We are a recognized ALAA breeder, our goal is to breed our wonderful Australian Labradoodles to provide you with an excellent addition to your family. Service - Honesty is a foundation of our family that stretches far beyond our business. We understand that it takes a lot of trust to buy a puppy online. At Michigan Labradoodles, we are committed to making this a fun and memorable experience for you and your family. When you buy a labradoodle from us you can expect constant communication through the puppy adoption process. While our labradoodle puppies are born in Michigan, we provide delivery service anywhere in the US. We provide updates through our Facebook and Instagram page and email variety of forms, including detailed descriptions, pictures, and videos. Why Authentic Australian Labradoodles? Consistent - Our dogs and their puppies are consistent, they are descendants of a multigenerational breed. The pedigree is true back eight plus generations, breeding Authentic Australian Labradoodles with the same great qualities of their breed. This gives us the ability to closely predict the size, shape and color of your puppy. On top of that we breed for excellence and closely adhere to the ALAA standard. They were originally bread as service dogs and therapy companions with an allergy friendly coat dating back to the 's. Coat - Our Australian Labradoodles all possess a soft fleece coat that has been developed over generations - a quality that you will only get with experienced dog breeders. It provides the allergy friendly coat qualities of the poodle, without sacrificing the amazing soft to the touch feel you will love. Temperament - Originally the Authentic Australian Labradoodle was bred as the ideal therapy dog. They interact well with adults and their playful personality makes them a fun addition to families with children. They are a great mix of playfulness and cuddly. The organization promotes responsible dog companionship for labradoodles for sale in Michigan and the United States by cataloging helpful information about the breeds making it easier to buy a dog online by offering networking services to breeders and owners. The organization protects our breed from inhumane puppy mills. This status recognizes our commitment as a breeder to maintaining a high health standard for our dogs, as well as our recurring investment in health testing of our breeding dogs. It assures potential adopters that our litters have come from the healthiest parents possible along, with a strong level of health guarantees that can be maintained. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Welcome to Sugar Cookie! We are an Australian Labradoodle breeder located in mid-Michigan, and its our pleasure to offer you a beautiful, multi-generational, low-to-no shedding puppy from authentic lines which originated in Australia over 30 years ago! Our pups are bred for outstanding temperament and good health, and born and raised in our home we are not a kennel. We are honored to be recognized by both professional organizations for maintaining top levels of health testing of our sires and dams! These recognitions are given to breeders who go above-and-beyond minimum health testing, increasing the likelihood that you will have a healthy puppy and dog for years to come! Reserving a Puppy is as easy as ! We invite you to join our Master Reservation List! First step is to call Maria with questions and to ask for a Puppy Matching Application. It's important to get to know each other and for us to learn about your family's lifestyle. Accepting reservations for puppies with mommas Maddy, Eloise, and Phoebe! Mother Nature determines the timing of our litters. As soon as pregnancies are confirmed we will let you know on our social media sites and of course here as well! This helps us know the important traits you are looking for! We want you to pick the best puppy to meet your family's unique needs and lifestyle, based on temperament and energy level. A non-refundable good faith deposit places you on our Master Puppy Reservation List and assures that you will be bringing a beautiful Sugar Cookie pup home. Within a couple days after a litter arrives we will contact families in the order their deposit was placed to confirm that this is the litter they would like to have their puppy from. If for whatever reason the timing is not right or you are interested in a future litter from a different parent pairing, you may choose to remain and likely move up on the Master List for the next litter. As breeder we reserve the right to hold back any puppy from a litter prior to family selections. We will send you periodic email updates about milestones and important dates and post lots of pictures on social media, so you can follow all the pups in a litter as they grow and develop! Plan to pick your puppy up at our home. We do not ship our puppies in cargo but if you or a 'flight nanny' would like to fly home with your puppy safely in-cabin, a driver can meet you at a Michigan airport for an additional charge. Keep in mind if your puppy is flying overseas to its new home you will not only need to know your airline's rules but likely make arrangements for your puppy's care for a couple months until it is able to fly. With most overseas flights a puppy must be at least 16 weeks and have had its rabies vaccine and a USDA health certificate. Unfortunately we cannot keep pups beyond 9 weeks. Included with your Sugar Cookie puppy: 1. Puppy Culture method of raising puppies to give them the best possible start in life 2. Health record, physical exam, dewormings, first vaccination, and microchip 3. Snuggle Puppy heartbeat comfort toy 5. Soft comfort blanket and toy scented with littermates 6. Leash and beautiful custom Sugar Cookie puppy collar 7. Sample bag of Royal Canin Puppy kibble 8. Optional - your preference. They were bred to get a less allergic and less aggressive breed. It was mostly achieved, but some exceptions exist. These curly balls of fur have become quite popular today for having a warm temperament and adaptability. Properly bred Labradoodles prove to be the best company, if not the best guard dogs. A lot of households with children prefer having a Labradoodle in the USA. Features Labradoodles are an easy-to-go breed with a life span of years. They adapt quickly but can be hyper-energetic. They are available in various sizes and colors with good characteristics. One should always opt for a trusted and ethical breeder to get the healthiest dog. Labradoodles have these basic features. Appearance A standard Labradoodle is inches tall, while the medium one is inches tall, and the miniature Labradoodle is inches tall. They generally have long, wavy hair, making them look like little teddy bears. They can be found in a combination of chocolate, red, gold, black, and cream colors. Weight The weight varies for each dog, but there is a broad range for each size of Labradoodle available. The standard Labradoodle weighs anywhere between pounds, the medium Labradoodle weighs between pounds, and the Miniature Labradoodle weighs between pounds. Personality Labradoodles are one of the friendliest breeds you can ever find. They are loyal and have a warm temperament. Full of energy, these bundles of joy like surrounding people all the time. They adapt to the living conditions well and can be left alone for some time. Labradoodles are an intelligent and calm breed and with proper training. Training and grooming Labradoodles of all types are easy to train and groom. They require regular grooming and exercise. They are both hot and cold weather tolerant and trained for better tolerance. Based on the proportion of characteristics of both the breeds required, the various types of Labradoodles bred are: It is the original Labradoodle. In addition to being a Labradoodle, it has another characteristic of the pure breed. F2 Labradoodle F2 is the second-generation Labradoodle. A cross between two F1 Labradoodles gives F2 Labradoodle. F2B Labradoodle It is almost .F3 Labradoodle Also called the multi-gen Labradoodle, it is the third or more generation Labradoodle. Why Labradoodle? Labradoodles are not only intelligent and active. If you want more reasons to get yourself Labradoodle puppies in Michigan, here are other features that make them a good choice. Less shedding: The deliberate mix with a Poodle makes a Labradoodle shed lower than the standard breeds. The choice for novices: Labradoodles are easy to train and quickly adapt to their surroundings, making them a good choice for new learners. Although it is not a difficult procedure, their energy levels might make it difficult sometimes. Some tips below might help take care of a Labradoodle. Exercise Labradoodles require minutes of exercise every day. Their wanderlust makes them require regular walks. If in a small apartment, it is necessary to take them outside in parks or gardens to keep them happy and healthy. Socialization Early socialization is a pompous activity with a Labradoodle. It means keeping them around lots of people. This helps them become friendlier, and they pick up recognizable traits. Grooming Labradoodles require grooming, like brushing, combing, and bathing regularly. They have a great liking to water, so it is easy to groom them. Generally, getting professional grooming kits is a good option. Family Environment It becomes imperative to keep the Labradoodle inside with the family. They are sensitive creatures and cannot sleep outside. Any comfy place near the bed or in the living room works well with the breed. Final Words With its warm temperament, loyal and adaptable nature, Labradoodle is a perfect fit for company, even on tours and travels. Michigan provides numerous options to choose from, but as a matter of concern, most of the dogs may not have a healthy lifestyle in which they are raised. To find good Labradoodle puppies in Michigan for your family, you must trust only credible breeders. You should also be aware while looking out for dogs from mills as they may not be healthy. The article familiarizes readers with the 6 best Labradoodle breeders in Michigan MI. So, ensure you choose from the best breeders to raise a healthy and active Labradoodle that fits into your family fully! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Thank you for your interest in this wonderful breed here at South Mitten Australian Labradoodles! Our labradoodles are allergy-friendly, meet rigorous health standards and have wonderful temperaments, making them the perfect addition to families of all shapes and sizes. Located in southern Michigan, our dogs are raised in our home as cherished and spoiled members of our family! Our puppies are given the utmost care and researched-based attention and stimulation right from the start. This ensures you are not just getting a puppy of impeccable bloodlines, but one that has an optimal start and a superior advantage. We strive to produce healthy well-socialized puppies from multi-generational lines with amazing temperaments. South Mitten Labradoodles follow the strict health guidelines and strong ethics of the Australian Labradoodle Club we belong to. We specialize in the true Australian Labradoodle with wonderful coats and temperaments with bloodlines originating from Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. This is a different dog and usually a different temperament than the Australian Labradoodles. True Australian Labradoodles average generations of labradoodles back in their pedigree that all originate from either Rutland Manor, Tegan Park, or Sunset Hills in Australia. We strive for nothing less than excellence in breeding and raising our precious puppies. We love and are devoted to this very special breed. Why do we believe that certified Australian Labradoodles are the ultimate breed? You are getting the best of the best! Virtually Non-Shedding Greatest ambition is to be with "their people" Incredibly intelligent and easy to train Loyal Low to no odor even when wet Comical and endearing. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Denton Michigan and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

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. Tunnel Dash The Weaving Wonder Games for German Shepherds can include everyday objects that you can find around your house and are fun activities that give your German Shepherd mental stimulation and exercise. Try a few of these activities for German Shepherds and see which ones your dog loves! Hide-and-Seek Treats Hiding their food helps your dog use their noses to explore. Mental stimulation with a food hide-and-seek game keeps your dog sharp by using their noses source. You can use this game indoors or out in your yard or garden. Now hide a few pieces around the house or yard while they watch, and encourage them to find the food. German Shepherds have a keen sense of smell, and many learn to track. Puppy Puzzles This German Shepherd activity teaches your dog to use their nose and brain together. Food puzzles are activities that keep your dog working for their reward. Use this stimulating mind game to introduce them to puzzles. Next, place their food in the puzzle. Show them how to find food and encourage them to find the food on their own. If you want to feed your dog the right foods, then read this list of healthy, tasty treats for German Shepherds. Break your treats into small pieces, no larger than the size of your pinkie nail to keep their nutrition in check. The Special Delivery activity uses common mailing items as hiding places for their treats. Use a clean box that came in the mail. Place pieces of kibble or treats inside the brown paper wrap. Squish the brown paper or paper towels together to wrap around the kibble. Encourage your dog or puppy to look for their food. When they are finished, refill the brown paper packaging or paper towel balls and start again. Another simple and easy game to put together is a bottle treat dispenser. The bottle slides and moves on the floor to make the game more interesting for both puppies and adults. And, of course, supervise your German Shepherd during games at all times. Save a large water bottle. Make sure it is clean and dry. Let your dog turn, paw, and shake the bottle so the kibble falls out. Repeat when empty to finish their meal. Replace the bottles regularly as they become dirty or worn. The larger the opening, the easier the food will fall out. Brain Training for Dogs Brain Training your German Shepherd keeps them mentally stimulated and physically engaged, ensuring they have a pawsome time! Brain training your German Shepherd is an activity that increases their mental stimulation and is fun for both you and your dog! You can use brain training to help teach your German Shepherd manners and basic obedience at the same time. But… You can read more on my helpful review: Brain Training for Dogs Review to learn all about this engaging playtime program. Setup this game by doing this: Place a few bits of their food or treats in the muffin tins and a ball over the top to cover the cups. You can leave some muffin tins without a tennis ball to make the game easier to start or for puppies learning about brain games. When your dog is finished, refill the muffin tins. To make the game interesting, leave some tins without food, but still cover the compartment with a tennis ball. This makes your dog use his nose more and gives them a surprise when they find the food in some compartments but not in others. Frozen Kong Delight By far, my German Shepherd enjoys this mental exercise the best, as the food seems to last longer and keep her quiet. Get out your trusty, indestructible German Shepherd-proof Kong toy. Place a mixture of moistened kibble in the center. I like to add a few spoonfuls of unflavored Greek yogurt mixed into the food for extra encouragement. Set this in the freezer for a few hours to stiffen up. When frozen, give it to your dog for a tasty mealtime surprise! If you buy a few Kongs, you can keep them in your freezer for times when you want or need to keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. Trust me, the Kong toys make for engaging playtime ideas for German Shepherds and can stand up to their rough play. Tupperware Surprise These old plastic food storage containers make useful indoor activities for your German Shepherd. Put them to use with this game. Place several pieces of plastic food storage containers upside down, without their lids, over a handful of kibble. You can put the food storage containers all in one room or place them in multiple rooms for a seek-and-find activity. Encourage your dog to go find the kibble, and help them find the first few to get them started. They must figure out how to turn the container over with their paws or nose, which is tricky for some dogs, especially puppies. Use this mental exercise inside or outside, depending on the weather. This game also uses empty cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper. Place their kibble on brown shipping or craft paper, or even a clean paper towel. Next, wrap the kibble up securely and place the wrapped kibble inside the cardboard tubes. Encourage your dog to explore the tubes. You can see my German Shepherd enjoying the game of finding treats in cardboard tubes. As simple as this sounds, the activity keeps my German Shepherd busy as she delicately removes the kibble from the boxes or toilet roll tubes filled with kibble and paper. No worries. This game really gets an active Shepherd moving and keeps them occupied! Start slowly and toss one ball away from you. While your dog goes to chase that ball, get another ball toy ready in your hand. As they return the first ball, toss the second ball across the grass for them to have another sprint. Only play a handful of rounds, and then let your dog have a rest and some water to avoid them overheating. Instead, use these summer activities to exercise your German Shepherd in the heat. Place their kibble meal or another dry treat inside the toy to help provide a challenge to their minds and bodies. As your dog chases the toy around and works to get their reward, they burn calories and have to use their brain power to work the food loose. You can wash this treat dispensing toy, so if your dog is a first-class drooler, you can easily clean their germs away. This is a mentally-stimulating game for an indoor German Shepherd activity for a puppy or even a bored German Shepherd. Tunnel Dash Collapsible tunnels can make for an exciting and fun backyard activity. Owners of our high-energy breed will appreciate teaching their dog both indoor agility to challenge their minds and outdoor agility to challenge their minds and use their energy! You may have to entice your dog through the tunnel by placing them at one end and having them wait while you walk to the other. But German Shepherds love this type of stimulation and are expert tunnel runners! The Weaving Wonder From German Shepherd puppies to seniors, almost every dog enjoys learning how to become a weaving wonder! If your dog enjoys high-energy activities, then add to your agility set by using these easy-to-set up weave poles. Your athletic Shepherd will love to use their brains and their agility to figure out the best way to quickly maneuver through the weave poles. Begin by walking ahead of your dog through the weave poles and have them follow you. Reward them frequently in between poles in the beginning. When they make it to the end, celebrate and reward them again. Eventually, have your GSD make more turns of the poles before the reward. Learn all about the right ways to exercise your German Shepherd for complete health and fitness. Your dog or puppy has many senses they need to use daily. They can see, hear, touch, smell, and think. Many dogs living in our modern, busy lives lack mental stimulation. In the wild, your dog would work alongside their pack or alone to track down prey using their senses. They would then plan an attack, using their mental abilities. Using all these senses during play helps your dog gain confidence in themselves and in their abilities. New experiences ignite portions of their brains to keep them engaged in their environments. An engaged dog is a happy, better-behaved dog! Include 2 or 3 new activities for your German Shepherd a week to begin. You ready for more? From nutrition tips to exercise tricks, this guide has it all. Trust me, your German Shepherd will be wagging their tail with joy! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your free guide now and continue fun adventures and activities with your German Shepherd! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior.