poodle puppies orlando
Happy, Healthy Bloodline We are a small family run business we love connecting people with their life-long companions. We have been breeding beautiful puppies since .We started out breeding Golden Retrievers fell in love with a poodle and the rest is history. We have beautiful Goldendoodle and Cavapoos puppies for sale in Florida. We know how important our pets are to us and realize they are not just dogs but members of our families. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Happy, Healthy Bloodline Happy, Healthy Bloodline Sunny started this bloodline and his Legacy continues to produce many generations of happy, intelligent, fun-loving pups that have brought much joy to many families. We pride ourselves on raising some of healthiest Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Florida. We only have a couple of beautiful litters for sale each year. They are worth the wait. Our beautiful puppies are raised on Florida sunshine and enjoy most of their days playing on the deck and breathing in fresh salt air. Our dogs are accustomed to long walks on the beach, chasing coconuts, and dips in the pool. Temperament is a priority. Lots of love will be supplied long before you take your new puppy home. You can feel confident that you are making the right choice with one look at our Goldendoodle puppies your search will be over. Sign Up For Updates. Searching for goldendoodle puppies for sale in Melbourne? We are proud to say that our clients voted us one of the best Goldendoodle breeders near Melbourne, Florida. As a result, some owners come back to purchase a second and third puppy because they are simply impressed with our quality. For those who live in Melbourne and are looking for a Goldendoodle puppy, we recommend you give us a call, text, or email us today. But, you are also welcome to come by and visit us to see the puppies we have available without feeling pressured to buy. Meet Us Get to know more about our process, who we are, and what we are all about. Application Make a deposit towards the newest member of your family using our simple application process. Complete Once all of the steps are complete, you can pick up your new puppy or have it shipped to your doorstep for an extra fee. Golden doodles by Aggie gave thorough instructions on puppy care and were very responsive to anything I needed assistance with in the first couple weeks of bringing my new puppy home. Approaching almost a year into having my dog, I am still very content. Brianna Bran. Goldendoodles predominately exhibit high energy level, loyalty and playfulness; they are friendly with children and considered a good family pet. The crossbreed often exhibits strong retriever instincts inherited from its gundog parent breeds, which make them have an active mouth and high tendency to retrieve objects. Suitability Goldendoodles predominately exhibit high energy level, loyalty and playfulness; they are friendly with children and considered a good family pet. Coat Long haired coat that requires regular grooming, coats are typically 'shaggy' with a medium wave and are very low shedding. Our breeding process is carefully planned and executed with the utmost care and dedication. We prioritize the health and well-being of our parent dogs, ensuring they undergo comprehensive health screenings to minimize the risk of hereditary conditions. This commitment to responsible breeding allows us to produce Groodle puppies that are not only physically healthy but also mentally and emotionally well-balanced. We believe in transparency and open communication with our clients. We are always available to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance throughout the entire adoption process. When you bring a Groodle puppy from Designer K9 Breeders into your life, you can expect ongoing support and resources to ensure a smooth transition and a lifetime of happiness.
Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles and Poodles can be amazing additions to a family or household. They will join your pack and wait for you to train and lead them on their journey. Having a plan for training, grooming, healthcare, vacation plans to take with or have a dog sitter. Poodles and Doodles need to be groomed every 4 - 8 weeks depending on coat length and maintenance. Puppies need to be introduced to grooming to ensure a long positive outlook on grooming. We raise puppies that have experienced life with children, dogs, other pets and daily life here on our mini ranch. We use early neurological stimulation, safe early socialization to give them the best possible beginnings of their lives. Our breeding program is of the highest quality. Our puppies are family raised and are handled daily. Call us today to learn more about our dogs and puppies. They are health screened, gorgeous and full of life. All of our dogs are of the highest quality and are only bred after extensive testing. A Bernedoodle is known to be extremely loyal, and charming, making them very trainable. Goldendoodles are known to be highly intelligent. They love to run and are really high jumpers. We raise only the best doodle puppies, view our available puppies today. Raising Only The Best.They have a curly low allergen coat, are athletic, trainable and highly versatile. Bernese Mountain Dogs were first bred to be working dogs on the pastures and farms of Switzerland. They are known to be sweet, affectionate, hard workers that live to please their owners. They are also known to be gentle with children. The Bernedoodle can be sensitive and thrive as therapy, comfort, and service animals. They can have straight, curly, or wavy double coats. Regular grooming every weeks is needed to maintain their coats. Grooming needs to be started as a puppy after their last set of vaccinations. They are not hyperactive and usually need a daily walk and some typical love and attention in their home. They are playful, goofy but intelligent. Cuddling with their human pack members is well desired. Goldendoodles A Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever and the Poodle bred together creating a shaggy, low shedding coated dog with the friendly eager to please nature of the Golden Retriever and high intelligence of the Poodle. Their obedience and intelligence has created a wonderful guide dog and their gentle affectionate temperaments make them great candidates for therapy dogs. They need to be brushed daily with longer coats and groomed every weeks depending on coat length and maintenance. They are highly social dogs and are very attached to their family pack. They are happiest being with their family and not left for long periods of time. They are great for active families who enjoy the outdoors. We love our little guy and he is so handsome! They really seem to love them all and was a little hard to let them go. We totally felt like they go the extra mile. Current Litter Why us? Doodles for Colorado has been raising quality Goldendoodles in Boulder County since .Our puppies are socialized in a family setting with plenty of love and attention, raised with children and also cats and bunnies. We breed for temperament and quality of genetics. All of our dogs are OFA certified for hips, eyes and heart. Our 3 children love to socialize the puppies as much as they can during those first 8 weeks of life. This is so important in shaping a confident and calm puppy. Since we are a small scale operation, only 2 litters per year, each puppy gets lots of loving! Our goal is to produce a healthy dog with a great temperament and we have been very successful in meeting that goal. Our puppies are raised as part of our family with alot of love and attention and are nurtured in a safe environment. They grow up with plenty of sunshine and lots and lots of visitors. They also learn over the last few weeks how to use a dog door and get very competent at using it. We also crate train the puppies for 1 week prior to going to their new homes. This makes the transition to their new homes much easier. We also try to expose them to animals, sounds, smells, different surfaces to walk on and people of all sizes. We are very selective in our dogs that we use for breeding. We strive to produce puppies that are physically and genetically excellent as well as mellow and sweet in their personalities. We back up our breeding practices with a 2 year health guarantee and a puppy purchase agreement to protect you as a buyer and ensure the health of our puppies. Goldendoodles make great service dogs!! Are you considering being a part of our guardian home opportunity? See Guardian tab on boulderpuppies. We breed F1 and F1B crosses of Goldendoodle puppies. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Boulder Colorado and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Boulder CO? We have answers. So, what exactly are Goldendoodles? Take the curly, smart Poodle and mix it with an obedient, loyal Golden Retriever, and what do you get? Well, a Goldendoodle, of course! The Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed that marries the best traits of both parents into one ultimate puppy. What is a hybrid breed? While a mixed breed and hybrid breed dog both come from different parents, the similarities stop there. Mixed breed dogs often have murky lineage, while hybrid dogs are purpose-bred. In fact, the goal of hybrid dog breeders is to create a new breed with its own standards—such as Goldendoodles, Cavapoos, Morkies, and more. What types of coats do Goldendoodle puppies for sale Boulder, CO have? These coats are far less shedding than straight-haired Goldendoodles, which are typically not bred by most reputable breeders. How much exercise do Goldendoodles need? With Goldendoodle puppies, Boulder breeders will be quick to tell you that these are some active dogs. While most Goldendoodles need at least two long walks per day, your mileage may vary! As with all dog breeds, Goldendoodles will be happier, calmer, and less stressed when they receive adequate exercise. What should I look for in a Goldendoodle for sale in Boulder? What if I'm looking for a specific kind of Goldendoodle for sale Boulder? How do you vet Goldendoodle breeders and Boulder Goldendoodle puppies for sale? We only want to bring your the best Goldendoodle puppies in Boulder, CO, and that means only working with the best breeders. We have a strict vetting process in place to ensure that only ethical and humane breeders and businesses are allowed to list their litters here at Uptown Puppies. No puppy mills here! We have a strict No Puppy Mill policy, and that extends to backyard breeders and scammers, too. When you search for your dream pooch with our network, you can sleep a little better at night knowing that your pup is coming from a humane home. What do I need to know about puppy mills and Goldendoodles for sale Boulder? Puppy mills are the worst of the worst when it comes to dog breeding. Mills are notorious for cutting corners, and operate in a legal gray area. Although puppy mills offer outrageously cheap puppies, beware their hidden costs—because of inhumane breeding standards, mill dogs are often sickly and can require expensive vet care. How does Uptown Puppies work? Locate your dream dog, and our team will connect you with the right breeder to make your dream dog a reality.
Stasia Boxers We are a small home based kennel located in Eastern Washington. All of our dogs are part of the family and share the bed or couch with myself. I am dedicated to improving the boxer breed not only in conformation but sound temperament and excellent health. My first and foremost importance is having healthy and temperamentally sound Boxers that make excellent family members. Shortly after acquiring my first boxer, I was able to get my second boxer with the help of a friend I added Morgan to the house. Morgan started my experience in the conformation ring. I work hard with all of my dogs and try to make them the absolute best they can be to have good members of society. All of my dogs are well socialized and have acquired a CGC title as well as therapy dog certification and other performance event titles such as agility, rally and lure coursing. Along with owning and showing boxers, I work closely with local rescue organizations and adoption facilities to foster, train, rehabilitate and re-home animals in need. Every animal who comes through my doors as a foster in need, are all very important to me and become part of the family until the perfect forever home can be found for them. I do support rescue and adoption efforts in any way that I can, every animal deserves a home. Thank you for visiting!! Puppies available Please, contact me if you have questions about our current and future litters. Our breeding prospects were screened very carefully before we made a decision to add them to our breeding program. We buy puppies from best breeders in Europe, and raise them in our home. If we decided to keep the puppy for ourselves but see anything that is considered as 'red flag', we prefer to find him a forever pet home. Some of the puppies we planned to breed have been disqualified and put in great pet homes. The issues that are not acceptable are temperament related in most cases , and health rarely. We have a strong belief that high quality breeding starts with the decision to take best out of the best. If we don't like the results of our work, we won't continue doing it. All our dogs live in a clean, dry environment, fed with the quality food, getting plenty of exercise and been socialized since the puppy age. None of our Boxers are shy, too hyper, or having issues with health, food allergy, behavioral problems, or genetic abnormalities. She is obedient, smart, friendly, and has a beautiful coat. That includes the tail docking, first vet check, first shots and dewormers done, 1-Year Genetic Health Guarantee. We take cash, money order and cashiers check at pick up. We will accept personal checks for deposits only, when you reserve the puppy that is younger than 8 weeks of age. All other payment methods are available by request only. We do sell our puppies to pet homes and won't transfer any registration papers at pick up. However, we will share the copies of parents Pedigrees upon request. First, we have an exclusive breeding program, and work hard to not just improve the breed, but pick a different breeding prospects that match our breeding criteria. Second, we are aware of risks of improper breeding and can't guarantee the reproductive health of our puppy. Based on our continuous breeding experience we know that ALL of our puppies who are currently reside in their forever homes are much loved and well-taken care of. The Boxer families are made out of the greatest people in the world! We can deliver our puppies from Spokane to 4 destination points. The shipping via cargo is no longer available for out-of-state buyers. You have an option to fly here and we will meet you at the Spokane or Seattle airport. The weeks old puppy can fly with you in a cabin without any adverse effects on dog's health. If we need to go to the Seattle International Airport, we have to add a delivery fee, which is a mileage charge. We will provide the linage information for each puppy upon request. Dog Food.
Each puppy is special to us, and we spend a lot of time socializing and introducing them to new experiences. When you adopt with us, you can be confident that your puppy was loved and adored from birth. Frenchies are easygoing and friendly with people and other animals. Learn About French Bulldogs English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are a medium-sized, stocky dog with adults weighing between 45 and 60 pounds. English Bulldogs are a loyal, friendly, and gentle breed. Learn About English Bulldogs Plan a visit If you like the peace of mind that comes with meeting your puppy in person before you take them home, schedule a visit with us. Contact Us Happy, healthy puppies All of our puppies are vet checked and de-wormed before they go to their forever homes. See our health guarantee for more details. This could be you You could join the many who have had a great experience with Blossom Ridge Bulldogs. Read their stories below. She's such a happy girl and dances when she gets excited. She loves daily walks, burrowing under the blankets, and hiding her deer antlers around the house so no one can find them. She's extremely smart and was completely housebroken within 2. I can't thank you enough for changing our life for the better.She's been such a wonderful companion. And are getting a third puppy this week. Blossom Ridge Bulldogs are fantastic. The puppies are well-socialized and care for. We are having a blast with them. Jeremiah and Melody have been great to work with. Communication and follow up has been stellar. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for a great quality puppy to visit Blossom Ridge Bulldogs. He is best friends with our other French bulldog Paisley. We were very happy with Blossom ridge and how accommodating they were when we came up to Ohio for a wedding. They allowed us to stop and see the puppies Friday and made an exception for us to come back Sunday before we left town to pick up the puppy. Studs Why First Class Frenchies? Because we sell the best French bulldog puppies around! We are a family of 8 who love our frenchies like they are a part of the family. We live on acres of beautifully wooded property in the heart of Ohio. We would love to be a blessing in helping you find the perfect frenchie for your family. First Class Frenchies is veterinarian owned and operated home based breeder of the highest quality French bulldogs in Eastern Ohio. We strive to produce a small number of exquisite Frenchie puppies each year so that others can discover what we have known for years. French bulldogs are the sweetest most lovable dogs available. They can melt your heart with those big loving eyes. They learn quickly and are always eager to please you, their best friend. Frenchies are an attractive and eye catching breed. Their bodies are small but muscular and heavy boned, giving them their characteristic appearance that is so desirable. They average 18 to 24 pounds, so are small enough to fit into most living situations. They love car rides, leash walks, and just spending time with you. Let us guide you to the perfect addition to your family. We can counsel you on what personality of puppy will best fit your lifestyle. Check out our available puppy page. Our veterinary expertise is valuable in assisting you with the well-being of your new addition. For those interested in breeding, we have everything you need. Our ability to help you successfully breed your female is a huge advantage for you. Check out our stud page and see what we have to offer.
Tonka is available to approved bitches. Contact Judy via email at promisekennels gmail. DiDonato for giving our girl her last 2 pt win! June Russell Smith. We have a couple year old Springers available!! This photo is of a Springtime Litter Of Springers. We have a few youngsters we have decided to place. Click on Zoomy's photo to visit the available PupperDogs. Maybe YOU will be a lucky new owner! What a wonderful 22 yr wedding anniversary gift for me and Ronnie who were both there to watch!!! Photo will be posted once it is received. Click on Falcon's photo to visit his page. Please click on the " Want a puppy " page, and then the " Puppy Questionnaire " page. If you wish to be considered for one of our Golden Retrievers or English Springer Spaniels, please make sure you send us a completed puppy questionnaire. Click on Hope's photo to visit her webpage. To see more photos of this litter, click the picture. Click Harley's photo to visit her page. Throughout this website, click on the underlined words to follow links. Faith is spayed and is now living a blessed life near us!!! We still have 3 of Faith's daughters. We are trying to arrive in the Technology Age! Please check this site frequently for updates. We are looking forward to hearing from you. You can also contact Judy at her e-mail address: promiseplus msn. Let us know what your needs and questions are. We will be more than happy to try and help. We are serious hobby breeders, which means that we show our dogs in at least one venue we show them in several: conformation, obedience and use them as Therapy Dogs and Assistance Dogs, and occasionally they get to go hunting. We breed a litter to have something to show in the ring, or to train for a purpose therapy dogs, service dogs, obedience.All dogs used in our breeding program have had their clearances done, which include hips certified through OFA, their eyes cleared by a board certified ophthalmologist and their hearts cleared and listed with OFA. We also check elbows and cardiac heart. Our goal is to produce puppies that are healthy and structurally correct that possess wonderful temperaments. We personally look to place our puppies into homes where they are going to be in the house and part of the family. Whether they are being placed as show dogs or as a family companion our goal is to breed the temperament and character that best suits a family life style: gentle, friendly and easy going. This means that the dog is registered with AKC, however none of the offspring should it have any are eligible for registration. A dog with a Limited Registration, as well as a spayed or neutered dog can compete in all AKC events except in the Conformation classes breed ring. July 29, - Not only do we have dogs, but there's grandchildren too! I think they are sharing a secret.It sometimes takes several days before receiving a reply from us. If you think your email has been overlooked, feel free to resend it. You can call. The 2 cuties in the picture are Margaret and Jake. The food has been specially designed to provide all the key nutritional benefits received from the feeding of raw food diets but with the benefits of 21st Century nutritional research. There's even a weight management food for our older dogs. We all know antioxidants are important to us. The metabolic villains that scientists call "free radicals" are the reason antioxidants are so important. Free radicals are unstable molecules that our bodies form in the normal processes of breathing and digesting food. If they're not stopped, free radicals can damage important parts of our cells -- for instance, the DNA. Once damaged it can lead to weakened immune systems, cancer, and heart disease. But wait! There IS good news.Antioxidants -- the "good guys" -- are on a mission to wipe out free radicals! The importance of antioxidants can't be overstated. Although they're not "magic bullets," they do slow down the aging process and protect against many diseases. With the cancer rate increasing so rapidly in Man's Best Friend, in addition to trying to breed quality dogs, we feel it is equally important to help them in this world we share.While you visit their site, make sure you check out the poem and prose pagethere are some GREAT stories and poems there! Planning a trip to meet us and our dogs? Maybe to pick up your puppy??? Thanks for visiting San Luis Valley Goldens. If you're looking for an active, family dog with a great personality, look no further. Well, you're in luck because Golden Retrievers are sure to keep up with your active lifestyle. They're fun, high-energy breeds would be glad to accompany you on any outdoor adventure or join in on some family fun. Best Family Dog Golden Retrievers are well-known for being friendly with everyone they meet, human and dog alike. Meet Goldie! Goldie is our two-year-old pure bred Golden Retriever and she's expecting! She is a sturdy, muscular dog of medium size, with a dense, lustrous coat of gold that gives the breed its name. Goldie has a broad head, friendly and intelligent eyes, short ears, and straight muzzle, is a breed hallmark. We expect Goldie will deliver mid-August. Golden Retrievers enjoy hiking, long walks, fetching, retrieving, etc. They love water and enjoy swimming. About Us We are a small breeder of top quality Golden Retrievers. Established in , we are located in Southern Colorado, near the New Mexico border. Our goal is to breed Golden Retrievers who are: top quality, affordable, beautiful, healthy, and have stable temperaments. When will my puppy be ready? We expect the puppies will be ready to be rehomed by early November. Why San Luis Valley Goldens? The San Luis Valley is known for warm, sunny days and cold night. An alpine desert, it is known for its frigid winters that eliminate or reduce pests and disease, lowering the need for pesticides. For this reason, our free range goldens are safe to roam the landscape, only kenneled at night. In general, Golden Retrievers are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work. Please send us your information and we'll get back to you. Submit We have received your submission. Error Sign Up to Our Newsletter! All Rights Reserved. All other registered trademarks herein are the property of their respective owners. Follow Us We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. By clicking Accept you consent to our use of cookies. Read about how we use cookies. Cookie settings Accept Your Cookie Settings We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. Cookie Categories Essential On These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our websites. You cannot refuse these cookies without impacting how our websites function. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings, as described under the heading "Managing cookies" in the Privacy and Cookies Policy. Analytics On These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are. Save settings.
An 8 week old German Shepherd puppy is a bundle of antics and endless energy! Your 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy An 8 week old your puppy requires a daily routine and training to help them become the dog of your dreams. This article will not only help you understand your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy but will also explain to you why your little puppy has certain behaviors. Raising a German Shepherd puppy can feel like an overwhelming task at first! Just remember, your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is also adjusting to its new life with you. You should expect your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy to feel stressed and uncertain. They may seem timid and unsure of their surroundings. They might cry, whine, and not want your attention. Having structure and consistency will help create a bond and help you both in getting along more peacefully and calmly. Introducing A Puppy Crate Many dog owners choose to use a crate when it comes to caring for their 8-week-old puppy. While some people consider crates unnecessary, or even cruel, crate training is a useful skill to offer your dog. With the right training your pup will see its crate as their private safe space and will even go there to relax. Leaving your puppy at home unsupervised can get them and you into a heap of trouble. Crate training helps prevent your home from being a destruction zone. This useful guide to crate training a German Shepherd puppy gets you on the right track to success! Crate training your puppy can: help speed up housetraining teach your dog to settle calm down offer your dog privacy But you must introduce the crate slowly and positively so your puppy builds a strong connection to the benefits of the crate. Never just shove or push your young German Shepherd into the crate without using positive training. Your new dog also needs a routine and schedule to help them through the early days with you and set the expectations you have for them. Having a schedule helps your puppy to know what to expect in their daily routines. It keeps you from losing your mind and helps ease a worried puppy. While you might work from home or have other obligations, try to follow a schedule that looks similar to this: Early morning: Take your puppy out for the first potty break of the day! So, they may need to go outside even before the sun rises. Breakfast time: Your puppy may want to go back to sleep after going outside and this is perfectly normal. On the other hand, some puppies are wide awake and ready for their breakfast. Either way, always take your puppy back outside shortly after their breakfast so they can sniff and have another potty break. Mid-morning: Puppies should eat 3 — 4 small meals a day. Mid-morning is a good time for another small meal. Afternoon: This is a good time for their lunch followed by a potty break and plenty of sniffing time to work off some of their energy. Late afternoon: Puppies need another potty break in the afternoon, and some puppies need more breaks outside. Evening: Their dinner meal and their evening potty time. Remember to let them explore outdoors in a safe area to help build their confidence. Scheduling exercise, potty breaks, and play at the same times every day helps ensure that your puppy learns their daily routine more quickly and settles in nicely. And, even young puppies can learn basic training in their first weeks with you. Try training your German Shepherd puppy at home to start with. In the beginning, you may find a few accidents in the house. But, stick with your potty training and remember to always watch your puppy to keep them from having messes in the house. When you stick to a regular potty schedule, the likelihood of potty training mishaps decreases, and you and your puppy are less stressed. Always, always, always… Supervise your puppy indoors when you are potty training. Your toughest time together with your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy might be the first few nights. Your puppy has only known the comfort of his mother and siblings before. Having your puppy sleep away from you will only scare them more. And, although they are little, their cry is loud! Having a place for them near your bed is the best way to avoid a night full of tearful cries and howling. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep in bed with me? Plus, when your puppy is an adult and tries to sleep in bed with you there will be no room for you! A full-grown German Shepherd can weigh up to pounds and will push you right out of your own sheets. Your puppy sleeps most of the day. A new puppy sleeps more often than they are awake. An 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy may sleep as many as 18 hours a day! Sleeping this much allows your puppy to have the energy they need to grow and keeps them ready to explore their new world. Feeding An 8 Week Old German Shepherd Your puppy should stay on the same food they were eating before you brought them home to keep them less stressed. This helps keeps your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy from having an upset stomach and becoming ill. Sometimes, you might want to switch them over to a different food. If you choose this route, do it slowly and in stages over a few weeks. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals per day. Although their stomachs are small if you overfeed them they could get sick and have stomach problems. Spreading their meals out throughout the day in regular intervals is best to avoid any upsets. Look for a balanced, complete puppy food for large breed dogs. As a large breed dog, your German Shepherd you should only feed your puppy food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies. Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs that are not found in ordinary puppy food. Feeding a commercially available food that is formulated for large breed puppies helps them to grow at a sustained rate. Steady growth in a large breed puppy helps to avoid stress on their bones and gives them a strong skeletal foundation for their athletic muscles. Limiting food intake in growing German Shepherd puppies has also been associated with fewer signs of hip dysplasia. This is of extreme importance in this breed due to the high incidence of hip problems and the pain associated with this joint disorder. A growing puppy is best fed a proprietary pet food that has been specifically formulated to meet its nutritional needs. Foods that are available as dry kibble are especially suitable to rear even the youngest of puppies. Opt for this specially formulated food for large breed puppies to keep your dog growing at a healthy rate that helps them stay strong. It is a complete balanced diet so nothing is missing. Within the first few days of arriving to their new home with you is a stressful time. Your puppy has just made a drastic life change and left everything they knew to be with you. Diarrhea and other stomach issues are sometimes stress induced. You can help your puppy by keeping to a regular feeding schedule and feeding them the same food they were on before coming to you. Sometimes diarrhea is also a sign of an underlying health issue and, if left untreated, can become life-threatening. If your puppy vomits blood, has bloody stools and diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or refuses to drink, call your vet immediately! To an 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping are all part of playing with their siblings. And, your puppy will most likely bite and nip you at some point too. They may even growl at you and tug at your hands or nip your ankles. This is all part of puppy play. But… It can really hurt you or make you bleed! Understanding bite inhibition means they know how to control the power of their play bites and how hard or soft they nip you. Preventing Nips and Bites If you know the right way to prevent and stop German Shepherd puppy biting, you can train your puppy to understand how to keep their razor-sharp tiny teeth from sinking into you. Instead… Offer them plenty of puppy-safe chew toys appropriate for their size. When they bite or nip you, calmly show them the toy to chew instead. Get their attention by moving the toy in a playful way around them so they begin to chase and bite the toy, instead of you or your furniture. Use these links to help you stay on the right track throughout their life. This article is designed to help you along your way. This is completely normal. Every new puppy owner has their moments of frustration and doubt. Remember that your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is going through a big life change, too. She may be feeling stressed and out of sorts when you first bring her home. Consistency and structure will go a long way toward helping both of you. Introducing The Puppy Crate A crate can be your best friend when it comes to caring for your 8-week-old puppy. While some people think of crates as cruel, the reality is that with the right training, your puppy will think of her crate as a safe, quiet space where she can go to relax. If you leave your puppy unsupervised at home, you may come back to find a whole lot of destruction. Puppies can get into all kinds of trouble on their own, with their natural curiosity and desire to chomp down on just about everything in their path. A crate can help you keep your German Shepherd puppy — and your belongings! While every puppy is different, chances are your daily schedule for the first week will look a little bit like this: Early morning: Time for the first potty break of the day! Breakfast time: You can feed your puppy breakfast right after her first potty break, or wait a little longer and let her go back to sleep first. Mid-morning: Time for another small meal, and another potty break. Afternoon: Lunchtime followed by a potty break. Late afternoon: Another potty break! Evening: Dinner, and then — you guessed it — potty time. Just before bed: One last trip outside before you turn in for the night. In between potty and mealtimes, your puppy will probably be playing or napping. Scheduling play and exercise at the same times every day can help ensure that you get that nice, quiet naptime right on schedule, too. Potty Training an 8 Week Old German Shepherd Potty training can be one of the most daunting tasks of raising a brand new puppy. It may take a bit longer than you expected for your puppy to get the hang of things! Your puppy has never been apart from her siblings and mother before. The best way to avoid a night full of mournful wailing is to let your puppy sleep in your room, at least in the beginning. Safer ways to keep your puppy comfortable and contained at night include keeping her crate beside your bed, setting up a puppy playpen, or even just using a tall cardboard box. In fact, an 8-week-old puppy can spend as many as 18 hours a day sleeping! This helps keep some element of consistency in her routine and her stomach. If you do decide to switch over to a different food after a few weeks, do so in stages. You can then increase that slowly over time. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should be fed three to four times per day. Because the German Shepherd is a large breed, you should also feed your puppy a diet formulated specifically for large breed puppies. There are many commercially available diets made to help large breed puppies grow at the right rate. This helps to avoid skeletal abnormalities like hip dysplasia. Want more information on what to feed your 8-week-old German Shepherd, and how to change her diet as she gets older? We have everything you need to know right here in our guide to feeding a German Shepherd puppy. The stress of such a drastic life change can manifest in different ways, and an upset stomach is a pretty common reaction. You can give your pup a better chance of having a settled stomach by keeping her on the food she was eating before you brought her home, and feeding on a consistent schedule. Diarrhea can also be a sign of an underlying issue besides stress, however, and severe diarrhea can be life-threatening if left untreated. Your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is likely to bite you too, for exactly the same reason. She may even growl. And it really can hurt! Your Growing Dog As your German Shepherd puppy grows, our guides will help you care for her throughout her life. Here are a few links to get you started:. Can a German Shepherd puppy start training at 8 months? How to Potty Train Your 8-week-old German Shepherd Puppy Potty training your 8-week-old German Shepherd can be stressful at first, but with a bit of persistence and patience, your puppy will learn correct behavior in no time. The potty area can be outdoors or indoors. Having a designated potty place will help your dog understand that this is the only place they should go to poop or pee. Watch Out for Signs One of the first signs is usually an increased awareness of their surroundings. You may notice that your puppy starts sniffing around more often or seems particularly interested in certain places of the house. Watch out also for changes in behavior. If your pup suddenly starts having accidents inside or seems antsy and restless, they may be trying to tell you that they need to go outside. Use Cue Words One way to help your new puppy understand what you want him to do is to use cue words. Cue words will help your German Shepherd puppy learn the connection between the words and the action. You can also use cue words when rewarding him for going in the right spot. Give Training Treats When potty training your puppy, use treats as a form of positive reinforcement. Doing this teaches your puppy that good things happen when they go outside to do their business. When choosing treats for potty training, select something small and easy to eat. This way, the puppy can eat the treat quickly and then get back to playing. It would be best if you also chose training treats that your puppy finds irresistible. Otherwise, they may not be motivated to keep trying. Puppy Crate It is an enclosure to confine your new puppy for short periods. It is also helpful in transporting puppies from one place to another. German Shepherd owners use it for crate training as they can also help with separation anxiety and boredom. Puppy crates usually have a removable tray on the bottom for easy cleaning. They also have wire, plastic, or fabric as the primary materials, and they typically come in different sizes to accommodate puppies of different ages and breeds. When buying a crate, it must be big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down but small enough so that the puppy does not have too much space to eliminate in one corner and sleep in the other. When used correctly, it can provide a safe, comfortable space for your new furry friend. Early Morning: Bring your Puppy Outside When your German Shepherd is a still puppy, he may have trouble holding his bladder throughout the night. If you do not let your puppy out early enough, it might create potty accidents because he cannot control their bladder. Morning: Time for a Nutritious Breakfast Puppies need a lot of nutrients to grow up healthy and strong. A nutritious breakfast helps them get the energy they need to start the day. Even though puppies spend most of their time sleeping and cuddling, puppies require several daily feedings. Place your puppy on your lap and snuggle while sleeping. It would be best if you also let them rest throughout the day. Afternoon: Lunchtime Take your puppy outside after lunch to relieve themselves. Allow your puppy time to exercise and release any built-up energy. Feeding your puppy .Between naps, you can do playtime and training activities to help release energy, encourage physical activity, and develop a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd. Evening: Last meal of the Day During the evening, feed your puppy their fourth and last meal. Afterward, take your puppy for a short stroll. Before returning, have your puppy go potty outside, then snuggle up on the sofa for some quality time. Night: Potty Break Before Bedtime Take your puppy out for one more potty time before putting him to bed. Remember that you should establish a reasonable bedtime for your puppy early on. Moreover, an 8-week-old German Shepherd may develop a better appetite for other solid meals. These include constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a common problem that many German Shepherd puppies face. This condition has several possible causes, including dietary indiscretion, viral infections, and intestinal parasites. In most cases, diarrhea is not a serious concern and will resolve itself within a few days. However, seek veterinary care if your puppy displays other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite. Constipation A young German Shepherd is particularly susceptible to constipation due to their large, muscular build and fast metabolism. If your puppy is constipated, you may notice that he has difficulty passing stool and seems uncomfortable or restless. If your puppy is constipated, take him to the vet for treatment. The vet may give him a laxative or enema to help relieve constipation. Bloating Bloating occurs when the stomach fills with gas, causing it to swell. German Shepherds are especially prone to bloating because of their deep chests. There are several possible causes of bloating, including eating too fast, drinking too much water, and exercising immediately after eating. Stress can also be a factor. To prevent bloating, feed your German Shepherd several small meals daily instead of one large meal. It is also important to avoid exercising immediately after eating and ensure that your dog has access to fresh water. Yes, a German Shepherd puppy can start training at eight months. But remember that every puppy is different and will learn at its own pace. Consistency is key, and with patience, your puppy will get the hang of obedience training in no time. Training should be a bonding experience for you and your pup! Remember to have fun and keep it light. At eight weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy sleeps for around 18 hours daily. It may seem like a lot, but puppies need a lot of sleep to grow and develop properly. As they get older, German Shepherds will sleep for less time each day. German Shepherd puppies use their mouths to explore their surroundings and socialize with other dogs and people. In addition, puppies typically start teething around eight weeks old, which can cause them to bite more as they try to relieve the discomfort caused by their emerging teeth. Puppies also explore the world with their mouths, and biting is a way for them to learn about their environment. In addition, puppies may bite out of excitement or frustration, especially if they are not getting enough exercise. If your puppy is biting excessively, provide him with plenty of chew toys and opportunities to run and play. Also read:.
We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Beaumont Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Contact Welcome to Texas Doodles Our goal at Texas Doodles is to create healthy, intelligent, and hypoallergenic companion dogs. We are a responsible breeder with a well planned breeding program. Our puppies are raised with the puppy culture method, which places emphasis on early neurological stimulation. Our adults are often placed in Guardian Homes at an early age. We want to ensure their happiness and best start in life by placing them in a home environment that will forever be their home. To learn more and become part of our Guardian Home program, click in the box below. Available Puppies for Guardian Home Why Choose a Doodle Hybrid The Doodle breed is genetically superior due to the purposeful breeding of two unrelated breeds of the same species. Their offspring experience what is known as hybrid vigor, whereby they receive all of the parents' good traits and few of the bad. This is why we genetic test to rule out common genes for genetic defects. Whether you're a first time dog owner an experienced dog handler, or seeking pet therapy needs, Doodles are a good choice because they have an eagerness to please with an affectionate personality. They make great companions with families with children. Our Breeds What to Expect Puppies will go to their forever homes after 8 weeks of age potty trained to a doggy door, fully Vet checked and up-to-date with age appropriate vaccinations and de-wormer. Puppies are implanted with a nano microchip and registered through AKC Reunite.
Breed-specific food designed for German Shepherd puppies High-quality chicken is used as the animal protein base A unique complex of antioxidants and Vitamin E for developing a strong immune system Cons Expensive for some dog owners Frequently out of stock Contains potential allergens How to Choose the Best Dog Food for German Shepherds German Shepherd is a large breed that is active and strong, with a muscular physique. Large Breed Dog food is special because it helps to maintain long-term health and quality of life, especially taking into account the common health conditions that plague the breed. It is critical to study the ingredients of the food you are planning to buy carefully, and analyze the key nutrients for your dog. Most ingredient lists will also identify potentially harmful ingredients or allergens. Protein should come from animal sources, such as chicken or beef. It should avoid contamination by animal byproducts, added flavors, and preservatives. Fats: A high amount of fat can cause your GS to be overweight. At the same time, fats are necessary for healthy skin coat, bones and joints and to lubricate internal systems. The best sources of carbs for dogs are rice, barley, sweet potatoes, and oats. Carbs are necessary because GSD are protections dogs and need high amount of energy. Carbs along with proteins are the best energy sources. Vitamins and minerals: These nutrients promote healthy brain activity in dogs and improve the overall health of German Shepherds. These actually constitute a small amount in dog foods. Fiber: The fiber in the diet creates a healthy texture in the stool, which is especially important for German Shepherds who are prone to perianal fistulas. While they are puppies, German Shepherds require nutritious food that will enable them to grow quickly and develop their robust physique. Adult: During their adult life stage, German Shepherds require a balanced diet rich in protein to maintain their physique and active lifestyle. Senior : Older German Shepherds can be quite sensitive to food and develop several health conditions. Food for senior dogs should include plenty of vitamins and minerals that enhance brain activity, as well as probiotics and antioxidants that improve digestive health and immune system. German Shepherd Health Conditions and Special Dietary Needs German Shepherds might be a picture of strength and power, but as a breed, they suffer from many health conditions that can decrease their lifespan and quality of life. Most of these conditions are congenital, and they are out of control of the owners. Do consider getting pet insurance for German Shepherd as medical bills can add up significantly. Bones and Joints: When it comes to bone and joint health, German Shepherds suffer from hip dysplasia, which is common in large dogs. As they age, German Shepherds are also known to develop osteoarthritis. Dog food rich in glucosamine and chondroitin improves joint and bone health and should be high on your priority list. Skin and coat: German Shepherds have a long coat of hair, but their skin is quite sensitive. For the maintenance of a shiny coat and clear skin, avoid dog foods that are rich in allergens, and make sure the food contains essential fatty acids. Digestive system: German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs and are prone to bloating and gas. Dog foods rich in live probiotics helps improve the digestive health of German Shepherds and boosts their immune systems. Allergens: Notorious for food allergies, German Shepherds can develop several serious health conditions if they are fed food that is high in allergens. Your priority should be to avoid dog foods with prominent grain content, particularly corn and wheat, which are well-known allergens. Meat such as chicken and beef can also be the source of allergens, but instead of avoiding it, monitor your dog and make sure that the protein content is from pure chicken or beef. Inactivity: German Shepherds have a healthy appetite matched by their high activity level. As they get older or develop health issues, they tend to dial down their activity and can often develop weight problems. German Shepherd puppies grow quickly and need a lot of food as they grow. At two months old, puppies will consume anywhere from three to four cups of food per day. For each month after that, add half-a-cup of food until they reach six months. At six months, their growth will slow, and you can keep them at that level until they are ten months old. At ten months, gradually decrease the amount of food by half-a-cup every two months until they reach adulthood. The amount of food your adult German Shepherd needs depends on their size and activity level. The bigger and more active the dog, the more food it will consume. Bear in mind that this is dry dog food. In case you are feeding your dog wet or mixed food, lower the amount by a full cup. As large dogs, German Shepherds enjoy longer puppyhood compared to other breeds. In general, at fifteen months old German Shepherds are considered full-grown and adult dogs and should eat food intended for their strength. All dogs are different and develop at their own rate. Still, you should avoid feeding German Shepherd puppies adult dog food during their growing phase because they need more protein and nutrients compared to mature dogs. After twelve months, you can start experimenting with food for adult dogs and try to make the transition smoother for your pet. Becky Roberts One of Becky's favourite things to do every morning is to browse the top pet-related forums, looking for issues and questions that people have. She then shortlists the most common ones, and turns them into blog posts for Fuzzy Rescue. She's the only one on our team that doesn't like coffee, but it seems to us she really doesn't need more energy :. We're very fortunate to have her on board as she does most of the heavy listing for the site, outputting an insane amount of content each month. From how-to guides, tips and tricks, to product comparisons… Our goal is to be the go-to knowledgebase when it comes to pet-related questions and information. Affiliate Disclosure Fuzzyrescue. Additionally, fuzzy-rescue. It is a large breed dog food best for dogs such as the German shepherd. It contains a good blend of animal protein, probiotics, essential fatty acids and nutrients to keep the older dog healthy. The food is an easily digestible formula and enables a senior dog to thrive and be healthy. The food contains quality protein for maintaining strong muscles in older dogs as well as vitamins and antioxidants to support the immune system. This easily digestible food contains fiber that promotes healthy digestion and essential minerals that support healthy bones and heart health for older dogs. The below are important features to be considered in food selection from any pet food manufacturers such as Purina. Age The different life stages or age of a German Shepherd as a large breed dog have specific requirements of nutrition to thrive and be healthy. The balance of essential vitamins and nutrients is different and thus it is important to provide the appropriate dog food to each life stage. With this in mind, you will be able to select the best dog food that provides them with what they need to be healthy. All the food types whether dry or wet food will be labelled as best for a particular life stage of a dog, that is,best for puppies, adult or senior dogs. Specific Diet Requirements Each dog has specific diet requirements which a food source should provide. Some foods specifically cater to dogs that have food sensitivities or allergies for which you will find foods like grain-free, gluten-free or limited ingredients. Other foods are formulated for weight control. Quality Protein Protein helps in the development of muscle and the selection of dog food with high-quality protein preferably animal protein, is best recommended. Dog food with protein from sources such as fish, meat, or poultry is the best. Carbohydrates and healthy fats Carbohydrates and fats are sources of calories that provide energy. Being an active breed, German shepherds use a lot of energy and require an energy source from food to supply this. Healthy fats help to support the healthy skin and coat of the dog. Omega-6 fatty acids support this health function while omega-3 is important for the healthy development of the brain. Supportive supplements The German Shepherd is susceptible to joint and bone health problems and requires supportive nutritional supplements in their diet for maintenance of bone and joint health. Chondroitin and glucosamine are essential supplements that support healthy mobility and joint health. They are found in poultry and meat protein sources. It is important to see if these elements are available in the dog food. There is no better choice between Purina Pro and Purina One because both are good formulations of dog food that provide the required nutrient composition for the health of a dog. However, differences exist between them mainly in the nutritional content of the formulas by having different calorie, fat, and protein contents. Purina Pro Plan has higher nutrient values, a variety of formulas to choose from, and multiple flavors, which also makes it be at a higher cost compared to Purina One. Purina One, though low cost, still has quality essential ingredients for the health of a dog. Conclusion Choosing high-quality dog food for your dog is a key factor to keep them healthy. Purina has a long-standing history as a quality premium pet food manufacturer. Their dog food options are expertly prepared to meet the nutritional requirements of individual dogs whether small breed, large breed, or for specific dietary needs. I hope this article assisted in a better understanding of the best German Shepherd dog food from Purina as a pet food manufacturer. The selection provided in this guide is of course not exhaustive of all the great dog food from the brand. However, with this guide, you should be able to find and select the best dog food from the brand for your German Shepherd. This is certainly a good dog food brand and you are well assured that your pup will also love the food. To learn more about German Shepherds, check out the below resources. Related Posts.
The German Shepherd resembles a wolf in appearance, to begin with, so you can count on the hybrid to be large, with a long face, thick coat and pointed ears. The coat of the Wolfshepherd can be gray, sable, white, black, or a mixture of these colors. It will most likely inherit the thick fur that is standard for both parents and is known to shed heavily. You can take a closer look at this Wolfdog mix in the video. Is a Wolf Shepherd dangerous? If a Wolfdog is uncomfortable, it can attack out of defense. This has earned them a reputation for being dangerous and they are banned in several US states. Wolves build dens and roam frequently. They also have a strong pack and predatory instincts. These traits translate into destructive behavior for the Wolfdog, such as digging holes in the garden and chewing up wooden furniture. They also may urinate more frequently than other dog breeds to mark their territory. It takes one who is passionate and willing to devote time and energy to a German Shepherd Wolf dog. Because of its unpredictable nature, it is advised that this crossbreed should not be left alone around other pets and especially children. Black German Shepherd Wolf mixes in particular, are known for being less tolerant towards children. They have been known to react by biting and shaking. This is a natural response of the Black GSD when correcting puppy behavior. With rigorous training, a Wolfdog makes a protective and loyal companion. They are strong, intelligent, playful, and affectionate towards family. Are Wolf German Shepherd Mix health issues common? As we mentioned above the life expectancy of a German Shepherd Wolf Mix is up to 14 or even .However, the German Shepherd breed is vulnerable to serious genetic diseases that can get passed down to this particular Wolfdog hybrid. Hip Dysplasia : A painful hip joint deformity that causes loss of mobility and lameness. Elbow Dysplasia: A joint deformity that affects the elbows and can cause pain and loss of mobility. Bloat: A build-up of gas in the stomach that can cause it to twist and lead to shock or even death. Cancer: Abnormal cell growth that can spread throughout the body. Feeding time Since the Wolfshepherd is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia , it is important to keep her on a strict feeding regime to avoid obesity. Aim for 2 to 3 cups of meat-based dog food divided between meals each day. Remember that every dog has different health needs. Exercise time The German Shepherd Wolf hybrid needs daily activity to thwart destructive behavior and keep physically fit. A house with a large fenced-in yard is the most suitable environment for this crossbreed. They need room to stretch their legs and roam. If you live in an apartment, you might want to consider a smaller dog breed or perhaps a dog that resembles a wolf. Not only is an apartment too small a space, but this mix prefers to spend time outdoors, like its Wolf parent. Playing fetch with a ball or tugging games can help get that chewing habit under control. Can you train a Wolf Shepherd? This is the only way to lessen the inclination towards aloofness, fear, and an unpredictable temperament. Training needs to start at the puppy stage to be effective. Be prepared, because Wolfdogs are not easy to train and require time, patience, and consistency. Dominance is one of the main German Shepherd Wolf mix characteristics that you will have to focus on. As the owner, you must be confident and assert that you are the leader of the pack. If attention wanes during a game or your Wolfdog decides to ignore commands, stay positive yet firm and above all — do not let them dominate you. Socialization is key to helping a Wolfdog accept other pets in the household. Walks around the park can help, but always keep your pup on a leash. Supervise them when other dogs are present. When searching for reputable German Shepherd Wolf mix breeders, look for someone that is open to you visiting and will provide health clearances. They should be able to answer questions about the parents, especially regarding medical history. This results in a high number of them being left at rescue shelters. Here are 3 Wolfdog rescues where you can look for a German Shepherd Wolf mix along with other Wolfdogs. Many places have laws against owning any sort of wolf mix, including a German Shepherd-Worf hybrid. This is because, unlike dogs, wolves are completely wild animals, and while they can be domesticated to a certain extent, that wild streak is likely to live on. It just means that in extreme circumstances, these dogs are likely to be less predictable than those without wolf DNA inside them. The appeal is undeniable, but you still need to do your homework before adding one to your pack. Most experts would contend that a wolf mix is one with a purebred wolf in its bloodline within four or five generations. They act just like canine puppies for the most part. However, once they start to grow up, the wolf-like tendencies begin to emerge. They can start slowly in adolescence before becoming extremely apparent in adulthood. Many people have fallen in love with a wolf mix puppy, thinking that it has the features of a wolf but the sweetness of a dog. That may be true in some cases, but in others, the animal grew up to be quite a fearsome pet indeed. They Can Be Quite Unpredictable You would think that a wolf mix would be proud and fearless, never backing down from anyone or anything. The fact of the matter is that while these dogs can certainly be ferocious, they also tend to be extremely shy and skittish. Wolves are scared of people and for good reason, sadly. That means that while your German Shepherd Wolf mix would readily sacrifice their own lives to protect their family, they usually also prefer to cower and hide when strangers arrive. That can lead to dangerous situations, especially with children. If you push these dogs past their breaking point, the wolf will eventually come out — and that can have tragic results. Some of these animals take after their canine parents, while others favor their wolf lineage. Generally speaking, though, you can expect your German Shepherd Wolf mix to be fiercely loyal and protective of their families yet wary of outsiders. Due to the wolf in them, these dogs tend to be more pack-driven than other pups. You may even want to give them a canine companion, although this can have its own set of challenges. That intelligence makes them capable escape artists, though. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Little ones will often push a pet too far, and you never know when the wolf will come out. If you do bring one of these animals into a home with little kids, never leave them unsupervised. You should also teach your kids how to deal with the dog, making sure they know not to mess with their food or toys or abuse them in any way. Older kids may be able to get along with them, though, so if your children are a little more mature, you might be able to bring one of these dogs home without issue. All of this assumes that you know how to handle one of these animals, of course. They get lonely easily and may become depressed if left alone for long periods of time. However, they may be prone to aggression with other dogs as well. Pack culture is a much bigger deal for wolves than for dogs, so your mix may be prone to dominance. Other pets, however, are likely a bad idea. Cats and smaller animals will most likely be seen as food rather than friends, so you should keep your German Shepherd Wolf mix as far away from them as possible. All of this also means that you need to be absolutely certain that your mix is kept on a secure leash and collar or harness during walks. You may not feel up to the task once you realize how much is involved with raising one of these animals. That will affect how much they eat, but you can expect them to have a healthy appetite regardless. These are energetic pups, so they need as much long-lasting energy as they can get. Avoid problematic ingredients like soy, wheat, corn, or animal by-products, as these can make your dog fat without giving them much in the way of nutrition. Many dogs have trouble processing these ingredients as well. In addition to feeding them a proper diet, you should exercise strict portion control and never allow them to free-feed. As a result, expect to provide your pet with plenty of exercises. They can easily destroy your entire lawn if not properly tuckered out. Long walks are a good idea, but you should also play fetch or something that requires more energy every day. Just be careful not to make them run and jump too much, as it puts quite a bit of strain on their spines. Mental stimulation is equally important. You can give them puzzle toys, play hide-and-seek, or put them through extensive training sessions. They respond best to positive reinforcement, so try to convince them to cooperate by offering them treats or affection. The problem with this is that eventually, those emotions will boil over. That could lead to unpleasant consequences for you. The shedding becomes extreme twice a year when the dogs blow their coats. You should only need to bathe them if they get visibly dirty, but you will need to brush their teeth and trim their claws regularly. Be sure to keep their ears clean as well, as they can be prone to infection. This reduces the risk of spinal issues later in life. Still, there are a few things to be aware of. Minor Conditions. They first appeared over a century ago, making them one of the oldest designer or hybrid dogs. A designer breed is any dog that is crossed between two purebred dogs to create a new hybrid. The designer dog breed industry has gained momentum in the previous thirty years. Designer breeds are now outselling many pure breed dogs around the world. With their gorgeous appearance and exotic nature, the hybrid has become a hot commodity, with more and more people thinking about getting one. The German Shepherd Wolf hybrid can be a complicated dog to own. He could even pose a fair amount of risks that you should be well-aware of before having one. They are not recommended for a first-time dog owner either, because they can be more like owning a wild animal. They are as gorgeous as they are intimidating with their graceful but curious gait. This is a formidable dog, in every way. They hover around lbs, though there can be big discrepancies due to the blending of their parent's divorced genetics. Their coats are usually a mixture of fawn, brown, white, and shades of grey. They can come in other colors though. They can also vary a great deal in size, depending on which parent they take more from, genetically speaking. The erect ears are very furry, always alert, and able to turn in any direction to hone in on a sound as far as five miles away. Both owning their origins to the same man, Max von Stephanitz. In , Von Stephanitz was on the lookout for a dog that he could call the perfect working dog. Soon he stumbled on a dog called Hektor Linksrhein, who he was completely in love with remarking that it was perfectly strong, intelligent, loyal, and beautiful. The German Shepherd of today has changed a great deal, sadly. The straight line of the back and square back legs has been bred out of them in favor of a more slanted body posture. This has caused some problems with the breed and their hips. Sadly, many German Shepherds bred outside of Germany are going to have genetic hip problems. You should have your young German Shepherd screened as soon as possible. This is also a dog that should not be bred, unfortunately it is happening though. In fact, many states have made this hybrid illegal to own because of the issues with their behavior. Wolves do not mature at the same speed that dogs do. Researchers at Duke University in North Carolina have also discovered that domesticated dogs still have puppy-like behaviors well into old age. Old dogs still play. Wolves are far less likely to be interested in play and do not behave like puppies. Therefore, it is postulated that domesticated animals differ from wild counterparts in that they do not mentally mature to the extent of wild animals. This is especially the case in dogs. Because of the way they differ, a person can get far more than they bargained for when they choose a German Shepherd Wolf hybrid. In fact, it may be an outright mistake, so do your research! The German Shepherd Wolf mix can make for a super loyal and friendly dog, but at the same time when left untrained or bored, they can be incredibly destructive. Another big factor is you never know how much wolf side the dog may take, and they can become incredibly aggressive with small animals, and it will beg the question of whether your dog is tame or not. You will need to closely watch for signs of the wolf side developing for the first two years, as they slowly pop up until they reach maturity. As puppies, they often act exactly as if they were purebred German Shepherds. This is where Duke University research comes into play. Your wolf pup was a pup, but now that he is an adult, if he takes more after the wolf genetically, he may be a wild animal that you simply cannot control. It may be a dangerous situation waiting to happen and the liability is great. Your German Shepherd Wolf hybrid may never be safe around other animals or even children. What will you do if he escapes your yard? He could do a lot of damage. In fact, they can jump a six-foot fence with ease. There have been cases of wolf hybrids attacking children and even jumping into cribs and killing babies. This is not an average pet and it is not a domestic animal. First, wolf mixes can be trained to like kids and do well around them. Children who are young, as well as infants, should absolutely never be left alone with one of these dogs. The risk is simply too great. Ask the Virginia family whose eight-day-old baby was mauled and killed by their wolf hybrid. They thought they knew the dog. It is a criminal liability as well. Are you prepared for this? Young kids have a hard time understanding the sensitive nature of the wolf mix, and one wrong tug on the ear or pat in the wrong place can trigger the wolf side to come raging out. Fact 5 - They Are Very Healthy Dogs Thanks to genetic diversity and both parent breeds which are quite healthy themselves, the German Shepherd mix is overall a very healthy dog, and you can expect them to live for around 15 years — which is impressive for such big dogs. There are a few health conditions that you should still be on the lookout for such as hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia, bloat, and cancer. Neither the wolf or the German Shepherd are particularly susceptible to illnesses or chronic conditions. Some German Shepherd police dogs have been wounded in the line of duty and continued to fight assailants, even with a bullet wound. These hybrids tend to be fearless, as both parent breeds are not known for backing down from much. They are fierce protectors and could potentially make a good working dog if the hybrid takes more from the domesticated genes of the Shepherd, for control purposes. Dogs have evolved to better handle carbohydrates, where wolves have not, and this makes kibble an ill choice for the mix breed. As well, you need to be careful about salmonella. These are the two big reasons vets recommended kibble over raw for most dogs, but with the wolf mix raw still the best choice. You may find that a mixture of raw and kibble works well for your hybrid. The best thing to do is to monitor his health very carefully and work with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is doing well and remaining healthy at all times. Both the shepherd and the wolf have big exercise demands as German Shepherds are bred to work all day and a wolf is a wolf. Both animals are capable of running long distances. A wolf can run all day, quite literally for hours, chasing prey. They follow the scent of deer for days until they find a herd. Then they single out the weaker animal and hunt as a pack. Their instinct to run is very strong and their stamina is incredible. The German Shepherd was also bred with this same quality for police and guard dog work. They are amazing. A GSD can leap over walls as tall as 8 feet. They can wrestle grown men to the ground, run through burning buildings, carry a pack all day long, balance on beams high in the air as they sniff for bombs, and work with soldiers in the field doing bomb seeking and more. Any mix of these two animals is not going to want to lay around and sleep while you watch soap operas all day long. As well, with other dogs, not giving them enough exercise can result in health problems, not giving the wolf hybrid enough exercise will result in health issues and them getting bored and destroying things. When they destroy something, it will be something big - like eating a whole recliner. These dogs often get anxious when cooped up for too long. Both the wolf and the German Shepherd are notorious for being big-time shedder with both growing incredible [] coats in the winter. As well, since your wolf hybrid is part wolf you may have a harder time finding a groomer to groom them, so make sure you check out How to Stop Dogs from Shedding for all the grooming tips you could possibly need. To say that they shed massive amounts of fur each year is possibly an understatement. They will lose enough fur each year to piece together an entire pack of more dogs. Invest in a shedding blade and groom your dog daily, outside. Let the fur blow away and birds and other small animals will use it as nesting material. Some dog trainers will not even want to work with you if you have a wolf-hybrid because they know the risks associated and there is a liability on their part as well. You may have to sign special waivers and even then, many trainers will refuse to work with an animal that is part wolf. Taking a course to help you learn about wolves is a great idea. Your local zoo may be able to give you some tips as well. Ask for references and choose someone who uses positive reinforcement, rather than punishment. This will be far better. You are much better off to not teach a wolf how to be aggressive. As their name suggests, this mix is made up of a German Shepherd and a Wolf, these hybrids crossbreeds are often called Wolfdogs or Wolf-Shepherds. Whilst there are many types of German Shepherd Wolf mixes, the Saarloos Wolfhund is the most notable. They were created by Leendert Saarloos back in when he crossbred a German Shepherd with a Eurasian wolf. The aim of this cross-breeding was to bring back the natural traits the GSD had lost when domesticated. You should also keep in mind that they are illegal in several areas across the US, so do your research before keeping one. The German Shepherd already resembles a wolf, so this hybrid does not look hugely different. Due to the genetic diversity, there is no way to tell what a specific pup will look like when they mature. However, there could be a pup that will look more like their German Shepherd parent, rather than their Wolf parent, and vice-versa. Wolfdogs tend to have smaller skulls than the common wolf, they have pointed ears and brown almond-shaped eyes. Height and Weight A German Shepherd can weigh around lb male and lb female. Males stand at around inches and females between inches. So depending on age, sex, diet, and genetics, the German Shepherd Wolf mix can weigh anywhere from lbs. Colors Pups can be found in a number of colors as the classic German Shepherd has 11 different official colors, with the most common being black and tan. But they can also have colors such as sable, black, white, and gray. Wolves can be mottled gray in color, but occasionally can be nearly pure white, red, brown, or even black. Coat German Shepherds have a thick double coat that is medium length. They have a dense outer coat with straight hair that lies close to the body. They have short undercoats and long, coarse outer coats. The GSD and Wolves have very similar coats, so it is fairly likely that their mix will have a double coat and medium-length fur. They will also shed annually, getting rid of their winter coat when the days become warmer. It is safe to say that this crossbreed should not be kept in warmer climates. German Shepherd Wolf Mix Personality and Temperament Both German Shepherds and Wolves have very different personalities, so it can be difficult to predict what their mix will be like. But we will do our best below to explain some behaviors which should be expected. Wolves are pack animals, meaning they are very protective and loyal to their family — they will do anything to protect their kin. They are den-dwelling animals, meaning that your mix is likely to dig anywhere they want. Being wild animals, Wolves are reserved when it comes to unfamiliar surroundings, people, and inanimate objects. They may be very protective but will cower at the sight of strangers. It should be said that the German Shepherd Wolf will be unpredictable in social situations, they can become aggressive when fearful. This can be avoided by giving them lots of socialization as a young pup. They are also very curious and will try to escape whenever opportunity strikes, so make sure to keep your backyard securely fenced. This hybrid will have a strong prey drive, as the GSD was bred to herd livestock and the wolf is a natural predator, so your Wolfdog mix will chase anything and everything that moves. They are also prone to howling as this is how they communicate in a pack. This is not a dog that should be living with small children. This dog should be kept by experienced keepers who are firm and disciplined with their pooch. If they favor their German Shepherd parentage, they will be eager to please dog training will be easy. Either way, you should be training them with positive reinforcement. Give them rewards when they follow your command or when they stop unwanted behavior. Many people believe that dominance training is the way forward with this dog as wolves are pack animals, but studies show that this training method leads to further aggression and reduces the quality of your relationship with your doggy friend. This is a dog for someone who has experience training strong-willed dogs before — you need to be firm and consistent. Do not let them think they are the boss of you. Socializing a dog like this is very important as the wolf can be reserved and unpredictable. Make sure to socialize them with a range of people and different situations. Mental stimulation is very important if you do not want your Wolfdog to get bored and chew everything in sight. You can give them lots of toys and play with them, playtime can decrease their stress levels and make them more confident. Caring for a German Shepherd Wolf Mix Owning a German Shepherd Wolf mix is not something you should take lightly, there are specific laws on owning Wolfdogs, so you should check your state regulations. This cross breed needs an owner who is experienced in training difficult dogs that need lots of attention and care. You will also need a large backyard which has very secure fencing. You should not own a Wolfdog in heavily populated areas, as they have a habit of howling a lot. There are many other responsibilities that you will have when owning this hybrid so keep reading to learn more… Exercise Requirements This is a very energetic dog, as wolves can travel up to 30 miles a day. They will need around hours of exercise each day to keep fit and healthy. Not getting their exercise will result in them destroying your furniture and anything else they can bite. It is also recommended to let them roam around in a fenced backyard, so they can play, dig and explore. You should not take your Wolfdog to dog parks and make sure to keep them on a leash and harness. They will need regular brushing to avoid matting and tangles, and more when shedding season comes along. Do not bathe this dog too much as it can strip away the natural oils that make the coat healthy and shiny. As with every dog, dental hygiene is important so brush their teeth once a week. You should also cut their nails, to avoid overgrowth and splitting. Feeding and Diet Deciding what to feed your Wolfdog is not an exact science, but you should be feeding your dog a diet rich in protein. Avoid buying traditional store-bought dog food as these are rich in carbohydrates and artificial ingredients. You will need to do research into what type of meat-based diets you would prefer your dog to eat. Be mindful of how much you are feeding your dog, too much food can lead to obesity. Keep an eye on their weight by using a body condition score. Known Health Problems Wolfdogs are generally healthy animals, but they are still prone to certain health issues. Having pet insurance could save you from the headache of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! In the wild they are pack animals and at home this translates to a fierce loyalty and extreme protectiveness over their families, whom they consider their pack. The pack mentality that this mix has is dampened down by their German Shepherd parents, but they still maintain some of that natural wariness that wolves in the wild have of humans. There is a common misconception that breeding a German Shepherd with a wolf will make an even more ferocious guard dog, but this often backfires since wolves are shy and reserved when threatened. This can make these mixes shy and nervous. They have an inherent mistrust for anything out of the ordinary and thrive on routine in their day-to-day lives. To bring out the friendly German Shepherd side of the mix , they need plenty of early socialization to other dogs, new situations, and changes in their home. Both parents have strong prey drives, so expect them to want to chase everything. They also love to dig, with an instinct to dig burrows just like wild wolves. To provide an outlet for this energy they will need lots of space outdoors to roam, play, dig, and explore. This mix will not cope well with living indoors all the time. Overall, this mix is a tamed version of their wild wolf parent. They are unpredictable, aggressive, energetic, protective and shy. However, despite all of their similarities to the wolf, they are still part German Shepherd and will likely respond poorly to dominance training. You are much better off using positive reinforcement. These mixes are intelligent and loyal so they will be eager to please and therefore much more likely to follow your rules if you are kind but persistent and firm with instructions. As far as socialization you should start as early as possible. However, even when trained properly by an experienced owner, Wolfdogs are still unpredictable and therefore only suit the most knowledgeable of owners. Their hybrid vigor means that in general they tend to be healthier than both their parent breeds. Although they do not suffer from any known common health issues, there is a question over how well the rabies vaccine works in these dogs. The vaccine has not been tested in Wolfdogs and therefore it cannot be certain that it works or is even safe for them. This is relatively cheap given they are such a rare and legendary dog. However, they are cheap because they are not in high demand and they are banned in many states. In fact it is hard to find a breeder. These dogs are sometimes illegally bred and therefore do end up in rescues. Here are three specific Wolfdog rescues where some of the dogs are likely to be German Shepherd cross wolf amongst other wolf crosses. Saarloos Wolfhunds originated in the Netherlands in when a zoologist called Saarloos crossed a German Shepherd with a Siberian gray wolf. He believed they had become too domesticated and loved humans a little too much. This is because recent genetic research shows that this dog is more wolf than they are German Shepherd, making them more like their wild ancestors than the domesticated ones. Because of this the American Kennel Club does not recognize the breed as they are too wild and unpredictable. Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, German Shepherds were crossed with Carpathian Gray wolves with the idea of creating a border patrol dog. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was slightly more successful than Saarloos because they wanted simply the physical characteristics of the wolf to enhance the German Shepherd, rather than their aggressive tendencies. With similar aims as in the Czech Republic, Russia become the third country to breed the German Shepherd with wolves. This time the Caspian Steppe wolf was used. These wolves are known for their unusually friendliness towards humans. They became known as the Volkonsoby Wolfdog, however they are not recognized by any Kennel Club internationally. Care Caring for these dogs comes down to three important tasks: feeding, grooming and exercise. German Shepherd Wolf Mixes have a much higher requirement for protein than standard domesticated dogs. Feeding kibble will not be enough to keep these huge dogs healthy. In the wild wolves spend a good part of their day hunting and eating whatever they catch. Providing your mix with a raw diet by hiding it around their outdoor space will encourage them to use up some of their endless energy and use that intelligent mind of theirs to sniff it out and eat it. Next up is exercise. Wolves can travel up to 50 miles a day so it is no surprise that this mix is full of energy. They need plenty of space to roam outdoors as they are not fond of being walked on a leash. However, they love to play games and will need at least 2 hours a day of vigorous exercise such as playing frisbee or tug-o-war. The final part of their care is grooming. As heavy shedders with a thick double coat they need grooming once a week. Like their German Shepherd parent, this can be done using a slicker brush. An important part of the weekly groom should be checking them for ticks and fleas. With the amount of time they spend outdoors they are particularly susceptible to picking up ticks and they are therefore at a higher risk of the diseases carried by them too. They need an owner who knows how to handle and train them well, as well as one with a large and well-secured yard for them to roam and play in. Wolfdogs will howl and it can be heard up to 10 miles away. They howl more when left alone or when bored but they will howl to some extent no matter what. Because of this these dogs are not suited to the city. Ultimately, these dogs take a lot of time, money, and effort to keep. Despite their mighty looks they should not be bought as status pets. They require an experienced, knowledgeable owner with good reason to own this breed. If you are looking for more a pet-friendlier dog then consider the Blue Bay Shepherd. These dogs grow to be some of the biggest out there They can weigh up to pounds and measure more than 30 inches tall. However, on average they are close to pounds and 25 inches tall. What would you feed a German Shepherd wolf mix? These mixes should be fed on a well-balanced raw feed diet with vitamin and mineral supplements. Is there any wolf in a German Shepherd? Just like all domestic dogs, the German Shepherd descended from the wolf. However, they are no more related to the wolf than a Frenchie or a Spaniel, given that the ancestors of all domestic dogs evolved around 30, years ago from the wolf. Wrapping Up Wolfdogs are any breed of domestic dog crossed with a wolf, but the most common and only recognized of these are German Shepherd cross wolves. Although they are protective and loyal, they are generally shy and nervous dogs especially when faced with strangers or new situations. Just remember that they are a half wild animal and are unpredictable. They need a lot of outdoor space to carry out all the normal activities their wolf parent would have done in the wild, including roaming, digging, hunting, howling, and playing. Do you think you could handle this mix as a pet? He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.
poodle puppies orlando - Watching them fight leaves you confused and bewildered. Here is how you can keep your German Shepherd from aggression towards other dogs and why they might be attacking other dogs in the first place. Why does your German Shepherd attack other dogs? German Shepherd aggression towards other dogs may seem like it comes from out of nowhere. Dog-on-dog aggression is one of the most popular problems that many owners face 1. One of the steps to helping avoid dog attacks by your German Shepherd is to figure out why your dog attacks. Here are the most common motives if your German Shepherd attacked another dog. Lack of Socialization One of the top reasons why a German Shepherd attacks other dogs is poor socialization skills. When German Shepherds are puppies they naturally interact with their littermates throughout the day, allowing them to learn the right social behaviors when in a pack with other dogs. Social play between puppies includes rough play, biting, nipping, and other forms of normal expression. They Display Dominant Behaviors Contrary to popular belief, true dog dominance is quite rare. However, if your German Shepherd is dominant they may try to assert their power over other dogs by being aggressive towards them. Keep in mind that some German Shepherds lack social skills and might not be really dominant. Too Much Excitement Around Other Dogs Another reason dogs attack one another is that one dog may have too much excitement or energy. This means that the dogs are more prone to become overly aroused during initial meet-and-greets or even casual play. When this happens, your German Shepherd may resort to showing aggressive behavior to calm the other dog or protect itself. Such behavior may present as nipping, lunging, growling, or even biting. Territorial Aggression When Other Dogs are Around If your German Shepherd attacked your other dog then your other dog may have gotten too close to a prized possession. Some highly valued possessions that cause your German Shepherd aggression towards other dogs may be: you a favorite dog bed or spot to lie another dog they favor potential mates especially if the other dog is female and in season or toys, such as bones, treat chews and any other prised toys around Your German Shepherd may feel the need to protect these resources and become confrontational or attack your other dog. Unknown Health Concerns Some owners overlook taking their German Shepherd to the vet when their German Shepherd is aggressive towards other dogs, but this should actually be your first step. Especially if your German Shepherd attacks your other dog living with you. If your German Shepherd is usually a sweet, mild-mannered dog, then a vet visit is in order to rule out any underlying medical or health problems. A normally happy-go-lucky GSD that becomes easily provoked or irritated may be experiencing a health issue that you might not notice. This could range from something as small as a torn nail to other major medical complications that require immediate treatment. How do you get your German Shepherd to stop aggression toward other dogs? Preventing dog attacks is a priority to avoid any damage your German Shepherd may cause other dogs or the people around trying to stop the attack. Consider the following to help your German Shepherd with better behaviors around other dogs. Instead, stay focused on signs that your dog is about to become aggressive to other dogs or attack them. German Shepherd Aggression and Attack Warning Signs Do you see any signs on this list of your German Shepherd reacting with aggression towards other dogs? Watch out for signs that your German Shepherd is getting ready to attack another dog. So have a plan of action in mind, such as crossing the street safely to avoid another dog walker or choosing a new route to take your dog for exercise. Give your German Shepherd the chance to choose a good behavior, instead of adding to their stress and causing them to attack unnecessarily. How do you get your German Shepherd to stop their aggression and attacking other dogs? It can be tough to stop dog attacks once they start, but there are plenty of things that you can do to prevent an attack from starting. The following techniques help to prevent your German Shepherd from attacking your other dog. Use rewards to increase positive behaviors around other dogs. Counter conditioning teaches your German Shepherd that it will receive good things when other dogs are around it. You might think that training your Shepherd this way would reinforce bad behavior, but counter-conditioning creates a powerful positive connection with other dogs. This strong association outweighs their bad behavior. Whenever your dog is around other dogs they might show aggression to, offer them small bits of cooked bacon or the Ferrari of training treats… Set aside special treats that you only give your dog when other dogs are nearby so your German Shepherd makes a strong connection between the treat and giving you their attention. Apply desensitization training. Another way to keep your German Shepherd from attacking your other dog is to begin desensitization training. Then, start at a farther distance from other dogs when you try again. Offer your dog a reward when they look at the other dog and look back to you. You can show them the treat or place it in front of their nose and draw the treat back to you to move their attention to you so they focus on you. Start by rewarding your dog for not showing aggression when it sees other dogs, and gradually build up to rewarding your dog for getting closer to other dogs. You must reward your German Shepherd for displaying good behavior before they have a chance to become aggressive or attack another dog. This means you need to avoid asking for large increases in their actions. Ask for competing behaviors. In order to ask for competing behaviors, your German Shepherd must know a handful of basic German Shepherd commands. You can learn a variety of useful cues to give your German Shepherd by starting your GSD obedience training at home. Before your German Shepherd has a chance to become aggressive, have them perform the cue you give. Then, offer their reward. This, in turn, distracts them from the other dog momentarily while also giving them another, more positive, option to perform. Use the right walking tools for more control. Remember that a dog sometimes attacks or acts aggressively when they feel threatened, and they can exert great amounts of power over you. An aggressive or fearful and reactive German Shepherd can pull you down the street, knock you to the ground, or even hurt your wrist, arm, and shoulder. Dogs that are aggressive to other dogs tend to lunge with great force. Use the right equipment to walk your aggressive German Shepherd and regain more control over them, if needed. This includes: Attaching a short lead to them at all times outdoors. A padded handle short dog leash gives you more power when your dog reacts badly by shortening the distance between you and your dog. This gives you greater stability and control. Using a head collar instead of a regular collar. Some owners prefer to use a head halter, or halti, on their dogs. These humane headcollars allow you to guide your dog away from danger more easily by attaching to their heads, but they do require time for your dog to adjust to using them. See the best head collars for your German Shepherd to help them stop pulling. Having more control over a powerful German Shepherd that becomes aggressive is a key step in keeping to a walking routine safely. The right walking tools allow you to walk your dog in more comfort and with more confidence. Never allow yourself to lose control of your dog or they might escape and show aggression towards other dogs, or even attack another dog. Discipline your aggressive German Shepherd in the right way. While your first instinct might be to harshly punish your German Shepherd for showing aggression, this could make matters worse. Avoid getting them more worked up by not using harsh reprimands or physical violence or force. Your job is to help your aggressive German Shepherd not encounter any stressors by anticipating what they react to and avoiding it. Get the right amount and type of exercise. Some German Shepherds that have attacked other dogs are in need of the right amount of exercise in addition to the previous training. Exercise also decreases stress and anxiety and can give your GSD a positive outlet for their energy. Try a few different ideas from this German Shepherd exercise routine to offer your dog the opportunity to try something new. Plus, if your German Shepherd is acting aggressively toward other dogs, you might find yourself neglecting their walks out of anxiety or fear. So, give them exercise in other ways to keep their stress levels low. For these dogs, there are different management techniques. New dogs need to acclimate themselves to one another in neutral territory. This is asking for a fight! Instead, take them on long walks on a leash outside of the home for initial meetings. Spend separate one-on-one time with each dog. This gives them the attention they crave while decreasing any chances of jealousy while the dogs are together. Feed your dogs in separate rooms or in separate crates. This also lets them develop a positive association with their crate. Never leave toys out unsupervised. Keep higher value chew items like bones, rawhides, and antlers put away. Only give them to your dogs when they are physically separate from each other. If one of your dogs guards its toys, figure out which toy it is and eliminate it from your toy selection. Physically pet and praise your dogs equally. Your dog will associate the punishment with the other dog and with you. This breaks down social relationships. One of your dogs could seriously injure the other! Thinking this is just a one-time thing could put your dogs in danger when they attack each other again. This means you use rewards, such as treats, toys, or praise, to encourage your dog to respond and behave the way you want. Not only does training give you a more reliable dog, but it gives your dog a way to help ease their stress and to bond with you in positive ways. Use a scientifically-based dog training program that you can use from the comfort of your home. Your aggressive German Shepherd might also benefit from these scientifically proven German Shepherd enrichment ideas. These activities can not only increase your bond but help your GSD to focus on you more and provide them healthy, safe outlets for their energy. Safety is your number one priority for you and your dogs. Stay patient and positive. Training your German Shepherd to stop acting aggressively toward other dogs is not something that you can fix overnight. It requires consistent training and a plan of action to help avoid future problems. Follow these tips to help you and your German Shepherd avoid aggression towards other dogs or other dog attacks. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Which is more dangerous German Shepherd or Pitbull? Both breeds are known for aggression issues. If your German Shepherd runs into a Pitbull while on a walk, below is what might happen. German Shepherd vs Pitbull. Can a German Shepherd beat a Pitbull? A German Shepherd can indeed beat a Pitbull and even overpower it. German Shepherds, in reality, have a size and weight advantage over other breeds. GSDs also possess a stronger bite force. On the other hand, Pitbulls are bred for fighting. Therefore, a well-trained, well-fed, and aggressive Pitbull may defeat a German Shepherd. We are against dog fighting. Can a German Shepherd beat a Pitbull in a fight? In a fictional fight against a Pitbull, a German Shepherd has several advantages. Size plays a significant role in dog fights, and German Shepherds are generally larger than Pitbulls. While there can be variations in size, with small German Shepherds and enormous Pitbulls existing, in general, German Shepherds have the edge over Pitbulls due to their larger size. German Shepherds are not only larger than Pitbulls but also heavier, giving them an additional advantage. Size is crucial in dog combat, and weight plays a significant role as well. German Shepherds have a more powerful biting force. The bite of a German Shepherd is stronger than that of most Pitbulls. Benefit is negligible In comparison to those distinctions, the advantage a German Shepherd has over a Pitbull is negligible. Even if a German Shepherd is larger, a larger Pitbull may still possess a stronger bite force, making the difference minor. GSD are devoted to their owners German Shepherds are devoted companions. When facing a Pitbull in a battle, they may be more likely to give up simply because the Pitbull has attacked them. However, if the fight were to occur after the Pitbull assaulted you or your children, German Shepherds would probably defend until they go down. Their loyalty provides them with a significant advantage in such situations. One could infer that in a non-trained fighting scenario, the German Shepherd would have an advantage due to its height and weight. However, not every encounter between these two breeds will favor the German Shepherd. If a Pitbull has been trained to fight and the German Shepherd has not, the Pitbull almost always emerges as the winner. If Pitbulls and German Shepherds have been taught to fight? Despite the advantages of a German Shepherd, a Pitbull could still defeat a German Shepherd if both were trained to fight. This is because Pitbulls have historically been bred for hunting and tracking purposes, while German Shepherds are rarely used in combat. Even if both breeds are trained for fighting, a Pitbull may exhibit greater viciousness, while a German Shepherd may be more prone to giving up sooner. However, the outcome of such a battle will heavily depend on the quality of training each dog receives. Is there a difference between purebred and mixed-breed dogs? Up until now, our discussion has revolved around the assumption that the German Shepherd and Pitbull in question are purebreds. However, many dogs are a mix of multiple breeds rather than being purebred. In a fight between a German Shepherd and a Pitbull, this can significantly impact the outcome. If the German Shepherd is an elderly dog If your German Shepherd is elderly and frail, it will most likely be unable to withstand the strength of a young, muscular, and ferocious Pitbull. Additionally, if the Pitbull is exceptionally large, it will have an even greater advantage. When assessing the likelihood of either dog winning a battle, all of these factors must be considered. Another important factor to consider is their diet. If a Pitbull is poorly nourished and weak due to a bad diet, it may not be able to overpower a German Shepherd. Conversely, if the Pitbull is fed a high-carb diet and becomes overweight, it increases the chances of the Pitbull losing. A powerful dog is typically fed a well-balanced diet that is high in protein, iron, and nutrients, while maintaining a low body fat percentage primarily composed of muscle. If your German Shepherd is fed a significantly better diet than the Pitbull, it may have a better chance of defeating the Pitbull. However, in a scenario where a feeble and underweight German Shepherd is attacked by a healthy Pitbull, the Pitbull will hurt the other dog. Can a German Shepherd kill a Pitbull? The Pitbull has an advantage over the German Shepherd when it comes to fighting and killing other dogs, as it is what they were originally bred for and developed to excel at. In a one-on-one scenario between a Pitbull and a German Shepherd, the Pitbull would, unfortunately, kill the German Shepherd. However, in roles such as police or military work, the German Shepherd generally has the upper hand. They are highly trained and possess qualities that make them well-suited for these specific tasks, such as intelligence, obedience, and versatility. Is it possible for a German Shepherd to beat a Pitbull? A German Shepherd cannot easily defeat a Pitbull. German Shepherds do have advantages such as greater weight, size, and bite strength compared to many other breeds. However, Pitbulls are specifically bred for fighting, giving them an inherent advantage in combat. Therefore, a highly trained, well-fed, and fiercely aggressive Pitbull might hurt a German Shepherd. Pitbulls are responsible for the highest number of lethal attacks among dog breeds. While German Shepherds can be more dangerous than the average breed, they are not considered the most dangerous. As you are the alpha of your dog, it is your task to protect him from any fights and problems. If you do that, your dog will trust you if he has problems with other dogs. It will be easier for you to handle him if he gets in trouble or is afraid of somebody or something. If you don't protect him, he will start to fight on his own. So it is absolutely necessary that you fight with this cat instead of your dog. This may not be easy because the cat may not accept you as somebody who makes the rules at the moment. You are new and it is her territory, so she may accept but not respect you. To change that, I have the following tips: Be very attentive! Protect your dog from any fight. If you see the cat seeking him, make some hissing noise towards her and chase her away. Try to intervene before the fight starts. If that was not possible and she started a fight, immediately intervene, take her and chase her away. If you see your dog starting to be aggressive towards the cat, do exactly the same the other way round. Be friendly with the cat in every moment she is not aggressive with your dog. Stroke her and play with her the same way you do with your dog. Sometimes it is possible that animals which don't like each other on first sight get close and become friends. But that is not always the case. It can be possible that your cat and your dog will accept each other when the humans are around but fight when they are on their own. Don't let them alone until you are sure that they really accept or like each other. EDIT : Even when you protect your puppy, you have to be as calm and non aggressive as possible. The cat protects her territory. That is a normal behaviour. Don't shout, don't hit her, just take her and let her go some meters away from the dog. She has to understand that she can do anything in her territory like before but that the dog is a taboo. For the cat it is easier if your girlfriend helps you with this task. For your dog it is important, that you do it, too. Seems to be a team effort! If you have a German Shepherd who plays rough, you might hesitate to stop him because you might be interrupting his fun. For the most part, you would be right not to stop the play. That means you need to know when to step in and limit how rough they can get during play fighting. Otherwise, they will be incompatible with smaller breeds or children. Recent research has shown that both veterinarians and the public believe that different dog breeds differ in their sensitivity to pain. The results of this survey included the German Shepherd. In contrast, veterinarians disagreed with this view, claiming that body size was just a minor indicator of pain sensitivity. But whatever your view, German Shepherds love to play rough. Once you learn where the boundaries are, you must be assertive and step in no matter how much fun your pooch might seem to be having. You do! The solution is different for each context and is detailed in the respective subheading. German Shepherds are intelligent and receptive to training. Remember, they have the strength to herd livestock yet have historically aided in nurturing and securing them. The non-negotiable aspect of this is proper socializing. Fortunately, I have a complete guide on how to train a German Shepherd puppy. Pro Tip! Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite gender. For the happiest dogs and the safest homes, opposite-sex dogs almost always get along better. Many same-sex combinations will fight as they want to be the dominant pet. Get comfortable putting your German Shepherd in an effective timeout a few times. Since GSDs are intelligent, it will take less than four timeouts before understanding where the limit is. An effective timeout means marking the behavior at the precise moment it occurs, and the duration should be no more than a minute for adult dogs and just a few seconds for puppies. Letting your German Shepherd know that there are limits is not the challenging part. The challenging part is figuring out where the boundaries are. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Let me show you why I say so. Irritable, look at her ear, end stage otitis I believe. Yeah, its a bluff and we were on the other side of a chain link fence. Now, the following photograph, I did not take, it was taken by a friend of mine, Janet Kessler in a San Francisco park. It returned to its owner, was put back on its leash, its owner talked to Janet, and then went home with a good education. Janet Kessler is all about education. It lives in one world. Coyotes live in the real world and take care of real business every day. In the above photo, no real dirty work was required. The German Sheperd-ish Dog is a pet and totally out of its element. The above shot was part of a series. The other shots showed a chase and some maneuvers. The coyote danced its way into the position we see. The coyote has practiced all its life on this stuff. Generally, although a German Shepherd Dog has the weight advantage, coyotes with their experience and situational intelligence have a considerable advantage over a German Shepherd Dog. The dog pictured has never seen real action. Nor has it really seen a very motivated opponent. The stuff dogs argue about? Who gets to keep the ball. Coyotes can puff up and make themselves look way bigger than their average of about 26 to 30 pounds out here in the West. Coyotes deal with interlopers a lot. That pictured dog? He tried to pick on someone smaller, and he got told. They test one another looking for fun or for the chance of a gain. At stake is their food, their mate, and their children. Their strategy is to give an intruder a thrashing. With my coyotes, Mom was there as backup and Dad did the work. Note it looks like he had lost an eye, maybe in a fight. They had grown old and had aches and pains. The last time I looked, a few years ago, it seemed that not much was known about coyote inter-generational transfers of territory. In this one observation of mine, it looked pretty ugly. They huff, puff, and bluff to warn an intruder away. And they will run away. That can be a rope a dope, a run for a better site for parrying, or to keep on distracting a dog until it gets worn out. But a dog? They tire sooner, or get called back by their owner. To a wild coyote, a dog in coyote territory acts untutored in the ways of the wild. His work is copyrighted and may only be used with his explicit permission. It is not meant to maim the dog.
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poodle puppies orlando - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? Knowing what to do to help your dog with misbehavior is half the battle. Are you making any of these disciplining mistakes? Do not use negative reinforcement Negative reinforcement is causing discomfort or worse, pain, to your dog to get them to perform a behavior. Other common negative reinforcers include a choke chain and prong collar. Negative reinforcement is about turning off something negative, or uncomfortable, at the least, and painful at the worst. But take note… Negative reinforcement has been scientifically shown to lead to an increased risk of aggression of 2. Instead, use lure and reward GSD puppy training Do not use physical correction Just as when using negative reinforcement, physical corrections cause your dog anxiety and fear and lead to aggression. When you got your dog you wanted him for life as your best friend and companion. If you find yourself about to engage in physical force for punishment with your German Shepherd, step away from your dog immediately. Ask someone for help. Call a friend or family member and tell them you need help with your dog. Even withholding food, water, or shelter is cruel and must be avoided. And demeaning them by calling them names and speaking to them in a critical tone can cause fear and aggression in German Shepherds. Not to mention, your continued shouting could stress your dog to the point they shut down and withdraw from you. They will no longer be the sweet, lively dog you dreamed about. Instead, learn how to use your voice to communicate effectively with your German Shepherd. Keep your voice calm, clear, and confident. Unfortunately, this type of training only makes his house training take longer since he begins to fear going potty anywhere. So, instead, he begins to sneak off and hide to potty indoors to avoid punishment. Preferably, always have your puppy tethered to you when potty training, never letting them out of your sight. When not tethered to you, place them in a puppy-proof area to prevent potty accidents. Reward your German Shepherd when they potty outdoors in the area you want with praise and treats. Learn more about how to quickly potty train a German Shepherd to start off on the right steps to house training. Or, what about when your tiny puppy sinks his little teeth into your hand in play and you laugh out loud? Why does your German Shepherd misbehave? Take a look. There are a few common factors in dogs that cause them to misbehave. Even if you think your dog is trained and should know better, these are the top reasons they might have bad behaviors. Separation anxiety If you spend a lot of time with your puppy, then begin to leave him alone for long hours he may start to misbehave. This is especially true if you are busy and tend to leave him in a crate for far too many hours. This could mean chewing inappropriate things, digging, or even excessive barking and howling. Under exercised An under-exercised dog is not getting his basic needs met. German Shepherds must have at least 2 hours of physical exercise per day. See — Fun Jobs for German Shepherds at Home for more ideas Before you leave the house give your dog a long walk with plenty of time to sniff. Inconsistent Discipline Another leading cause of needing to discipline a German Shepherd is a lack of consistent training and discipline techniques. Do you make sure your puppy always has 4 paws on the floor to greet guests? While many owners remember to obedience train their dog they overlook the importance of mentally stimulating games to reduce boredom. Decreasing boredom is shown to give your dog a more enjoyable day, which lessens their desire to participate in unwanted behaviors, such as chewing and digging. Start with a few minutes a day using mind games to help keep their mental health in check. Need more help disciplining your German Shepherd the right way? Do you wish there was a German Shepherd monthly guidebook? There is! Disciplining your German Shepherd puppy is most effective when you focus on teaching your German Shepherd what to do, rather than punishing him for unwanted behaviors. The wrong type of punishment can cause irreparable harm to your companion, but discipline when used properly actually reinforces positive behavior. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. So, how do you discipline your German Shepherd without punishment? Find the answer to that in the next section. Give your GSD something interesting instead, such as a toy. Use positive reinforcement training. Ignore demanding behavior, such as barking, pawing, or jumping. Use short effective timeouts. As already indicated, the most efficient way of disciplining your German Shepherd is through positive reinforcement training. Positive reinforcement implies adding some reward to increase the frequency of response. How positive reinforcement happens In positive reinforcement, rewards include: A treat: Should be healthy and given in moderation to avoid health issues. It could be a single kibble from their food or a tiny piece of meat, or you can try healthy fruits or vegetables. Expression of physical attention: A hug, a gentle pat, or a caress on the head or behind the ears. You can find out more about petting a German Shepherd here. Negative reinforcement means taking something away or removing a reward to increase the frequency of the response. A typical example of negative reinforcement is when getting your dog to sit, you gently push his bottom down towards the floor, easing him into the sit position. Once the sit is accomplished, you reward him by releasing the pressure. By repeatedly doing this, the behavior is reinforced. Instead, it means reinforcing good behavior and deterring unbecoming conduct. In other words, you should not punish your German Shepherd when disciplining him. That means you love your dog and want the best for him. Consequently, you do not wish to hurt your dog, and you want your German Shepherd to trust you. If all that is true, it is easy to indicate that you should never apply physical punishment to your pet. Whether that means spanking, kicking, leaving him without food, caging or tying him for days, or other forms of punishment that could bring the dog some form of physical harm. Do you want to learn how to show dominance over your German Shepherd the right way? These forms of punishment do not achieve any good results. First, dogs do not have the reasoning capacity to associate punishment with their action and are, thus, unlikely to change. Instead, they will develop fear and aggression towards you, which could strain the relationship with your GSD. Second, from an animal rights perspective, physical punishment is a form of pet abuse that could make you count among the thousands of people who are perpetrators of animal cruelty in the US, inflicting physical pain. That also means that they can tell the difference in your voice pitch, and they know shouting indicates anger and displeasure. Yelling can cause fear and aggression in German Shepherds, which could make them turn against you with a bite, or they could just run away. With time, dogs may also adopt a form of indifference to your shouting and learn to ignore your yelling. From a well-being approach, continuous shouting as a form of punishment can cause poor quality of life for your German Shepherd. This study found that dogs trained with aversive methods shouting is an aversive method had poorer welfare than those trained with reward-based techniques positive reinforcement. Rather than shout, therefore, you will be more efficient if you use a calm voice and make clear and confident commands. Your dog might change position next time, and that is because your punishment did not teach him that doing it in the house is bad. Dogs like their space clean, especially from their dirt. Instead, if your German Shepherd puppy soils your carpet, clean the mess with a detergent that removes the stain and odor, and then redirect your dog outside. Also, reward him when he relieves himself during a walk and withdraw the reward when the same is done in the house. This will teach your German Shepherd to associate doing his thing outside with a good treat and avoid that which takes it away. Letting it go once creates the expectation that you can let it go another time. Instead, insist on chew toys for play or dog teething toys if your pup is still at the teething stage. Most pet stores have you spoilt for choice when it comes to chewing and teething toys. As a dog owner with lots of love for your German Shepherd, you might be remorseful that you denied your pet a treat for not following your command and decided to give him three in compensation. If, as a dog owner, you realize that you cannot be firm with disciplining your German Shepherd, seek the help of a professional trainer immediately. And even though they learn what they should do through training, they might sometimes make mistakes and need understanding from the loving owner they look up to. Final Thoughts Disciplining your German Shepherd is an essential aspect of training. But it is important to differentiate discipline from punishment. While punishing may cause harm to your dog, disciplining is intended to reinforce positive behavior. Rewarding good behavior through positive reinforcement and rekindling it when your dog faults through negative reinforcement are the two most effective ways of using discipline to train your German Shepherd in good behavior. There are several reasons why your German Shepherd may be involved in unbecoming behavior. Some of them are loneliness, lack of exercise, or poor training as a puppy. If you have to discipline your GSD, avoid rewarding negative behavior, shouting, and physical punishment. Related Posts You May Like:. Rubbing face in dog pee or poop. The goal of negative or punishment-based discipline is to associate bad behavior with bad things. As Science Alert reports, according to a survey of expert canine trainers, the German Shepherd is ranked third out of 79 purebred dog breeds in terms of overall intelligence and trainability! This means your German Shepherd puppy is very, very intelligent. It also means your puppy is very trainable. Of course, just like there are different types of people intelligence, there are different types of dog intelligence. So your German Shepherd puppy is technically able to learn a new desirable behavior or unlearn an undesirable behavior in as little as five tries and remember what they have learned with 95 percent accuracy. These dogs are just smart, smart, smart! They are highly tuned into their people and eager to please. But this also means that your training method of choice will have a lasting impact on your dog right away. So you want to choose wisely. When a dog is particularly emotionally sensitive, as most people-centric dog breeds are — any kind of punishment or negativity will have a deep and lasting impact on them. You can see this in people as well. While some people just seem to let life roll off their back, more easily letting go of old hurts and mistakes, other people hold onto these memories and can even become traumatized by shame, embarrassment, or hurt. Your German Shepherd is sensitive like this as well. These dogs want to please and have been carefully bred to have a strong desire to please people. So any kind of negativity, whether in words or actions, is likely to leave a lasting impact. This is also why the only training method you want to use for disciplining a German Shepherd puppy is going to be positive reinforcement training. German Shepherds are very strong and powerful dogs. They are used extensively in military and police work, K-9 search and rescue and bomb-sniffing, the Secrete Service and private protection and guard dog work, and similar occupations. German Shepherds that are not trained with positive methods can sometimes become aggressive. This is especially the case if there is no underlying positive bond with a person. A German Shepherd that is subjected to harsh corrections can turn into a dangerous dog. And there is truly no need to use harsh punishments when you have a dog that is so smart and can easily learn the same desirable behaviors using positive reinforcement. How exactly can you use positive training methods to discipline a German Shepherd puppy? The answer to this question starts with establishing reasonable expectations for any puppy, no matter how smart and attuned to you. You want those first six months to be good ones! However, puppies will be puppies even if they are exceptionally smart, very bonded to you, and highly motivated to please you. Overall, there are always two goals when it comes to disciplining and training a German Shepherd puppy: 1. You are pleased with this response and show it with praise, pats, and even a small tasty treat. Your German Shepherd puppy learns that prompt obedience results in good things — praise, pats, and treats. This teaches your German Shepherd puppy that quiet behavior brings the food out more quickly. Because German Shepherds are bred for a specific type of work, these dogs have some innate tendencies that can be especially misunderstood in puppyhood. As the German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Sacramento Valley charity explains, German Shepherds were bred to herd and track and guard and work alongside people. These dogs are high energy naturally. They are social and people-focused naturally. They are workers naturally. Combine this with the onset of puppyhood teething, when the puppy teeth are calling out and the adult teeth are growing in, and you now have an energetic, you-centric dog that is uncomfortable and irritable. At the same time, your German Shepherd puppy has a bladder and bowel system that is still developing and so you are trying to potty train your dog to go to the bathroom outside and only outside and in a specific place on cue. But your puppy may have accidents even when they do their best not to, because sometimes their incompletely developed bladder and brain may fail to understand if they need to go right away. So your German Shepherd puppy may have some initial anxiety, especially since they are also adjusting to life without their mom and littermates at the same time. Here are specific tips to minimize frustration for both you and your puppy during training and discipline: Establish easy verbal cues for every need If this is your first time training a German Shepherd puppy , you may want to talk to a more experienced dog owner for guidance here. Make sure the commands you choose are short and percussive and sound sufficiently different from each other so your German Shepherd puppy will not be likely to get confused. Similarly, right when your German Shepherd puppy is doing the behavior you want is the right time to reinforce it. Instead, simply clean up the mess and apply a pet odor neutralizer and begin again. Discourage problem chewing, for example, by offering your pup an icy teething ring to ease the gum pain. With patience, persistence, positivity, and pure kindness, you and your German Shepherd will get through the difficult puppyhood phase and build a closer bond as you do. Watch Expert Trainers With a German Shepherd Dogs In this amazing short video , you can see the results of using a positive dog training program with a smart and sensitive working dog breed like the German Shepherd dog. With the right type of consistent, positive training program, there is nothing a German Shepherd will not attempt for their people! By replacing the shoe with a toy he will understand that they are not meant for chewing but toys are. Get the Right Timing You should not discipline your puppy three minutes after the act. If you discipline your dog long after any act, he will not understand the reason as to why you disciplined him. This is because dogs have a two-minute memory, they will not remember anything that happened fifteen minutes ago. When you give him a treat for pooping in the potty area, he will be associating the potty area with good memories and he will do it again expecting a treat. Ignore A German shepherd can be jumping on you as a way of greeting or trying to get your attention. You should show him that he will not get your attention by jumping on you. If you give him any attention either positive or negative, he will be encouraged to do it again. The same case applies to an excessively barking puppy, he should not get any attention even if he barks for long. Wait for him to keep quiet even if it is for seconds and give him a treat, this will make him relate keeping quiet with a reward. Use Positive By using positive reinforcement you reward your puppy with treats and praises when he does anything right, this will motivate him to repeat it. For example, if you command your puppy to come and he obeys, give him a treat. Positive reinforcement involves; Giving treats like liver, carrots, and packed treats. Expression of physical attention like a pat on the head or a hug. Chew toys. Any form of punishment like smacking, spanking, or leaving him a whole day without food is not a good disciplining method. Your puppy will not comprehend that all that punishment is meant to discipline him, he will in return become aggressive, fearful, and it will destroy the bond between you and him. Physical punishment is against US law and can lead you to trouble. Seek a behaviorist intervention if you cannot handle your puppy. No Yelling Dogs can hear even the faintest sound so you do not have to shout at them. They are also bright enough to tell apart between a low and a high-pitched voice. If you yell at him, he will be aggressive or get used to the yelling and will not obey you anymore. This is misleading and inhuman because by doing so, you have not trained him where to do his business, the next time he might do it in a different place. This act can make your dog stressed and anxious. It can also install fear and make him eat poop to hide the evidence before you see it, this will lead to health complications. The best thing to do is clean the spoiled floor or carpet with a strong detergent but not bleach or ammonia. Do not Encourage a Bad a Behavior As a parent of a German shepherd puppy, you might encourage bad behavior like nipping, biting, and jumping on you as it can be fun when he is young. When the puppy matures, it will be hard to control his biting which will be strong and painful or jumping on you with his strong paws which can hurt. Have Realistic Expectations. You will end up training your puppy for months without the exact results from YouTube making you frustrated. Conclusion When disciplining your German shepherd puppy, use the most humane method possible. Using force will not give you the desired results but a stubborn and aggressive dog. Make sure your puppy has fully understood their mistake with the least time possible or else he will repeat the same mistake. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts. Puppies German Shepherds can be the most well-mannered and obedient dogs. However, much of how they behave depends on how you train them and keep their manners in check. So how do you discipline a German Shepherd puppy? This article will dive into the best and most effective ways of disciplining a GSD puppy when needed. Best Ways to Discipline a German Shepherd Puppy Positive reinforcement training remains to be the best way to discipline any dog, especially a German Shepherd puppy. This method works not only for obedience but also for encouraging good behaviors. For GSDs, this is especially effective because their high level of intelligence enables them to quickly associate rewards with their actions. While some believe that the best training methods involve punishing bad behaviors, research suggests that reward-based training methods are actually the most effective. Additionally, behavioral issues can be addressed through redirection and behavior-specific training. Here are the most critical parts of fostering good manners in a young German Shepherd: Positive Reinforcement Training Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding your dog for good behaviors. This increases the likelihood of them performing the right behavior and can also discourage unwanted behaviors. Instead, they will greet you by sitting in front of you because that gets them the reward they want. On the surface, positive reinforcement training might seem simple enough. However, here are some things you need to get right for effective training: Step 1: Find The Right Reward First, you need to find the right reward. Different dogs have different motivations. Some are driven by food while others are mostly motivated by toys and play. Others find that the best reward is cheerful praise and a good ear scratch. Learning what motivates your dog will help you raise them more successfully. Dogs basically live in the moment, so you need to reward in the moment as well. When rewarding, catch them in the act of doing the right behavior. Step 3: Consistency Third, you need to be consistent. Redirection In most cases, the most difficult part of training dogs is to reverse unwanted behaviors. So, the most effective thing to do is to redirect them to more appropriate behaviors. For example, if your German Shepherd likes to dig holes in your backyard, you can redirect that behavior to something more desirable, like playing with a ball. As soon as you let them out into your yard, toss a ball and encourage them to play. This diverts their energy into something more positive. If you do this consistently, they will associate the yard with playtime rather than digging time. Excessive barking , for example, is very difficult to divert. In the barking example, it helps to teach your dog to bark on command. Make sure you reward them as soon as they stop barking. Practice this until you can make them speak and keep quiet on command. Additionally, certain types of punishment can instill fear in your pup. Not only would that severely hinder their ability to develop a good relationship with you, that might also lead to some fear-based aggression down the road. This might also lead to fear-based aggression where they will growl , lunge, or bite to defend themselves. In fact, most will still experience some frustration. No dog is inherently well-mannered all the time. Here are some things you can do to improve your success while also strengthening your relationship with your canine companion: Start early. Be consistent. Establish verbal cues. Use playtime as an opportunity to reinforce positive behaviors. Tire them out. Excess energy can often be the root cause of bad behaviors. Hone their abilities. GSDs are working dogs. If you give them opportunities to sharpen their mental abilities and also hone their other skills e. How to Groom German Shepherd Puppies While there are several ways a German Shepherd can brighten up your life, it can be equally stubborn. Intelligence and self-assuredness make this dog breed hard to train. Many believe the right way to discipline their pet is to spank, cage, hit, or use another physical punishment to mold behavior. However corporal punishment is not only ethically dubious, but it can also damage your bond with your dog. So, how do you train your dog without resorting to traditional disciplining? There are several ways to discipline your German Shepherd puppy without punishment, most of which simply revolve around training your puppy to realize a certain behavior is unwelcome and wrong. This article lists 8 ways to help you train your puppy without resorting to punishment. They are: 1. However, timing is everything in dog training. Since GSDs are smart dogs, you can start training them as soon as they are 7 weeks old. At this time, you should keep the training light and be limited to basic commands, crate training, and socialization. If you start training your dog early on and with consistency, the chance of developing bad behavior is low. Similarly, the earlier you realize a behavior is unwanted, the sooner you learn not to repeat it — the same is the case with dogs. German Shepherd puppies are smart, but you cannot ensure efficient dog training without consistency. To train your dog to unlearn the bad behavior, you must remain gentle, firm, and consistent. Whatever behavior is unwanted should always remain unwanted. And your behavior with your puppy should reflect that. However, remember to always stay gentle and kind. Spanking or denying food is unacceptable and may even worsen the situation. Consistency also prevents your puppy from confusion. For example, when teaching your puppy that breaking things is unwanted behavior, ensure that your reaction and the corrective action remain the same whether the dog breaks an expensive vase or a cheap ashtray. For example, if you are teaching your dog to stop barking at visitors, reward them with their favorite treat when they display this behavior. German Shepherd puppies are quick learners. When they realize a behavior is appreciated, they are likely to repeat it. Training with rewards is not only fun but also helps you build a strong bond with your canine. Consequently, the dog may not perform the desired behavior in the absence of the treat. Consult with professionals, watch online tutorials , read authentic research , before including 3. Use Time-Outs You can also choose the time-out technique strategically to discipline your dog. When your puppy performs an unacceptable behavior, remove them from the scene of the crime and put them in an isolated environment. In isolation, the dog is away from his owner, toys, and all things fun. Although controversial, it effectively modifies problematic behavior. The correct use of time-out involves responding quickly and consistently to unacceptable behavior. Time out should not last for more than 3 minutes or until your puppy has calmed down. What they can and do understand are your tone and body language, and that is how they choose to communicate with you. This can cause your puppy to fear you and get anxious. However, do not scream or yell. In this way, your puppy will learn that chewing, which is a natural urge for dogs, is not bad; chewing household items is. Ignore Unwanted Behavior Ignoring unwanted behavior works like a charm for some problematic behaviors—for example, incessant barking. Nonstop barking can truly be nerve-wracking, and if your puppy refuses to listen, it might be time to start ignoring them when they bark too much. This means you refuse to give them any attention when they are barking. You must even avoid telling them to keep quiet. German Shepherd puppies are sharp dogs. So, to prevent them from barking for even longer next time, pretend like nothing is happening. Eventually, they will stop barking needlessly altogether. However, before using this technique, figure out what exactly it is that is making them bark and remove the certain object or place them in a different environment that is preferably quieter. For example, barking too much during playtime can simply be due to overexcitement. In this case, give them a chew time or make your playtimes shorter to give them some rest. Help Puppies Burn Pent-up Energy Is your puppy nipping you or chewing important items around the house? German Shepherd puppies are energic and can sometimes display their pent-up energy in strange ways. Repeated problematic behavior can be a sign that your dog is not getting enough exercise, playtime, or mental stimulation. So, ensure your puppies get plenty of playtime, exercise, or even a chew toy. They can assume your sudden jerking as part of a game and continue nipping whenever they want to play. To stop your puppy from nipping or chewing, try: Moving your hand away slowly from your puppy Give them something else to chew on, like their chew toy Ensure they have plenty of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day 7. Avoid Physical Punishment and Harm Physically harming or punishing your puppy is unethical as it can cause physical and psychological injury. Dogs that are disciplined through physical punishment may develop anxiety and depression. Studies have also revealed that the use of violence or physical punishment during dog training can increase aggression in dogs. And even worse, your German Shepherd may turn on you and try to bite you to protect themselves from getting hurt. Training or disciplining your puppy should never be about intimidating them or using force. It should simply be you trying techniques and making them understand what you require of them by staying consistent. Even if training your puppy is overwhelming, remember to stay patient. If you are overcome with frustration, take a short break. Calm yourself down, and then resume training. Remember, no physical punishment should be the number 1 rule during dog training. Be Patient Have you been trying to train your German Shepherd puppy for a while and not getting the desired results? Remember that while German Shepherd puppies are undoubtedly intelligent, they can be equally stubborn. So, while the process may be time taking and overwhelming, patience is a virtue. You should not confuse your puppy by changing the rules too often. However, if your puppy refuses to cooperate on some days, remember that it is completely okay to take a break for a day or two. Your puppy would rather take a day off to see you more calm and relaxed rather than angry or stressed during training. For example, peeing or defecating around the house even after potty training is over can be a sign of a bladder or bowel problem. Moreover, continuing to bite or chew after teething is over can signal dental problems. So, make sure to get your German Shepherd puppy checked out by a licensed vet. Most importantly, learn to accept if you are not cut out for training. Therefore, if training is too stressful or overwhelming for you, you can consider hiring a professional dog trainer to do It for you. You can also ask your vet for a reference. Moreover, you can ask your friends and family for a recommendation. We wish you the best of luck in training your German Shepherd puppies!