pitbull poodle puppies for sale

pitbull poodle puppies for sale - Vomiting How to Prevent Dog Motion Sickness If you adopt a Jack Russell puppy, expect a ball of energy and lots of play they are one of the most athletic small dogs Here are a few tips to alleviate motion sickness while driving. The first is to keep the temperature in the car cool. Like with humans, the cooler the air, which helps soothe feelings of nausea and dizziness. In the same token, you should try to lower the windows to allow for as much fresh air as possible. You also may want to limit how much food and water your dog consumes before the trip. A full stomach can only increase the feeling of nausea. Plus, if your dog does have an accident, this means less cleanup. Before the trip, you may want to exercise your dog. Large amounts of exercise can help decrease stress but also if you exercise them enough, you may make them tired enough to fall asleep during the trip. How To Alleviate Dog Anxiety While preventing motion sickness is all about taking steps before the car ride, helping curb dog anxiety is all about what you do during the ride itself. Some dogs like to sleep under a bed because to them it feels like a den. The key to soothing dog anxiety is all about retraining. To start, you should keep treats in the car whenever your dog accomplishes something that gives them anxiety. If they become anxious by just seeing the car, walk them out to the driveway and give them treats for just being near the vehicle. Slowly build your way up until your dog can comfortably ride in the car with you. They should always enter the vehicle on their own terms once they feel comfortable. Going from being near the car to actually entering the car may be a long process. Make sure to treat your dog with patience and kindness as they work through this issue. Dogs are very sensitive creatures and are attuned to our emotions; if they sense you feeling upset or impatient, this will be detrimental to the entire process. Once your dog feels safe in the car, you can begin by taking small trips around the neighborhood. Most dogs have anxiety when it comes to bumpy roads, speed bumps, or rumble strips. Make sure to anticipate these areas in the road and detour around them at first if your dog is really struggling. In addition to treats, it also is a good idea to keep something familiar in the car, like an old blanket or favorite toys. You can also have other family members keep your dog calm during the first few trips. Eventually, if you take things slow, your dog should become more accustomed to driving in the car. Medical Solutions A cute puppy enjoying a Vet visit Sometimes dogs need help beyond simply rolling down windows or using treats to help with anxiety. If you need to take it a step further, you can reach out to your vet for assistance. If your dog has severe motion sickness, there are a few medications that your vet can prescribe to help soothe some of their symptoms. Interestingly enough, dog pheromones have also been known to help alleviate anxiety in some cases. A dog appeasing pheromone is secreted from their glands can have calming effects on not only young dogs but also older dogs. In fact, dog-appeasing pheromones have been reported to reduce separation-induced anxiety, general anxiety for puppies placed in new environments, anxiety during transportation and car rides, stress from being in a public shelter, stress from police training, and stress from puppies who are learning how to socialize. You can purchase these pheromones in a variety of forms. If you think your dog is struggling from severe anxiety, talk to your vet about trying this option. If your vet thinks it can help, you can spray the inside of your vehicle before your trip to have a smooth car ride from start to finish. Some breeds are also genetically disposed to having a better time in cars. For example, breeds who have a more challenging time breathing than other breeds such as dogs with short snouts can suffer from motion sickness more than breeds with longer noses. Additionally, if your dog is too small and gets bounced around the car during sharp turns, this also can contribute to them having more car sickness than breeds that are a bit more sturdy. If you own a smaller breed, you may want to buckle them into a harness or dog seat to reduce the amount that they are thrown around in the car. On the opposite end of the spectrum, larger dogs can be uncomfortable in cars, too. Huge dogs like Great Danes may have difficulty finding a comfortable position in your vehicle. Comparing a Labradoodle vs Labrador to see which breed is best for your family In short, every dog is different, and every dog presents their own unique challenges and hurdles. If you think your dog is suffering from motion sickness, you can try to roll down the windows or medicate them to try to alleviate the nauseousness. If your dog has anxiety, it may take a while, but retraining your dogs with treats and positive rewards is generally a successful method. But if your dog has serious fears of cars, you may want to take your dog to the vet to get them some prescribed medication. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Reviewed by Jennifer Coates Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, is an accomplished veterinarian and writer with more than 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and conservation. If it has no fear and loves a road trip, chances are it will jump right in. On the other hand, if it's afraid, it may struggle with you as you're trying to get it safely inside the car and whine or act up the whole way. Although this is a common dog phobia , it can be discouraging, distracting, and a potentially unsafe way to drive. Fortunately, most people are able to help their dogs overcome this fear and become comfortable during car rides. The key is to gradually introduce your dog to the experience while associating the car with good experiences, including lots of positive reinforcement. There are several reasons your dog may be scared of riding in your car. Your first move is determining which one is affecting your dog so you can figure out what to do next. Car Sickness Just as people do, some dogs get car sick. They may feel nauseated or even vomit during car rides. If this sounds like your dog, that queasy, sick feeling may have conditioned your pet to become fearful of riding in cars. An Unfamiliar Feeling Dogs that aren't used to going on car rides may be disturbed by the odd feeling of riding in a car. Cars usually have their own smell, and there's also the sound of the engine, the vibrations of the floor, and seeing everything whizzing past at a fast speed. Any or all of these things may make for a very frightening experience for your dog. Negative Experiences Some dogs associate the car with negative experiences, which can easily develop into a fear. If your dog has negative feelings about going to the vet , those feelings may transfer to car rides. If you adopted a shelter dog , the likelihood of its having had traumatic experiences that you don't know about increases. It's possible that the dog's only encounters with car rides were the trip to the shelter or to a spot where it was abandoned and the car ride to a new home. These frightening experiences could also account for a car phobia. Similarly, a dog that's been involved in a car accident or hit by a car may have long-lasting fears about cars in general. The 6 Best Dog Car Seats and Restraints of , Tested and Reviewed Next Steps If your dog's fear of the car is related to car sickness, there's a fairly easy fix as dogs are able to take some over-the-counter medications to ease motion sickness. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper brand and dosage and whether this is a good option for your dog. It may also help to avoid car rides soon after your dog has had a meal. If your dog's fear of car rides stems from more than motion sickness, chances are you'll have to put a bit more time and effort into getting rid of its phobia. By slowly introducing your dog to the car and creating a positive association with the experience, you can help your dog enjoy car rides. Begin by enticing your dog to the car rather than forcing it to approach. Many dogs with this fear start putting on the brakes as soon as the car comes into view. Instead of dragging your dog to the car, slowly lure it closer using lots of treats and praise. For a mild car phobia, you may be able to get your dog to walk up to the car in a few short training sessions. For more severe phobias, it may require several sessions. To make it worth your dog's while, use valuable, delicious treats or its favorite toys. Continue using positive reinforcement to lure the dog inside. Start by opening up all the doors so your dog won't feel trapped once inside. Use treats and praise to coax your dog into the car. This often works better if two of the dog's favorite people work as a team. One can hold the dog on a leash on one side of the car while the other lies across a seat from the other side, using treats and a happy tone of voice to encourage the dog to get inside. Have some special bonding time with your dog inside the car. Don't rush to slam the doors shut and start the engine the minute your dog finally hops inside. Instead, leave the doors open and spend some time snuggling. Slowly work your way up to sitting in the car with the doors closed. Depending on the level of your dog's fear, this part of the process can take as long as a few weeks or more. Make sure to put a dog seat cover on the seat to protect it from dog hair, muddy paws, and drool. Start your engine. When your dog has become fairly comfortable hanging out with you in the car, start it up. As soon as the car is running, give your dog some treats and talk to it in an encouraging tone of voice; then turn off the engine. Repeat this several times until your dog is completely comfortable sitting in the car with the engine running. Begin with small trips. Don't make your dog's first car ride a long road trip. The first few times out of the driveway should probably be no farther than around the block, with your helper giving your dog treats the whole way. Gradually work your way up to longer distances. Take your dog to fun destinations. Your dog's first long car ride should not be to the veterinarian. Instead, take it someplace fun such as the dog park, the beach, or to a drive-thru for a small bite of hamburger. Your dog will soon associate these fun times with going for a ride in the car. Keep things positive and end each session before your dog has a chance to go into full-blown fear mode. All dogs are different, and depending on the degree to which your dog is afraid, you can expect it to take a while for your canine buddy to conquer its fear. You may even need to go back a few steps if your dog unexpectedly reverts to fearful behaviors, which is okay, too. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Categories Dogs Tags dog health , dog tips , older dogs , traveling with dogs Photo via orvis. Your dog might hate car rides for several reasons, including anxiety or motion sickness—or he may simply sense your stress and react to it. A shaky-kneed, carsick dog can put a damper on your travels, but you can still take him on adventures if you work to overcome his backseat woes. You can train or condition your dog not to hate riding in the car, just as you trained him in basic obedience. Read on to learn how you can help your car-averse dog tolerate—perhaps, even enjoy—the ride. How to Train Your Dog to Like the Car Training a dog to like the car will take time, especially if he already associates it with vet visits or bouts of carsickness. Work toward a better car ride experience with these tips. Make the first rides with him relaxed and fun. Retraining Dogs With Car Anxiety If your dog already has car anxiety, shift your focus from prevention to retraining. To start, always keep a stash of treats in your pocket so you can reward achievements. Then begin exposing your dog to the car routinely when he is relaxed. Depending on the severity of his anxiety, this exercise may include simply walking him near the car door, or opening the car door with him by your side. The trick is knowing when he usually begins to fuss, and stopping just shy of that to give him a treat and a pat. As he begins associating approaching the car with positive results, you can get closer to the car. If he gets inside, offer praise and a treat for a job well done. Practice getting into the car—no trip involved—for a few days. Hop in, offer treats and praise, hop out. The keys, as in all dog training, are patience, working in small increments, and paying close attention to him before moving on. Take the next steps—closing the doors, starting the car engine, and eventually driving around the block—as your dog seems ready. Desensitize your dog to known stressors, too: If he shows anxiety related to speed bumps, rumble strips, or driving through the tunnel, enlist the help of a passenger to offer distracting affection and treats as you encounter the triggers. Or, find alternate routes to avoid those situations. Puppies and young dogs are most at risk of motion sickness because the part of their ear that manages balance is not yet fully developed. The motion of the car makes them feel more off-balance than it does mature dogs, causing nausea and possibly vomiting. Puppies usually outgrow motion sickness at one year of age, but adult dogs may continue to suffer from carsickness. For adult dogs who hate car rides, anxiety—rather than physical discomfort—may be the culprit. The anxiety probably took root when they were young. Dogs with bad motion sickness as puppies can grow up to associate car rides with that terrible nauseous feeling. You can change fear or stress related to car rides—an indication of car anxiety—with positive association training exercises. Short-snouted breeds may have more difficulty breathing in a stuffy car, which can contribute to discomfort or motion sickness; high-energy breeds may have difficulty settling in for longer trips; very large dogs may have trouble getting comfortable inside the vehicle; and territorial breeds may be too worried about guarding the car to relax and enjoy the trip. Breeds that adapt well to change may enjoy car rides: Happy-go-lucky Labrador Retrievers, easygoing Golden Retrievers, laid-back Bernese Mountain Dogs, or biddable Border Collies often enjoy traveling with their people. Signs of Motion Sickness and Travel Anxiety in Dogs Whether your companion is a puppy or an older dog, knowing the signs of motion sickness can help you manage it. A carsick dog may display these symptoms: Listlessness. By Carol Bryant Last Updated on April 19, Anyone who has ever dealt with dog car anxiety knows how upsetting and frustrating it is. Car anxiety flares up when your dog appears agitated, upset, or in distress while riding in a moving vehicle. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to help your pup become comfortable in a moving vehicle. Dogs fear cars for one of two reasons—they associate a vehicle with something negative or they get car sickness and sometimes a combination of both. If your dog gets anxious because she associates the car with something negative, this process is designed especially for you. If you rescued your dog, were dropped off at the shelter in the car likely? Did they get in an accident in a moving vehicle? Did someone argue in the car with the dog present? Perhaps your pooch heard a loud sound while in the car and now associated moving vehicles as bad. Car sickness can lead to nausea and vomiting. Puppies tend to grow out of this, but there are some things you can do for dogs who genuinely just get sick in the car. Stay tuned. For example, a dog with a thyroid issue may behave irritated or aggressive according to famed veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds. Symptoms of Canine Car Anxiety Like people, each dog is unique. Your dog may be afraid of the car because it makes her sick with nausea. Another dog might whine, shake, pant heavily, excessively salivate, bark, whine, or relieve themselves in the vehicle. The day we brought our third Cocker Spaniel puppy , Alvin, home he threw up and defecated in his car crate. He was nine weeks old and not accustomed to riding in a car. We were new to him and leaving his mother and siblings was traumatic no doubt. Slowly, but surely we got our puppy used to car rides as part of the things in days to do with a puppy adventure we are on. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also an Etsy and Chewy affiliate. Do not turn the car on. You want your dog to sit next to you in the back seat—not in a crate and not in a seatbelt. You are teaching your dog that a car is a happy place. Bring some of her favorite treats or a favorite toy—whichever holds the most value to your pooch. Let her know what a good girl she is for simply being in the stationary car. Sit together and reward them, pet them, and let your dog simply get comfortable being in the vehicle. Do this every day for 5 to 10 minutes for a week and reward. Be sure your dog cannot jump out of the vehicle. Of note: If your dog refuses to get in the car or freaks out at the site of the door being open, you may need to give her something to calm his frazzled nerves first. Here are some products to help dogs who are bothered by noise or have anxiety issues. NOTE: Once your dog is accustomed to sitting in the car, the next step is her restraint system. Follow step one but introduce her car crate or harness restraint. Sit in the car for 5 to 10 minutes. Reward and praise. A car is a happy place. Repeat every single aspect of step 1 but turn your car on. Leave the doors open. Sit with your dog. Praise, reward, pet her. She may seem irritated at first but she will calm down soon since she is used to being in the car. Soon, you will be driving the vehicle with the dog inside. She will see that not only do great things happen in the car but on arrival, too! Put the dog in the car with you and move a few hundred feet. Maybe to the end of the street. Maybe around the block. Take the toy. Take the treats. It is best to do this step with a friend or family member so they can drive the car while you sit in the backseat next to your dog. You and your dog will exit the vehicle and walk back home. Praise your dog. Give her treats and shower her with joy. She is such a good girl! Do this every day for a week. Repeat step three but drive to a place that your dog loves. Ideas include a local park, visiting a family member or friend, playing with another dog she knows, or wherever her happy place is. Maybe your dog can go for a Puppucino at the Starbucks drive-through. Perhaps a local dog-friendly pet supply store would be fun. Reward your dog on arrival. Preferably, you get out of the car and engage in a super high-value activity with your dog. Reward and praise like the champion she is! Do this at least twice a week for a month or so. You can watch these steps in action in our example video below. If your dog needs something calming, the product we mention is no longer available. We recommend these products for anxious dogs. Overcoming Dog Car Sickness Dogs get sick with motion just like some people do. Your dog may feel sick depending on how she is positioned in the car. I feel nauseous whenever I ride in the backseat and the same holds true for some dogs. I talked to my doctor about motion sickness tablets. They help me, and a canine version of this product may help your dog. Talk to your veterinarian. Ask if Cerenia a prescription would help your dog. Some dogs like to be in a booster seat while others prefer a seatbelt harness or a crate. I know dogs who overcame car anxiety when their owners put them in a canine booster seat instead of the seatbelt. The positioning helped. Sometimes a little bit of fresh air can do the trick. Did you ever get a stomach ache and needed some fresh air to feel better? Dogs are the same way. Exercise your dog or play before you get in the car. She is likely to sleep it off. Some mistakenly believe blasting loud music helps a dog overcome her noise or travel fears. Personally, that would freak me out. It tethers to the seat and uses the seatbelt for extra protection while allowing the dog room to move. Slowly Increase Car Time Slowly increase the amount of time you spend in the moving vehicle. If you can only drive around the block and come home, do something really fun with your dog when he exits the vehicle at home. Praise as if she won Best in Show. Be gentle and reassuring. Winter is cold, summer is hot and deadly. Sunblock and Sunscreen Dogs have some protection from their fur, but they can still get sunburned. Use a car shade in your vehicle or sun window sunshades that easily adhere. Consider a sunblock product made for dogs, especially short-haired and white dogs. Once your dog acclimates to car travel, I highly suggest you bring bottled water or whatever water your dog drinks at home. Thirty years of car travel with dogs has taught me that even a change in drinking water can cause stomach upset. Positive Reinforcement Is Key Keep up with positive reinforcement car training for your dog. Do a weekly ride to a happy place. Take your dog to visit family or friends. Visit a pet supply store that allows dogs. Visit his favorite park. Curl up together on a blanket. You can ask your vet about a sedative to relax the dog en route, depending on how far you are traveling. Have dog will travel. Make your vehicle a happy place and sooner than later, your dog will be wagging and showing excitement when the car keys come out. A pet industry veteran, she appears on television, radio shows, and podcasts, as well as in articles from CNN and Yahoo to Dogster and Today. Post navigation.

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pitbull poodle puppies for sale - Tom Thorpe Blog Does your golden retriever snarling or growling? Golden retrievers are considered affectionate and slow to anger but if your golden retriever is snarling or growling, there may be reasons that something made your furry friend do that. That said, why does your golden retriever snarling or growling? These are just some of the few, but we will further look into this behavior further as we move along. This is the main reason why they are an excellent fit for being the best family dogs on the planet. These dogs are active dogs. So they enjoy more with a lot of physical and mental activities, not to mention strenuous activities. Also, they are adaptable to almost all lifestyles. However, if they are not properly trained and not properly socialized while they were puppies, their behavior might not be what the majority of the people think. Instead, like any other canine breeds who were not trained properly, they might become aggressive and will not be as cheerful, happy, affectionate, as they seem to be. On the other hand, below are the common characteristics that golden retrievers possess. With full of vim and vigor, they can even outmatch the energy level of their pet owners. Their energy is obvious especially when they are starting to explore and try something out of their mouth be it food or your pieces of furniture. If you have raised a golden retriever puppy before, you very well know what it feels like to raise those pooches. However, when adulthood strike in their life, their behavior will change over time, although they will are still an active dog not compares to when they were still young. Adult golden retrievers have usually a calm demeanor, slow to anger, and really act mature. Their temperament changes and will prefer more nap time than outdoor activities every now and then. Prioritize Outdoor Exercise and Mental Stimulation Because they are highly energetic dogs, they needed some release of their excess energy by way of exercising and providing them mental stimulation. Golden retrievers originally bred and raised as hunters of waterfowls and known to retrieve the birds shot by the hunters. They also have a large amount of energy. That said, they are fourth on the list according to Dr. Golden puppies are easy to train from basic obedience training to complex training such as tricks, fetching, and even for service dogs. Because of their nature being bred as hunting dogs back in the old days. Especially, for persons with disabilities. Moreover, they are also perfect as service dogs be it search and rescue and even sniffing dogs. They are Friendly Towards Other Animals Goldens really get along with other pets and animals, be it rabbits, cats, and other dogs. As long as they have been properly trained or at least trained with proper socialization, they are going to treat their fellow creatures with love and affection. In fact, they can be a perfect companion with other breeds. But sometimes they will be dominant to other animals will somehow hurt them due to their medium-sized stature. Although generally golden retrievers are kind to both humans and other pets in your household. This is the reason why your golden retriever is very slow to anger. With that said, golden retriever breeds have a reliable temperament and they will only act inappropriately if something bad happened. Because you are among the examples of being a responsible pet owner. Cuddling is what they want from their master Given that the Golden Retrievers are generally affectionate, they want to cuddle from their master or other family members as if it gives them a reason to live. This kind of character is what makes them the best pillow other than your pillow. They will not be angry if you want to sleep beside them. But are there any behavioral problems that Golden Retrievers have like snarling or growling? So far, we have laid out some of the good characteristics that golden retrievers possess. What makes golden retriever snarling? What makes them act inappropriately? These are just some of the questions that need answers. In order to prevent any harsh treatment that your golden retriever snarling, you can just give them just subtle hints of dismay instead of raging towards your golden retriever. So, this might be the factor that causes your golden retriever snarling. Fear Aggression Golden Retrievers are gentle giants and rarely they will turn into aggressive behavior. If, for some instance, they begin to snarl or growl for unknown reasons, there could be an underlying root cause as to why they act differently. One factor to look at is the fear of aggression. Although when golden retrievers feel they are in grave danger or feels threatened by human or other dogs, they likely become unusually quiet. But in the long run, this unusual quietness can turn into violent reactions like snarling or growling. Fear aggression or simply instilling fear in your golden retriever is not a good idea. Why would anyone plant fear in their pet dogs in the first place? But if you do, you are doing harm than good here. They might even bite you instead of snarling at you. Feels Alone The last thing you want to do with your golden retriever is to be left alone. Golden retrievers are better off having proper socialization with other family members and even yourself. Leaving them alone is not in their nature. Hence they are meant to be as companion dogs as their original roots. That said when your golden retriever is being left alone. They might develop an unusual and bad behavior which is anxiety, or worse, they might become aggressive when left alone for too long. Also, being left alone for too long is one of the reasons why your golden retriever is snarling at you. The fact that their mental health has affected turning into something agitated and irritated. To prevent any mental health issue or snarling at you, let a family babysit your golden retriever if ever you are going out for long hours. It Could be From Pain Some simple explanation why your golden retriever is snarling is because of the pain induced by injury. If the snarling is due to physical pain such as limping, your golden retriever is badly hurt. Much better to bring your golden retriever to your vet to diagnose the problem and strategize the solution and treatment. Sometimes dogs have defense mechanisms and that includes growling and snarling especially when potential danger arises. Some of these aspects are caused by moving on into a new location where your pet is unfamiliar with the place. So, if ever your dog is feeling anxious and something irregular is going n with his behavior, be sure to attend to his needs. Dominating nature Some of the reasons why your golden retriever is snarling is due to their dominant behavior. That said, they may snarl or growl at the trainer. Always give your golden retriever positive reinforcement just to ease the training progress. Dog treats are the best companion in order for your golden retriever to train easily. That said, this will make him comfortable and his attitude will gradually change from being aggressive to calm. But it will take time for them to become a responsible pooch. Fix any pain As previously mentioned above, one of the causes why your golden retriever is snarling is because of the pain she is suffering. The best thing you can do is to immediately take your pooch to the vet just to rule out any possibility of being injured. The point being is, most golden retrievers will only act inappropriately if something bad happens to them. Given the fact that golden retrievers act appropriately and also because they are known for being gentle creatures. Dogs can also be stressed out by certain people that they consider a danger to their possessions. So while they may be fine with you handling and cleaning their toys, they may not be okay with someone else doing the same. Signs of possessive growls: Possessive growls are low-level growls accompanied by lifting the upper lip. If you get too close the dog will start barking and may snap and lunge at you. You can also check out my post on why dogs parade their toys to learn a bit more. Aggression While goldens are not usually aggressive, they certainly can be in certain situations, and growling can be a warning sign that the dog is going to be aggressive. You can learn how to deal with an aggressive golden retriever here in full detail, but what you need to do regarding growling is that goldens become aggressive only when under extreme stress. This stress can be caused by anything really, even staying alone for too long can cause them to get stressed and eventually aggressive. Signs of Aggressive growls: Aggressive growls are deeper and more elongated and drawn out, and they get higher in pitch as you get closer to the dog. Pain growls are easier to recognize because they are only triggered when the dog feels the pain; so for example if their paws were hurt while running, they may only growl when they step on the injured paws. They may also growl only when certain parts of their body is touched. Your dog could also growl at you to let you know that they are hurting. Signs of pain growls: Pain growls are often accompanied by other signs of injuries or illnesses such as a decline in appetite, recent weight loss, hair loss, biting or licking specific areas of their bodies, changes in mood or sleep schedules, or a sudden drop in activity levels. If you notice any of these signs, you should take them to the vet quickly. Fear Your dog could be growling because they are afraid. They could be afraid of certain people, certain actions, certain places, or any other triggers of fear. Dogs commonly growl in situations that are strange, unfamiliar, or overwhelming to them such as during thunderstorms or fireworks. If your dog is fear growling, the solution would be to use counter condition the dog to desensitize them on whatever they are afraid of. The dog could also be fearful of mundane things as it brings back bad memories — which is not uncommon with rescue dogs that suffered a life with an abuser before they were adopted. Signs of fearful growls: Fearful growls are often accompanied by other signs of fear such as cowering, shaking, drooling, heavy panting, or barking. Beware that a fearful dog can be a dangerous dog and they could bite. You can learn more about why and when golden retrievers bite here. Territorial All dogs can be territorial to some extent, some more so than others. For example, your dog may have a spot inside the house that they consider is theirs and may not be okay with the other pets in this spot. You can learn more about how to help your dog get along with other pets in the house here. Signs of Territorial Growls: Territorial growls are similar to aggressive growls in tone and pitch but they tend to be slightly lower pitched. It gets louder as the person gets deeper in the territory and may quickly turn into barking and aggression soon after. You may notice your dog standing behind the fence and growling. This what frustrated growls mean. They can happen in different situations when they dog is feeling frustrated for an unnecessary reason. Signs of Frustrated growls: Frustrated growls often have a lower-pitch to them and they sound a bit sadder to the human ear. They can turn into barking, whining, or howling depending on how the situation develops. Happiness Dogs can also growl when they are very excited, and these happy growls are the most common when dogs are playing together a bit rougher than usual-such as in an intense game of tug war. This is not a destructive behavior, even though it may look like it, the dog is just too excited. Signs of happy growls: Happy growls are short, quick, and repeated in a fast pace. Happy growls are often accompanied by other signs of happiness or playfulness such as tail-wagging, displaying the play bow where they raise their put in the air and stretch their front legs, happy smiles, and other happy noises. You can learn how to identify the types of golden retriever smiles here. Because it works Dogs repeat behaviors when they work. If they have growled once to get your attention and it worked, they will simply repeat it. If they growled to get you to spend time with them, they will repeat it. You must first determine the cause for the growling. Here are a few ideas on how to deal with the issues that are causing your dog to growl: Possessiveness Growls: You can work on training your dog to not be possessive and even exchange their items. Repeat this, but every time, come a bit closer to them. Fear Growls: You should work on desensitizing your dog towards what scares them. You can do that by exposing them to a tiny version of this element and then gradually increase the dose. Here is how you can desensitize them in a simple way: You can start by playing fireworks on your phone on a lower volume and comfort your dog while they work. Keep reassuring them at every step and rewarding them for staying calm. This process may take days, weeks, or months. If your dog seems to be afraid of everything, desensitization may not work best. You can learn why your golden retriever is afraid of everything here and learn what you should do. I tried to break down the steps as simply as possible so that anyone can follow them on their own, but if you think you need professional help, please get it. Some behavioral problems are too deep to fix on your own and may need a dog trainer or a behaviorist to fix them. As you can see, these examples focus on solving the root problem and not the growling itself. They are the only warning signs that the dog can give. When dogs are taught to suppress their growls, their aggression may come as a surprise. This is why you sometimes hear about dogs that bite without giving any warning — because they were taught to not give warnings when their growling was suppressed. The second mistake is confrontation. The explanation for this last part is that women tend to be more empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of others than men, which is why women generally do better in emotion recognition studies. Traces of a higher pitch in the growl is a sign of fear. Shorter growls that are in a sequence are non-threatening and playful. If you liked the article, you can share it using the share and pin buttons at the end of the post. Yes, it is normal for golden retriever puppies to growl when they are in pain, afraid, or trying to protect their food, favorite possessions, their humans, or their territory. You should not try to suppress the growls, especially at this young age, and instead try to solve the root cause of the growls. Are Golden retrievers Stubborn? No, Golden Retrievers are not stubborn, they are obedient dogs that love pleasing their owners, and a well-trained and well-socialized golden retriever is rarely stubborn. Helpful Resources. A golden retriever growling may show aggressive signs due to a number of reasons. If your dog too is showing such signs, the first thing for you to do is to take him for a complete checkup. There may be some physical problem behind his growling habits. Before reaching out for any solution, consider the age of your dog. Your dog might just be entering canine adolescence. This is the age when dog starts showing his dominant behavior. Female dogs, at this age start noticing that adult dogs have started reacting differently towards her. These are visible but subtle signs that many people miss upon. Your dog may start wagging his tail when growling. You need to know that wagging tail shows nervousness apart from happiness; so you have to be careful enough. For dogs, everyone around them; be it people or other dogs, are part of a pack. According to them, everyone in the pack has a rank. If you are able to outrank the other dogs, your Golden retriever dog will consider you superior. You can learn to be on that top position by reading books and getting more knowledge about dog behavior. You can also join an obedience class to know more about your dog and his instincts. Golden retrievers have a lot of energy and they like to be lively. If you have children at home, you will find these dogs to be friendly and fun to play with. The cute behavior of these dogs remains till the time they are puppies. After they grow up, the need to be trained well so that they do not turn aggressive and learn to obey their masters. The habits you allow them to develop will make a change in their overall behavior. It will be hard for a dog to change its habits but if you start training him early, his behavior can be changed to good. Golden retriever puppies tend to chew things. As they grow up, they tend to chew on to other things as well. If you try to get things out of their mouth, they may start growling. The golden retriever growling nature can even become more aggressive if you force him more. You can teach him not to growl and chew onto things. Praise him when he chews the right thing and remove the things from his mouth carefully when he is chewing something he should not. Your dogs should also understand that you can take his food bowl or toys. He will thus not growl on you when you touch either of them. Golden retriever growling training should also be given to dogs as they play and bark. You might understand that the dog growls playfully but a visitor can easily get frightened by it. It will be wise if you give them proper training to not make such noises. Are Golden Retrievers Aggressive? The Honest Truth Posted on April 5, by Galen Kauffman Share: Golden Retriever owners will most times be highly indignant if you dare to suggest that their Goldens have even an iota of aggression in them. They will be quick to tell you that dog experts will even use this big golden, friendly dog as an example breed when looking to confirm what a calm, amicable dog is. And the puppies? Are golden Retrievers aggressive as puppies? Not at all. Alright, so as a puppy it is only natural that he will nip and bite your hand as he is teething. He has the cutest little growl too. However, not training your puppy and not taking him along to socialization classes can allow this puppy habit to develop into something serious. Is Aggression Common in Golden Retrievers? Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? Only very seldom. Calm and laid back as your Golden Retriever is, there are going to be times when your golden doggo may be aggressive. They are loving, playful, calm, friendly, smiling, amiable dogs. Are male Golden Retrievers aggressive more often than females? Not really. As mentioned, these dogs are rarely aggressive, but it is more likely that the male Golden Retriever will be more aggressive than the female. Aggression in Golden Retrievers nearly always comes from poor breeding, bad dog owners, inadequate training, and lack of socialization. You can also add in abuse, neglect, and cruelty. Golden Retrievers are known as control groups for aggression A control group is a standard to which comparisons are made in a dog aggression experiment. There is a control group and an experimental group. The inclusion of a control group helps the researcher to make conclusions from the study. It is only with a control group that a researcher can determine whether a treatment can have an effect on an experimental group. In the study, golden retrievers were tested and used as a control group. Seventy Golden Retrievers were tested in the temperament test. Levels of escalation in aggressive behavior were scored. A total of .Goldens are not typically aggressive Most Golden Retriever owners are familiar with the good-natured temperaments of their Goldens, and they would consider an aggressive Golden Retriever to be an unheard-of thing. Dogs are like kids and the Golden is just a big loving child wanting to please you. And rightly so. Nobody in their right mind would want an aggressive Golden Retriever around their small children. Nonetheless, even though the chances are almost nil that your Golden has any aggression in him, there are one or two factors that can cause aggression in Golden Retrievers, and with good reason, and we look at some of them below. Fear Fear causes any dog faced with a threat to defend itself by biting. Veterinary behavior specialists tell us that fear-related aggression is just that — it is used as self-defense. It may well be out of sheer desperation that a cornered dog bites when it anticipates a threat. A Golden Retriever that has been regularly smacked learns to generalize — believing that every human hand wants to strike him. He goes into self-protection mode by biting the hand that reaches out to him. Fear is also instilled in a dog such as the Golden Retriever when an owner uses harsh, cruel punishment-based training methods. Harsh behavior increases aggression but also anxiety. Danger Dogs act in unusual ways when they sense danger. Can Golden Retrievers be aggressive in the face of danger? This abuse can take different forms. Goldens who have suffered from emotional and physical abuse can respond to anyone with aggression. He will in all likelihood be scared, agitated, and aggressive. Socializing your Golden Retriever will prepare him for a broad range of situations so that he is able to interact with various animals, people, and situations. It teaches him to react to the world out there in a calm way without fear and aggression. Illness Aggression in a Golden Retriever can have a medical cause. Just like the human child gets whiney, cranky, and aggressive when ill and with a bad headache, our canine friends do as well. Medically-induced aggression in a Golden Retriever can result in warning signs of growling, baring teeth, and general aggression. Brain inflammation occurs in conditions such as rabies and encephalitis. The aggression in this instance is most times a neurological reaction to the effect of the inflammation on the brain. Low thyroid levels affect mood and thyroid therapy can relieve aggression in dogs with hypothyroidism. Dogs are like humans in some ways and if they have woken up feeling under the weather, they may respond by showing signs of aggression. Injury There are many causes of aggression in dogs and injury is a common cause of canine aggression. Your Golden Retriever is nearly always a well-behaved dog, so if he suddenly shows signs of aggression, you just know there is something unusual up with him. If you find him acting out of character and wanting to nip you, get him to the vet as soon as possible for a thorough examination. He could have chewed on something that has caused injury to the teeth or even lodged somewhere, causing injury and pain inside the mouth. Irresponsible Breeding Canine aggression always poses concerns. Aggression in dogs is researched by people wanting to understand breed differences. Research always reveals that the Golden Retriever is a calm, good-natured golden beauty with hardly an aggressive bone inside him. But what about irresponsible breeding? A dog can suffer from all kinds of complications in pregnancy and when ignored because of the costs it can be tragic and heartbreaking. A responsible Golden Retriever breeder is one who knows the breed well and who has health clearances to show that both parents are free of genetic disorders. They follow the AKC breed guidelines for health testing. The test includes hips, elbows, thyroid tests, hearing tests, DNA testing, and heart tests. Also before breeding, dog parents need additional tests for Brucellosis testing and both dogs need to be up to date with all their vaccinations. Their characteristics, their bad attitude, their lack of affection, their lack of concern, and their troublesome lifestyle all cause aggression in Golden Retrievers. Signs of Aggression in Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are sometimes like other dogs in showing their aggression and they will growl and bark while simultaneously becoming hyperactive. Their floppy ears are raised, the feathered tail is raised and stiff and their hackles are raised. If your Golden has turned into a bit of a biter, snapper, and growler, there has to be a good reason. So how does one stop aggression in Golden Retrievers? Socializing Ensure that your Golden Retriever puppy stays with his mother until he is 8 weeks of age. Just like young kids have to be disciplined in order for them to display appropriate behavior, your puppy Golden will need to be trained and socialized. Check out with your local vet where the best puppy socialization classes are. Choosing a Good Breeder By the time your Golden Retriever puppy is 8 weeks old, he is ready to go to his new home. The way he has developed so far will be dependent on how the breeder has raised him and his siblings. Puppies kept in an unloving, cold, hostile environment will have aggressive tendencies later on and not be able to function properly in your household. Choose a good breeder very carefully. Are you wanting to buy the cutest, most beautiful, friendliest, balanced, loving, non-aggressive Golden Retriever puppy? My Golden Retriever Puppies has just what you want, after all, they are the trusted source for responsibly-raised Golden Retriever Puppies in Ohio. Know your breeder and find yourself a healthy, lively, happy, amicable Golden who has been raised with love and care and dying to shower you with Golden Retriever kisses. Training Although it is difficult to find one iota of aggression in a Golden Retriever, any kind of aggressive behavior can be avoided with proper training. Apart from early socialization, you can train your dog firmly, fairly, and consistently. You could also allow a reputable professional dog behaviorist or trainer to train your Golden to mix with other people and dogs without showing aggressive tendencies. Positive reinforcement training is great when a tasty treat is given as a reward for the desired behavior. Never confuse your dog, and make sure that everyone in the family uses the same signs and commands that he is familiar with. Exercise If you want to avoid aggression in your Golden Retriever, exercise him. Dog aggression is a concern for any dog owner and even your mild, calm Golden can begin to feel the stirrings of aggression when he is never exercised. The Golden Retriever is a large dog and he is also a sporting breed. Your Golden will need a consistent workout every day for at least 20 minutes at a time. Hitting a ball for him with a tennis racquet can be an excellent running exercise for him. You have to be patient with him and show him kindness, gentleness, and fairness when training him. Conclusion Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? They can be, but only under certain circumstances. It is things such as improper breeding, abuse, and fear from humans that put aggression into any dog. Know your Golden and get him to the vet if you suspect uncharacteristic aggression which could be brought on by pain or illness. You can easily find one by checking out our puppies here! All our puppies are raised by our own group of small, independent breeders who lovingly care for and socialize with each of them daily so they grow up happy. We even take all the extra steps to provide the best healthcare for them. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Print Retrievers, for the most part, make great family dogs. They are also smart, so they learn quickly and their strong willingness to please often makes retrievers a great addition to the family. But some retriever puppies are a high-energy ball of fire, one that is difficult to train or even handle in daily life. And sometimes there will be signs of aggressive behavior that are concerning. However, there is a fine line between puppy play behavior and hyper and aggressive behavior. Some owners are reluctant to stop such behavior thinking that it is just puppy behavior and therefore the dog will outgrow it. If you have a retriever puppy that is hyper or aggressive you might wonder what can be done and why they are acting that way. Here is some guidance on this topic. What are normal puppy behaviors? It is normal for very young puppies to nip at your hands and your feet. It is also normal for them to chew on things, jump on you and walk all over you. An 8-week-old puppy nipping at your hand might at first seem cute and sweet. But one bite from those exceedingly sharp puppy teeth and you might decide its not so cute. Those teeth can puncture your skin in a second and draw blood just as quickly. So, while it may be normal for a puppy to nip at your hand or foot, it is not a behavior that you want to ignore. Puppy play is naturally aggressive When puppies playing with their litter mates, the play can be very aggressive. This is natural, as dogs, they are always figuring out their pack and where they fit into the pack. Recognizing puppy play You can recognize when a retriever puppy is playing by the stance they take. They also may run around in circles, growling, or barking in high pitched barks, but when they do this their ears will be up, their tail wagging and they do not look threatening. It is uncommon for puppies under 12 weeks of age to exhibit true aggression. True aggression involves a dog exhibiting prolonged growling with a stiff posture and baring of teeth. Their hackles the hair on their back will be raised and they will be poised in a threatening position with ears back. If you were to approach a dog in this position which I do not recommend they will often move toward you and try to bite or snap at you. This type of aggression is something to be fearful about and is not healthy. Isolate the dog as much as possible and consult a veterinary or other professional for help or advice. What are signs of aggression in puppies All puppies can act aggressively, but if you take steps to address the aggressive behaviors while your dog is a young puppy, you can make a huge difference on how or whether that aggression progresses. These are all forms of aggression and none of them should be tolerated, not as a puppy and certainly not as a dog. There are also dominance behaviors that puppies exhibit that are often mistaken as aggression. They include things like jumping on people, stepping on people, pushing you around, forcing you to pet them and others. While these behaviors can be done aggressively, and should still be corrected immediately, they are not the same as aggression. Definition of puppy Because we often get clients that bring out their dogs that are close to a year old and refer to them as puppies, I want to define what I consider a puppy. A puppy is a dog under six months of age. Most retrievers are a good size by around six months. They will often continue to grow up until about a year and a half, but they have the bulk of their size by the time they are six months. And by six months, you need to have a handle on any aggressive behaviors, or you are going to struggle with eliminating them. Is it normal for a puppy to be very aggressive? It is normal for a puppy to test you with aggressive behaviors. And to be clear, that place should be at the bottom of the pack, under all your family members. I understand that your dog is a part of your family but allowing your dog to be in a position above any or all your family members is just asking for trouble. Treating your dog as a human and attributing your dog with human thoughts and reasoning is not fair to your dog or to your family. Love your dog, but make sure your dog is the lowest member of your pack and you will have a much easier time with obedience and basic good behavior. How to stop puppy growling Growling is often the first step for dog aggression. Or, if you try and take a toy away from your dog. No matter how or when you see the aggression start, it is important to nip it in the bud right away. A sharp NO command sometimes is all that is needed, especially if it is well-timed with the first sign of the growl or nip. Other times you may need to grab your dogs muzzle and squeeze. If these corrections do not seem to be helping, I would immediately crate my dog if it growled at me. Be sure you do not let your dog out of the crate while he is exhibiting a growling behavior. Only let him out if he is behaving appropriately. How to stop puppy nipping or biting A dog that nips or bites you often started as a very young puppy. We teach our puppies at 8-weeks-old that biting and nipping people is not allowed. And at this very young age, they learn it very quickly. Your pup may cry out or squirm, but that is fine. In fact, you need to be quite stern to make an impression. If it continues, you are not being firm or consistent enough. How to stop puppy growling while tugging During play, it is not uncommon for retriever puppies to growl and tug at toys, blankets, even your pant leg. This behavior is usually just playful and natural. However, I would still try to end this behavior as soon as possible. While almost harmless at first, this behavior can escalate quickly as your dog grows bigger and stronger. You can end this behavior first by not participating in it. If you start tugging with a toy with your puppy, you are going to encourage the behavior. The second step is to discourage the behavior with a sharp NO command. It can help if you say GIVE when you take the item. This will start to teach him the GIVE command that will be helpful later if you are a hunter. How to stop puppy baring his teeth A puppy or dog that bares his teeth to you is threatening to bite you. Even if the puppy goes no further than to bare the teeth and growl, you need to end this behavior. This behavior is far more dangerous than the puppy that nips at your hand. The nips may be done in play, since that is how puppies play with one another, but baring of teeth and growling is different. And you must handle it differently. I am not talking about lifting your dog off the floor with the shake, but if your puppy is very young, that may indeed be a great correction. Have you ever witnessed a mama dog correct her puppies? This is not a violent thing, just a natural correction for a puppy. The puppies rarely cry out or whimper when given this correction, they just walk away and understand that the behavior they were exhibiting is not acceptable. If your dog continues to bare his teeth even after this correction, you may have a bigger problem on your hands, and I would proceed carefully. True dog aggression is no joking matter. Dogs with aggression problems can snap at any time and go from baring their teeth to full out attacks. Hyper behavior is different from aggression. A hyper dog has a lot of energy and may not know how to control or channel that energy. Often hyper behavior is a genetic trait. In this sense, it is not something that you can eliminate. But you can take steps to make it more manageable. Exercise more Dogs that are hyper need more exercise than dogs that are more docile in nature. If your dog is hyper and is not getting enough exercise, the hype behavior is going to drive the dog to other behaviors that you may not enjoy such as chewing up your dining room table leg or your favorite pair of shoes. For instance, if your dog is hyper and is jumping up and down all the time, and you not only allow the jumping but pet him or her and give praise while your dog is jumping, then you are unknowingly rewarding the jumping behavior. Give your puppy time to mature Retrievers are often full of energy while they are young, well some a bit longer, but tend to slow down as they mature. But as they mature they do usually slow down and become a bit less energetic. Training Highly energetic dogs can benefit greatly from structured training programs. Programs such as the ones we offer here at Otter Tail Kennels, can teach an energetic dog control and channel their energy into hunting or retrieving which can make home life more manageable. There are even some things you can do at home to get more control of your energetic dog. Practice sitting I know this sounds boring, and for you it is. But for an energetic dog that does not like sitting at all, having them sit for 30 seconds, or a minute or two can be very challenging. They will need many reminders at first, but over time they will learn to settle and sit calmly. You can slowly increase the amount of time. This simple obedience drill will help your dog learn control. Teach your dog the kennel command so that when you say Kennel, they run into their crate and stay there until you release them. This basically sends your dog on a time out and forces them to practice control and settle. Final thoughts on why my puppy is so hyper and aggressive For dogs under 6 months of age, much hyper and aggressive behavior is simply puppy play. You must teach your puppy boundaries and the earlier you teach them the better. Be consistent in your corrections and persistent, and over time you will reap the benefits. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. Like a sentence in a language, each growl carries a message, and your role as a pet owner is to learn this unique language. Remember, context is key. The situation, body language, and even the pitch of the growl can provide hints about what your pet is trying to say. Fear or Anxiety Golden Retrievers, despite their generally affable nature, can feel threatened or anxious. In such instances, you might hear a low, intense growl. Discomfort or Pain Just as humans might groan when in discomfort, dogs often express physical pain or discomfort through growling. If your pup growls when touched in a specific area, it might be a sign of physical distress. Always pay close attention to such growls; they might warrant a vet visit. Playfulness Ever heard a playful, rumbly growl during a game of tug-of-war? These growls are usually less intense and are accompanied by relaxed body language and wagging tails. Protectiveness Golden Retrievers are loyal dogs, often protective of their territory and their humans. If a stranger or another animal encroaches on what your Golden considers their domain, you might hear a growl of warning. Possessiveness This is common when your pet has a favorite toy or a delicious treat. Playful Growl Sound: Low, rumbly, and full of good vibes. When It Might Occur: Often heard during games, like fetch or tug-of-war. Body Language: Expect an enthusiastic wagging tail and overall relaxed posture. When It Might Occur: Could arise if your Golden feels threatened or anxious, or if someone unknown encroaches on their space. Body Language: Look out for rigid body language, a tense facial expression, or hair standing up on their back. Please back off. When It Might Occur: You might hear this when you touch a sensitive spot or if your pet moves in a way that causes discomfort. Body Language: Unusual stiffness, limping, or avoiding touch could accompany a pain growl. I need help. Possessive Growl Sound: Can range from a low, grumbly growl to a surprisingly fierce one. When It Might Occur: If someone or another pet gets too close to a treasured toy, food, or even their favorite human. Body Language: The ears might prick up, the body may stiffen, and they may stand over the item or person protectively. Please respect my space. Each Golden Retriever is an individual with their own personality and way of expressing themselves. Spending quality time with your pet, observing, and learning from their unique communication style is key. Here are some strategies that can help you navigate these growling moments, promoting good behavior and strengthening your bond with your furry friend. What to Do: Give them some space and allow them to calm down. Never punish a dog for growling in fear or discomfort, as this can lead to more aggressive behavior. Check for Discomfort When: If your pet growls when touched in a specific area or during certain movements. Pain-induced growling should never be ignored. What to Do: This is generally fine, as long as the play remains friendly and non-aggressive. What to Do: Training can help mitigate possessive behavior. Always reward good behavior. If the behavior persists, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer. Consult a Professional When: If your Golden Retriever exhibits consistent aggressive growling or if their behavior changes suddenly. Remember, patience and understanding are key when dealing with growling. Instead, focus on understanding the root cause and addressing it appropriately to foster a strong, loving relationship with your Golden Retriever. Biological Basis of Growling Growling, like other vocalizations in animals, arises from a combination of physical and neurological processes. The larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is the key player in producing the sounds we hear as growls. When a dog growls, the muscles of the larynx contract in specific ways, modulating the flow of air from the lungs and producing different types and pitches of growls. The brain plays a crucial role in coordinating these actions and interpreting situations that warrant a growl. Different parts of the brain are responsible for the perception of threat, fear, pain, and joy, triggering the appropriate vocal response. Psychological Aspects and Research Findings Psychologically, growling serves as an essential tool for social communication among dogs. It helps maintain social hierarchies, express emotions, and convey intentions. Dogs are highly social creatures, and their communication skills have been honed over thousands of years of evolution. Recent research has shed light on the intricate nature of dog growls. This finding indicates a high degree of sophistication in canine vocal communication. Furthermore, research has found that humans, too, can often interpret the emotional content of dog growls. The exploration of the science behind Golden Retriever growls underscores the complexity of their communication skills. As we continue to study and understand this fascinating field, we enhance our ability to communicate with and understand our loyal companions better. Determining whether a growl is a playful jest or a serious warning can sometimes be tricky, but understanding the context and watching for accompanying body language can provide valuable clues. Evaluate the Context: Context plays a massive role in decoding a growl. Our dogs, Gunner and Daisy, play biting, and growling. However, if the growling happens when a stranger approaches, it might be a warning sign. Understanding the circumstances can help determine the meaning of the growl. Conversely, if their body is stiff, ears are pinned back, or teeth are showing, the growl may be a warning sign. Listen to the Sound: The sound of the growl itself can give clues. High-pitched, light growls are often playful, while deep, low growls can indicate a warning or threat. However, always consider this in conjunction with context and body language for accurate interpretation. Note the Duration and Intensity: A long, drawn-out growl might indicate fear or discomfort, whereas short, intermittent growls could be playful. Similarly, the intensity can vary; a fierce, loud growl might be a warning, while a softer, less intense one might indicate playfulness or slight discomfort. Remember, these are general guidelines, and individual dogs may vary. Remember, each Golden Retriever is unique, so observation and patience are key. Apply these learnings in your interactions and take your understanding of your Golden Retriever to a new level. More Posts You Will Like:.

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pitbull poodle puppies for sale - How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. To keep up with all these changes, your puppy will require a healthy diet. It can mean the difference between a happy, active, and healthy puppy and a sickly, moody puppy with a slow growth rate. When choosing food for your puppy, ensure that it contains the main ingredients: fats, proteins, and digestible carbohydrates. It should also contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Puppies need protein for building up their body tissue and for healthy skin and coat. You should always look for high-quality proteins from an animal source e. Fish oil, beef fat, chicken fat and eggs are all great sources of fats. These nutrients can be found in sweet potatoes, whole oats, white rice, and potatoes, among other starchy foods. However, be sure to limit the intake of calcium. Too much of it has been found to cause hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs. A German Shepherd puppy should consume between calories per 10 pounds of body weight according to the Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs of the National Academy of Science Committee. This, however, also depends on their overall health conditions and activity level. You may need to feed them more or less to support their optimal growth. Although it may seem obvious, doing this can cause your dog a lot of trouble and is a simple error to make. A German shepherd is a medium- to large-breed dog, which puts him at a higher risk for several health issues, the most well-known of which are issues with the bones and the hips. Joint illnesses are more likely to develop in them as a result of genetics, and too much rapid development is another factor that might exacerbate these issues. Because of this, even though German shepherds require the same essential nutrients as other dog breeds, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, you should exercise caution when feeding your dog nutrient-rich dog foods because they can encourage dangerously rapid growth. According to the German shepherd feeding chart, it is accepted that adult dogs need up to calories per day. Depending on how big and active the dog is, anything between and is considered suitable. The amount of calories a dog consumes is often determined by their age, present health, and the amount of exercise they receive. However, even in their later years, energetic dogs will need up to calories each day. How about a German Shepherd puppy, though? What is a German Shepherd feeding chart for a puppy? Actually, puppies consume twice as many calories per pound of body weight. This indicates that a German Shepherd puppy that is 8 weeks old may consume twice as much food as an adult. Puppies need to consume twice as much food as adults do to sustain their growth and development. A young German Shepherd puppy needs at least 80—90 calories per pound of body weight to grow and thrive. Regularly weigh your puppy, assess their general health, and modify their calorie intake to assist their growth. Even more active than working adult dogs are young shepherds. Keep in mind that calories differ significantly across manufacturers and brands. Always read the nutritional information and feeding instructions on the food box before feeding it to your pet. The German Shepherd feeding chart is simple in the first few weeks; up until the puppies lose all of their puppy teeth , their mother serves as their primary feeding source. Puppies who are one month old do not yet have teeth that are strong enough to eat kibble, so it is important to soften their diet as much as possible. Two-Month-Old German Shepherd Puppies start exploring their environment as soon as they reach the one-month mark. Additionally, a German Shepherd puppy should be at least eight weeks old if you plan to adopt one. Purchase the same puppy food the breeder recommended, at least for the first several weeks as they adjust to their new surroundings. As the pups approach their first birthday, their diet will require fewer calories, so you may cut down on the number of meals by two or three, if you believe it will be better for your pet. The majority of dog owners believe that giving their puppies fewer meals throughout the day is better for them since they get the same amount of calories and are less likely to feel hungry at specific times of the day. Even though during this period your dog should still be eating puppy food, you might want to consider obtaining adult dog food. Some owners use treats and training rewards to gradually introduce adult food to their pets, which is just enough to acclimate them to its unique flavor and texture. On the other hand, some dog owners choose to gradually phase out puppy food by combining kibble for adult dogs with it in varying quantities. You must obviously speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to the diet your German Shepherd consumes. Only your veterinarian can tell you when your dog has reached adulthood and when switching to adult food is safe. They must thus be provided with a healthy diet, even if they are raised as household pets. These puppies really like being active, and they enjoy playing in dog parks and other open spaces as well as training. In addition to the other nutrients, the quantities of calcium, protein, and phosphorus in adult dog food will be different from those in puppy food, according to the German Shepherd feeding chart. Bottom Line We must be certain of how much and when to feed our pets as responsible pet owners. German Shepherds require special consideration when designing their diets since they are active canines with voracious appetites. They adapt well to a variety of diets, including dry, wet, raw, and homemade. Giving them too many presents or too many free meals might seriously harm their health. We looked at the German shepherd feeding chart above. For your pup to develop properly, you must be aware of which foods are good for them and which ones they should avoid. As a travel enthusiast and animal lover, she hopes to inspire others to discover and cherish the beauty and importance of the natural world. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.