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They are, by nature, attack dogs and often used by law enforcement for this reason. It will keep both you and your dog safe. Bond with Your Dog Before training your dog to listen to any commands, you must first develop a relationship with them. There needs to be trust and mutual respect and friendship between you and your German Shepherd. Step 2. Preparation Ensure you prepare for attack training by equipping yourself with the necessary gear. Ideally, you should get a bite sleeve, which will protect you from being bitten during training. Start with the Basics Start by training your German Shepherd with basic commands such as stop, sit, stand, etc. The best process is to put on your gloves and tap on the face and nose of your dog. This action will cause annoyance, and eventually, they will respond by biting the gloves. Reward the Action As with basic training, reward your dog each time they obey the command. You can then move on to stepping away from your dog and using the command. Your German Shepherd should come and attack your gloves. Make sure to give them a treat when they do so. Practice with A Doll Now that your dog is familiar with the command, you will need to get them to attack an object other than your gloves. The best place to start is with a doll. Point towards the toy so your dog will understand the action you are trying to get them to perform. It may take some time as your dog will likely be confused and may even attack your arm instead, as was practiced before. Keep at it until they attack the doll and make sure to give them treats when they act correctly. Try places it in different locations each time. Train Them to Attack a Person The hardest part of the training is to transition your dog from attacking a doll to attacking a person. It may be daunting to ask a friend to volunteer for this, and you can always acquire assistance from a dog trainer. They will understand how to react if anything goes wrong during the training. Either way, ensure the other person is wearing protective gear to protect them from the attack. When choosing a protective suit, make sure it is good quality, with durable materials, and that it has excellent reviews. Its French Linen composition is proven to protect against all bites and cover each part of the body for enhanced safety. It includes Velcro straps on the waist and leather hand protectors as well. They should already know this command from basic training. If they do follow instructions, make sure to reward them with a treat. Repetition is key. Keep repeating it over and over until the dog responds immediately to your commands. The goal here is to maintain control over your German Shepherd. Any dog can attack, but the important part is for the dog to obey you and stop attacking when you command it to. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. This training process needs to be carried out properly for the safety of you, your dog, and anyone they come into contact with. Always check your town or state rules regarding attack dogs. Many regions ban such dogs. If your dog is caught engaging in a physical attack, you and your German Shepherd can be punished. You also need to be careful about how you train your German Shepherd. They should never attack someone unprovoked and should only ever be trained to do a minimal amount of damage. Failing to get this right can cause lawsuits, criminal charges, and other issues. This dog is a pet and should be treated as such. It is simply a bonus that they can protect you in the event of an assault or crime. It is unwise to teach your dog attack commands if you have children in the house. Children tend to unintentionally antagonize dogs. Serious injuries and fatalities are far more common with little children. What is the Function of an Attack Dog? Many people are unclear about the function of an attack dog. This is because the role has been twisted in the media. The first thing to be aware of is that attack dogs should never be aggressive. The main objective is to get that person to back down and eventually go away. Their function is to appear aggressive and to prove they are capable of being a physical threat. They simply need to be following a command. There is also the increased risk that your dog will go too far during an attack and do serious harm to someone else. Not every German Shepherd is a good choice to be trained for this role. There is some discrepancy in every breed and even within a litter. Proper training can help your dog to gain the appropriate skills, but temperament matters a great deal as well. As previously stated, you should teach an aggressive German Shepherd to attack. They may not be equipped to reign in their emotions during a pivotal moment and may fail to obey your commands. On the contrary, a shy German Shepherd will not be suitable for this role either. Socialization can help a wary dog to come out of its shell, but there is no guarantee. You will also have to cross further obstacles by teaching them the necessary attack skills. When specifically looking for a dog to train to attack, keep an eye out for a dog that is calm, approachable, friendly, and intelligent. These are signs that your dog will be easy to bond with and ensure they are trainable. These are important traits for a guard dog. Here are the top things you need to take into consideration before teaching your dog any attack commands: Why is Bonding a Fundamental Step? German Shepherds have a naturally protective streak, but this is only activated with people they care about and trust. This is why your first step in attack training is to create a good relationship with your German Shepherd. You have to begin to make a connection with your dog from the moment you bring them home. It can take weeks or even months for this bond to create and solidify. How can you bond with your dog? It is easy to bond with your dog — German Shepherds are people-centric and love spending time with people. The first thing to do is to make sure their basic needs are being taken care of. This includes food, water , exercise, and attention. The more time you spend, the closer you will become. Fun activities such as fetch will certainly help to cement this relationship. Positive reinforcement should also be the driving force in your interactions with your German Shepherd. Your dog values it a great deal and will take your reactions to heart. Raising your voice or showing any signs of anger or aggression can cause them to be wary of you. This is why your focus should be on rewarding positive behavior. Avoid using punishment and instead, find gentler ways of letting your dog know they have done something wrong. What is the Importance of Socializing Your Dog? Many individuals assume that a guard or attack dog should be wary of all people. A good guard dog needs to be properly socialized starting at a young age. The last thing you need is for your German Shepherd to consider everyone a threat. This can make it difficult for you to go on walks and will also increase the chances of your dog accidentally attacking an innocent person. From the moment your puppy is brought home, they should be introduced to people of all shapes and sizes, wearing all types of clothes. Once your pup has been fully vaccinated, it can begin to meet other dogs and animals. Attack commands are one of the last things you should teach your dog. To become a competent guard dog, your German Shepherd must first be obedient. It is easy enough to teach your dog to attack. Getting them to stop in the middle of an altercation can be an entirely different matter. You need your dog to be obedient enough to cease the attack the moment you say so. This is why your dog should first undergo extensive obedience training. This is something you can tackle by yourself or hand over to a professional dog trainer. You should start on obedience from the moment you bring your puppy home. This can be about anything — stop while walking, stop before eating food, stop jumping on people, etc. The earlier your puppy recognizes this command, the easier it will be for them to follow. This means you will need to equip yourself with the appropriate gear. Particularly when you begin, your dog may have little control over its bite or attack. You will only be able to teach them about depth and ferocity later on. To avoid getting hurt, you will need to cover important and exposed areas. Professional attack safety gear will have the appropriate level of padding to prevent injury. You will also be able to find attire that can protect every part of your body. Here are the steps to follow for German Shepherd attack training: Step 1: Create Simple Commands Whether attacking or stopping, you need to get your German Shepherd to react to these commands immediately. Choosing simple commands will make it easier for your dog to understand you and respond accordingly. It will also make it less likely for your dog to mistake one command for another. Figure out what works best for you and stick to it. Your dog will require clear and consistent commands or will end up confused. Step 2: Wear the Protective Gear You need to wear protective gear from the first lesson onwards. See also The Noble Life of German Shepherd Service Dogs For the first few lessons, make sure that your entire arm is covered and even most of your torso. Once you teach your dog to only attack certain parts of the body, you can wear less protection. In the beginning, safety is key. Do this long enough and this should antagonize your dog, causing them to bite you on the arm. Praise them for their response with treats or affection. They should receive a reward every time they bite you. Step 4: Test the Attack Command Once you have carried out the above scenario many times for a few days, it is time to see if the command has sunk in. Put on your protective gear. Get your German Shepherd to sit down and stand a short distance away. Your dog should respond by running towards you and biting you on the arm. If you elicit such a response, it means that the first part of your training was a success. Reward your dog for their behavior. You will have to reinforce this reaction so carry out this exercise several more times over the next few days. Some dogs can take longer to pick up on the appropriate response. This can be a mannequin, cardboard cutout, etc. It should roughly be the right shape and size of a human adult. It may take a while for your dog to realize that it should attack the dummy and not you. Until your dog gets this right, make sure to wear your protective gear. Set up the dummy a short distance away from your dog. Get them to sit still while you are setting the dummy up. Point to the dummy again before shouting the command. When your dog gets this right, reward him or her. In case your dog keeps making a beeline for you when you ask it to attack, try standing next to the dummy. This can make it easier for your pup to make the association. Only once your dog has mastered this task should you move on to the next step. While some dogs pick up on training well, they can freeze or be hesitant when faced with an actual threat. This is why they need to learn this skill in a real-world scenario. The volunteer should be comfortable with being attacked. Keep in mind that if the volunteer panics and fights back, this may trigger a more aggressive attack from your dog. It can be better for all parties involved if you hire someone who is experienced in training guard dogs and is used to facing attacks from dogs. Make sure they are wearing the appropriate protective gear. Have this person stand at the door. They should have one hand on the handle and be ready to close the door against your dog if anything goes wrong. In some cases, you may want to have your dog on a leash for this training exercise. Try this a few times with the leash and if your dog appears to be in control, then you can carry it out without the leash. As mentioned earlier, the goal of the attack command is to startle the perpetrator. This is why they must stop their attack the moment you command them to. Your dog should stop and wait for the next command when you do. In case your dog goes ahead and attacks, you will need to repeat this exercise until it stops when you command it to. Reward your dog when he does obey you. It is important to avoid getting angry or upset with your dog during this training period. This will only cause them to retreat or to be afraid of trying a particular task again. Always stick with positive reinforcement and reward your dog for the right behavior. You know your dog best and what motivates them — use this during training. Some dogs respond well to cuddles and affection while others prefer treats. Not every dog will master these commands immediately. Keep in mind, you are asking your dog to go against its nature and attack you. This can be unnerving for them. This is why you should always be patient with your dog — avoid getting frustrated. Take your time and work through the task with them slowly and carefully. If your dog appears hesitant, reward even the smallest sign of appropriate behavior. This may allow them to build up the courage they need to take the next step. What is the Significance of Consistency? It is important to be consistent in your training. Follow the same steps over and over. Only try to change things up if a particular technique is not working. Constantly altering things will only confuse your pup and make them unsure of what they are supposed to respond to. Always use the same commands, same positions, and rewards as well. This will allow your dog to make clearer connections. Your dog can forget their attack training over time. This is particularly likely if your dog has no cause to use their training in real-life situations. To make sure that these connections remain strong, follow up with the training. You can do this every month or at an interval that you feel is appropriate. Some dogs have better retention than others. Should You Get Professional Assistance? Attack training can feel overwhelming and even dangerous. This is why you may want to consider hiring a professional for this particular task. They have a lot of experience in this field and have the necessary skills and protective gear. This drastically reduces the risk of you getting hurt. The main advantage of a professional is that you can guarantee that your dog learns the right skills and how to use them appropriately. This means there is less of a chance that they end up aggressive or accidentally attack someone. They can walk you through the process, show you what to expect, and even offer helpful tips and techniques. This is what you need to know about training a German Shepherd to attack. You can now begin to safely and carefully train your German Shepherd to protect you if you are ever assaulted or threatened. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. German Shepherds will usually take to being a guard dog naturally. It's important to train them to be obedient. Learn how here. Many dogs are natural watch dogs; their bark is sufficient to alert their owner to something unusual, and the alarm they set up is a deterrent. In addition, dogs who will fight if their owner is genuinely attacked do not have to be made aggressive to do so. Training a dog specifically to be a guard dog is hazardous and potentially creates a liability for you. Misguided attempts to make a dog aggressive through abuse will only backfire because the dog will not be loyal to someone who treats them harshly, and if the dog wrongly bites someone you will be at fault. Never train dogs who are basically fearful or out of control. Such dogs may not respond appropriately in non-threatening situations. A German shepherd dog should not be selected to receive training as a guard dog unless the dog is basically friendly, stable and clear-headed, and has been well-socialized. Dogs should acquire a clear understanding of what is normal and what is not, so that they are not fearful and they know when there is a genuine threat. To socialize puppies, take them places with you, and allow them to meet and interact with as many other people and animals as possible, always taking care to keep your puppy safe from negative experiences. Dogs of any breed are prone to be shy and fearful in strange or new environments if they haven't been well socialized, and this can create a dog who bites from fear or who runs when confronted with anything unusual. STEP 2 Enroll your German shepherd dog puppy in an obedience class as soon as possible, and train your dog thoroughly in basic obedience. It is essential that your German shepherd dog is obedient at all times, but if you want to undertake guard dog training, the need for control becomes imperative. Even though the purpose behind the training is serious, dogs should enjoy obedience work and look on it as fun. Positive reinforcement, the practice of rewarding dogs when they perform correctly rather than punishing them for mistakes, serves multiple purposes by teaching dogs obedience, bonding them with their owners and letting them have fun. It also fulfills their need to work. Begin by teaching your dog to "Speak" on command, and give a treat and much praise for barking. This training eventually gives you control over the dog's bark. Have your dog sit while barking. German shepherd dogs are intelligent and will normally learn quickly. You can develop this trait by making a show of going to see why the dog is barking, offering praise, then giving the "Quiet" or "Enough" command. React positively when your German shepherd dog alerts you to unfamiliar people or objects at home, but do not allow this behavior to develop away from home. Your dog should be unconcerned about neutral or friendly strangers you meet when you are out walking. When your German shepherd dog barks, the intruder should look at the dog and then flee while you hold and praise your dog. Do not allow your pet to chase the fleeing stranger. Praise your dog highly for letting you know someone was in your territory, and stop the barking as soon as the person flees. This strengthens the dog's confidence. STEP 6 Walk your German shepherd dog on a leash around the perimeter of your property regularly to identify your territorial boundaries. Do not allow your dog to bark at people who are outside your property. Do not allow your dog to chase people under any circumstances. These dogs are tested for sound temperament and must learn to perform at a high level in tracking and obedience as well as protection work. Find a reputable club that is a member of a national or international schutzhund organization. Before joining, spend some time learning about their organization, talking to members, and watching training sessions to determine whether you have the commitment needed to seriously engage in this demanding dog sport. The most important aspect of guard dog training is control, which asserts your role as leader and normally comes from time you spend with your dog in enjoyable activities, including obedience training. A dog who is out of control and tries to be dominant can cause serious injuries and is far more of a liability than an asset. Never try to train your dog to bite or attack people. Doing so may be illegal in some states, and you place yourself at risk because you will be liable for injuries that result from an attack. Because German Shepherd puppy care is just as important as drive development. After the nervous system is set in 21 days there are several weeks where the puppies become slightly independent of their mother. If a puppy is separated from the rest of the litter for up to 24 hours it can have long-lasting effects such as insecurity, reactivity, and separation anxiety. When the shepherd pup is 7 weeks he can begin positive reinforcement and even gentle use of a training collar. The Starmark training collar is an excellent choice. This is also the time the pup can go to his new pet parent. Most people have at least heard of the fear imprint stage of 8 weeks or critical period. But thinking generally, the more sensitive puppy bonding age overall ends at 12 weeks. So if you were looking for signs your dog imprinted on you, just make sure you spent meaningful time with him at this early age. When you think of German shepherds protecting their owners either in class or in videos, consider who is making the decisions, The dog or his owner? A dog protecting his owner can have mixed emotions. And he would perceive it that way because he depends completely on the owner. But in general, he should know his place as a dog. However, look at the body language when you give your dog affection. Generally, the ears should be back and the tail doing somewhat of a lower wag. Another example would be not allowing your dog to bring you a toy. In this case, the dog is initiating interaction. Apart from bones, chew, or small dog toys, interactive toys like tug of war dog ropes should be put away and presented by the owner for play. After the exercise, the tug toy should be put up. Other things you should initiate are outdoor access, where the dog sleeps when it is time to eat, and what direction he goes on the leash. German Shepherd Puppy Obedience Training If you are planning as little training as possible to protect your family, at least consider a strong recall and technical leash handling. That said, here I listed the following obedience commands for reliable German Shepherd defense training. Understand How to teach a dog to Come without treats. You should begin with some food reward but then move up to a prong collar for dogs. Herm Sprenger size 3. And they can already begin with that same size at a few months old. Eventually, you will need your dog off-leash training. Your dog will jump the gun but to be able to turn around instantly and come back to you is important. Learn How to teach a dog to heel. And not because your Shepherd needs to look pretty on a field. But because your shepherd needs to have a point of reference. He needs to stay behind your left ankle so he knows where you are, not next to you as in competitive sports. A couple more benefits to having your dog parallel with you — He will naturally be in more of a defense mode being closer to you, and facing the same direction as he will be able to see the threat. Know-How to teach a dog to sit. This will help the dog be stationary. An example scenario for this would be a very protective shepherd sitting 6 feet behind you. Another scenario would be if your dog likes to bite, put him into a sit to build self-control then release him for the bite. The bite itself is the biggest reward for many protection dogs that enjoy it. The last tip I will give for this command is to have your dog sit from the bite itself. Many dogs do not have a good release command but would sit and let go of someone or a bite suit. Understand How to teach a dog to leave it. It is a great way for a dog to disengage with something while not having to call him back to you. For example, maybe your dog hypothetically went for the wrong guy when there was a guy closer to you he should have gone for. Learn How to teach your dog to drop it. Your dog should not be confused between disengaging with something leave it and letting go of something he already has possession of out. As I mentioned earlier, start his commands gently as early as 7 weeks, and take your time! Do not rush this, lest you sacrifice performance. Is your dog already older? How to train a 2-year-old German shepherd for obedience is the same movement. Meaning that you would have the same range of motions to position your dog for compliance. To be on the safe side with an adult male, make sure you are solid on canine leadership. Knowing how to show your dog you are the pack leader is essential for obedience. How can you command his physical body if you do not have his mind? You are helping develop what is. I will give you a couple of exercises to do. For the first one, get a tug toy with a handle on the end of it. Then connect a Leash to it. From there, move backward in an engaged manner with your dog. You are essentially saying chase me. And your puppy must always come in for the bite. Do not jam the tug toy in his mouth. You have most likely seen this mistake before. However, if the pup attempts to rebite regrip let him. You are working toward the full mouth bite. Once his mouth is on the dog tug, give it to him but continue to hold the leash handle, never giving him full possession. When he moves back, minimize your tension to allow his muscles to contract. When he moves forward, move your arm away from you or toward you so the leash tension stays. That continuous tension maintains the challenge. Once he tries hard to pull to the ground, shake, or move back forcefully, let your leash go limp. This will give him a win and encourage the behavior. This will not teach your dog to be the boss of you, by the way. That would be you allowing him to take the tug toy with him at the end, which you should avoid by putting the jute, nylon, or leather tug up. Another tip about leash tension; if your dog is into the exercise but not pulling very hard, increase your lead tension. Ideally, in a few seconds, you would have pulled the tug away unless he pulled harder, thus earning a win. Usually, you would pull in an upward motion for this. For the 2nd exercise, The owner would not move back with the dog as in the first exercise. Usually if he swings it around, teasing the dog it will create an excited dog. From there he can swing it in front of the dog and get him to bite. The idea is to draw out the bite. Ideally you would not want the tug going at the dog directly. Puppies can also start bite sleeves very early but I do not recommend the owner wear the sleeve. And the same concepts apply. The dog gets wins. The dog flirt pole Is another dog toy to develop your dogs drive. Simply have your puppy or adult GSD Chase it and give it to him as a reward by going limp. Your dog will most likely take his mouth off of it, try to shred it and put his paw on it. This is when you can take it back and begin another chase, leading him back and forth or in circles. When to Introduce the 1st Agitator Some German Shepherd working line puppies Will defend owners or at least themselves at 12 weeks of age. I have personally worked with puppies like this from various breeds that have fiery temperaments, even younger than that. Although for most dogs this is not normal. Different levels of agitation should be introduced to your puppy at various periods of his development. And the bite gets better. That said, the amount of stress you put on a dog should be measured by their level of maturity. Every dog is a little different. And the more insecure the dog is genetically, the longer you should wait to do GDS protection training. Ideally, you might consider waiting until 6 months to a year to bring in a agitator that challenges your dog and you. This is where you will truly find out if your German Shepherd will protect you. Not to defend himself or your house or his back yard or to bite because of prey drive. German Shepherd protection is very powerful. Think about it. If someone was threatening you audibly in public you may have plenty of options to run away. But if someone grabbed your toddler you might try to hurt them, quickly and without hesitation. Consider beginning this exercise in a narrow pathway where the dog cannot ignore the situation. A very narrow alley or even a hallway in a building. Have the dog on a leash and harness or at least a very wide flat collar. Leather Collar is best. The dog can either be tied to something, in the control of a family member or a very good friend. The owner would be acting out as The victim of an attack. The person hitting the owner can use a Styrofoam cylindrical object like a flotation device or even a wiffleball bat. But the attack should look real. The owner should lay on the ground and be completely helpless, squirming and arms flailing. The instant the dog growls or barks at the attacker they should immediately disappear. After the dog is predictable, replicate the scenario and add more pressure to the dog. For example, A little closer to the attack or the dog has to bark more aggressively to make the bad guy go away. Also, after the dog predictably barks for the first time, add a verbal command. Again, the motivation is natural so most dogs will already bark. You do not need to teach When the dog gets close enough he should have a dog muzzle for biting purposes. A good rule of thumbs, if the GSD is making contact, he would bite. To Train your German shepherd to protect to his full potential, get a trainer with a dog bite suit. This will help him break past some of the taboos of putting his mouth on human skin without the muzzle on. Dogs definitely know when the suit is on and off and some make a game out of it. Just a final thought. Do you see the difference from what I described here vs next to his owner while protecting? German Shepherd protection training cost Can quickly turn into the thousands. But if you have your dog under control first personal protection does not have to be expensive at all. German Shepherd Guard Dogs I will differentiate German Shepherd guard dog training from personal protection for the convenience of categorization. Obviously there is some crossover where another expert could disagree. German guard dogs already have it in the breed. And a guard dog is just that. He is not protecting you while holding down the fort. Does your dog already bark at people when they come over? Does he scan your yard? A simple exercise would involve a person acting suspicious at your door. You can also stage it where the person steps into the home or into the yard. But the dog should be on a leash and harness. Otherwise if your dog was off leash he may not pursue the guy. Once the dog begins to bark, the guy should run away. So if personal protection is instinct regarding the owner, and to guard is to be like a junkyard dog, an attack dog would go for anyone on the street also called green dogs. And of course a given dog can meet all that criteria. How to train your German shepherd to attack is called training a dog in defense. This is because he is not actually protecting you or the house. He is defending himself! So you are literally learning How to make your German shepherd aggressive. This comes with a huge responsibility. You should have your dog fully trained in a couple commands first and muzzle trained first. Begin by having your dog on a harness or a wide collar and leash. You would be the one holding the other end of the leash. Have a planned stranger approach him from around 30 feet away. They should walk slowly toward him. Their shoulders should be squared with the dog and staring at him as if they were going to pick a fight. The strange person would refuse to look to the right or left. Once the dog growls or barks the person should run away out of sight. While the dog is snarling you should praise him. Once the guy disappears, give your dog affection. After the guy returns and you add a verbal command, observe. Does your dog bark immediately? Once he starts to get better put more pressure on him. Eventually were the guy would get closer and the dog would need a muzzle. You can work on the physiology of his bite with a suit. Although I would not be the one to wear the suit with my own dog. Otherwise the dog will think he cannot make the threat go away. He will end up with a dog that gives up. So yes, only do few minute sessions for this at the beginning. In that case your dog would already have went for the bite. German shepherd police training German Shepherd police dogs have very high prey drive. There is no fear involved when chasing and are experiencing a predatory state of mind. These lines of shepherds often come out fairly dominant as well. They begin as a Working line German Shepherd puppy. And that is their job they continue doing. To give you a brief idea of dog selection within police and military dogs, look at the this excerpt from the Second World War. During World War II 40, dogs were recruited, 18, were distributed and out of those About where we turn because of temperament or some other physical problem. Ultimately, about 10, were trained for the military Waller, .To simply sum things up, a personal protection dog is taken up with his owner. His master is his world. Obedience All Schutzhund training starts with obedience training for a reason. The reason is that the goal is not to train a dog to attack. It is to train a dog to stay calm under extreme provocation so the dog can see clearly how best to protect their charges, or even if protection is required. The German Shepherd will learn both passive restraint barking and herding and active restraint biting and holding. Most importantly, the dog learns to mind the trainer even if the command that is given means the dog has to retreat from an attack situation. Tracking In Schutzhund training, your German Shepherd will learn a very comprehensive type of tracking that starts with scent nose work and continues with the use of training aids that simulate footprints and different types of terrain. A full competitive tracking course includes all of the elements from easiest to hardest. Short and long trails, straight and divergent trails, articles items to scavenge or identify, close quarters and distance from handler tracking and all types of terrain from wet to dry and grass to soil. Tracking in a variety of conditions teaches your dog to stay focused, manage their stress, and stay the course no matter what obstacles come before them. Protection The protection training portion of Schutzhund training and competition evaluates a German Shepherd on the three basic drives that all GSDs have: defensive drive, prey drive, and social drive. The social drive is perhaps the most important because this is the drive that bonds your dog to you. You have to know that your German Shepherd understands who they are protecting and also who must be obeyed no matter what. This is your number one protection against canine aggression. The prey drive is a deeply instinctive drive that is born of an innate urge to chase, to hunt, to bite, to eat. The prey drive is what can quickly get out of hand if a German Shepherd is not properly trained in the art of protection. The defensive drive is more of a learned drive that is based on the ancient fight-or-flight survival instinct. A dog that is defensive will have all kinds of methods at their disposal, from growling or barking to running towards or running away. Rather, their ultimate goal is to see the threat in active retreat. If barking can accomplish that, then attack will not be needed. As Schutzhund Training explains, dogs in Schutzhund training learn to use all kinds of different grips, holds, and bites to protect their charges from an aggressor. By the time the training program has been completed, the dog should be able to demonstrate mastery both at close quarters with their handler and an attacker, and at a great distance from each. There are many different training programs available today that are designed to teach dogs of any breed how to serve as personal protection and guard dogs to people. As Mountain Canine College highlights, regardless of the training program, the dog must first be evaluated to see if they are a good fit. Some dogs may be less well suited for one versus the other. As we mentioned here earlier, Schutzhund training was specifically designed in Germany for training German Shepherd dogs to serve in protective K-9 roles. In either case, the basic method always starts with obedience training. Now you can see why it is so important to take training your German Shepherd to attack so seriously. You are training an incredibly strong and powerful dog with deep instincts that must be directed appropriately for your safety and the safety of others. Watch a German Shepherd Being Trained To Attack In this impressive YouTube video clip , you can watch a professional protection dog training team putting a month-old German Shepherd dog through his paces. The dog shows incredible drive, obedience, agility, and power. The most important thing to note when watching the video is that the German Shepherd does not display aggression. Aggression is not the same as the instinct to protect, guard, or even attack. Aggression in dogs is typically a symptom of insecurity or fearfulness rather than confidence and clarity.
Breeds The link has been copied! The Black Poodle is a widely sought after type of Poodle due to its elegant coat and charming personality. It is a coloration that can be present in various sizes of Poodles, including Standard, Miniature, Moyen , and Toy Poodles. Like all other colors of Poodle, black poodles are descended from water-retriever dogs. They have a long history of being both working dogs and companion dogs. There is a dispute about whether the Poodle originated in Germany or France. Either way, Poodles were originally working dogs bred to retrieve shot game and lost arrows. Poodles are a popular dog breed for several reasons. They are intelligent and friendly. They have a beautiful and striking appearance. Also, they have certain hypoallergenic qualities. Black Poodle Appearance and Genetics A black poodle can either have solid black fur over its entire body, or black along with another color. Black Poodles have black eyes, lips, noses, and toes. Entirely black Poodles are one of the most popular Poodle colorations due to their striking appearance. A genuine black Poodle does not have any white or silver tint in its fur. Poodles have both an outer and inner coat. The outer coat is the one that is easily visible. The inner coat is beneath the outer coat and is not so easy to see. All black Poodles have a black outer coat, but some have an inner coat that appears blue or gray. Having a blue or gray inner coat can make the black outer coat appear lighter. Standard Poodles are over 15 inches tall and weigh somewhere between 40 and 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles are classified as being between 10 and 15 inches tall and weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. The smallest size category is the Toy Poodle, which is under 10 inches tall and weighs only 4 to 6 pounds. Moyen Poodles fall between Miniature and Standard Poodles in their size and weight. Usually, Moyen Poodles are 15 to 19 inches and weigh 15 to 25 pounds. The Moyen Poodle is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, but with its growing popularity, it may be recognized soon. Fans of the Moyen Poodle praise their medium size. Their size makes them well suited to being lapdogs but also large enough to keep up with their owners during physical activities and outdoor adventures. You can learn more about the Moyen Poodle here. Regardless of what size category they fall into, all Poodles naturally have a muscular but slim form. Poodles also have long muzzles. Their fur is either corded or curled. Poodle fur is known to require high maintenance. What Causes Black Fur? The black fur color seen in black Poodles is caused by the same process that determines the coat colors of all dogs. These pigments are eumelanin and pheomelanin. To make it simple, if genes connected to eumelanin are dominant within a dog, that dog will have a black coat. The gene that leads to black fur is stronger than the gene for other coat colors. This means that it is easier to breed black Poodles even if they only have a small amount of eumelanin in their genetics. Black Poodle puppies can be born even if neither of the parents have black fur. This can happen if one of their ancestors further back had black fur. The genes that lead to black fur on Poodles do not have an effect on the Poodles' personality or health. Are Silver Poodles Born Black? Some silver or gray Poodles are born silver or gray. But some black Poodles do eventually turn silver or gray. There are two ways a black Poodle can end up turning silver or gray. The fur of true black Poodles does eventually start to turn gray, but this happens gradually when they transition from an adult to a senior dog. In this type of graying, the gray fur will not always spread to the entire body. Often, the graying will start around the muzzle and spread from there. In some cases, a Poodle can be born black and gray prematurely over the first two years of its life. It can be hard or even impossible to tell if a black Poodle puppy will remain truly black. Are Black Poodles Friendly? Black Poodles, when raised with proper training and socialization, are just as friendly as any other coloration of Poodle. Poodles are energetic dogs, so they need exercise every day. They are also intelligent, and thus need mental stimulation as well as physical stimulation. Though well-trained black Poodles are no different from other Poodles in their temperament, they unfortunately face a stigma due to their coat color. Several causes for black dog syndrome have been suggested. Often, large black dogs are portrayed as violent and intimidating in movies and television shows. Black dogs are also known to not photograph as well as lighter colored dogs. The only notable difference is that dirt and tangling can be harder to see on dark coats. Short haircuts are a popular choice for Poodles, since this makes their coils or curly fur easier to manage. Poodles need to be groomed daily. They also need to visit the groomer regularly, unless you feel comfortable trimming their coat at home. Poodles are naturally slim dogs. It is easy for them to become overweight if their diet is not properly monitored. It is important to talk to a vet about the best diet for your black Poodle. One thing that dog owners often forget is that treats used in training can add up in calories over time. Black Poodle Health The genes that cause a black coat in Poodles are not known to be connected to any health issues. As such, monitoring the health of a black Poodle is similar to monitoring the health of any other shade of Poodle. It is important to note that the likelihood of certain health conditions occurring can be affected by the size of the Poodle. Poodles can be affected by a wide variety of health ailments, but there are several that are especially common within the breed. These include: Dental problems All dogs are susceptible to dental problems, including tartar buildup and gingivitis. Heart problems The category of "heart problems" covers a wide array of issues that can affect all dogs. This includes heart murmurs and arrhythmias. Hip and elbow dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia refers to painful abnormalities in the hip and elbow bones. Patellar Luxation Patellar Luxation is an abnormality in the kneecap that can cause issues with mobility. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive Retinal Atrophy refers to a group of diseases that cause photoreceptor cells in the eyes to degenerate, resulting in reduced vision. Sebaceous Adenitis Sebaceous Adenitis is a condition that affects the sebaceous glands. These are the glands in the skin that keep skin and fur healthy. When these stop working properly, damage to the skin and fur will result. This is by no means a complete list of health issues that can affect Poodles. Regular checkups at the vet are a must for any dog. Other Poodle Colors Poodles are known for having a wide variety of coat colors. These various coat colors do not lead to any differences in temperament. Possibly the most popular shade of Poodle next to the black Poodle is the white Poodle. Many people feel that white fur makes Poodles appear more soft and cuddly. Brown Poodles come in a variety of shades, from dark brown to a more tan color. Red and apricot are rarer than most other colors of Poodle. Their fur has hues of copper or auburn within it. Apricot is usually considered to be the color most recently introduced to Poodle breeding, so it is more difficult to breed. Not all gray Poodles are senior dogs. Poodles can be born gray. Or, as discussed earlier, they can gray prematurely. Conclusion Even once you have decided to bring a Poodle into your life, you still have many options when it comes to the size and coloration of your new pup. No matter your living situation or personal preferences, between the Toy, Miniature, Moyen, and Standard Poodle, there is sure to be a size that will work for you. And with their multitude of coat colors, you can be certain to find a pup that fits your aesthetic tastes. Many regard the black Poodle as the most beautiful and elegant of all Poodle colorations, and it is easy to see why. Still, with their friendly and energetic personalities, any type of Poodle is sure to bring light into your life. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. At Echocreek Poodles our goal is to provide loving companion and show families with beautiful healthy black miniature poodles. Our poodle puppies are beautiful, and intelligent with superior dispositions. We love giving references so you can hear, first hand, happy owners brag about our poodles. We have been breeding for 20 years so we have lots of references including our veterinarian who oversees our program. We breed black Miniatures and occasionally have a brown puppy. We are extremely conscientious about the long-term health of our dogs so we breed only healthy poodles with wonderful temperaments. This ensures healthy, sound pups. Our puppies are raised in our home with our family. They are well socialized from an early age. Each poodle puppy is priced according to it's own merit. Pet puppies are sold with a neuter contract as well as a limited AKC registration and are not to be bred. Puppies sold for the purpose of showing are by contractual agreement. To be added to our waiting list we require a deposit. Your deposit is a guarantee that you want the puppy and cannot be refunded. Please make sure you have thought of all the responsibilities of a new puppy before you make a commitment. We do ask for references before we place our dogs with anyone. Of course we give our references as well, including our veterinarian of over 15 years. New Echocreek Champion !!! For your friendship and for so beautifully presenting our girl! She finished with her second 5 pt Major over Specials! Daughter of Nicki. Beautifully presented by Sara Brooks. Shown by Sara Brooks. Finished with 3 majors at just 9 months September ! Bred by Terry Wellman. Owned by Cynthia Sublett. Shown by Sharon Svoboda and team. Bred by June Bierwas, Juniper Poodles. Presented by Sheila Basinger. Bred by June Bierwas. Please browse the rest of our website to see more of our dogs. They can be found under Available Puppies. Just like all the other toy and miniature poodles we specialize in breeding, our black poodle puppies are of a quality unlike any others you will find. Please keep in mind that just as we have high standards for our poodles, we have in many ways even higher standards for the homes and owners we send them to. We want each of our black poodles to go to an owner who we know will appreciate and care for the dog as much as we do. In order to help us make a decision on why you may be the right person for one of our black poodles, we ask that you kindly fill out our Puppy Application form to provide us with some initial information. We look forward to learning more about you and why you hope to bring one of our lovely toy poodles into your home. Before applying, however, we invite you to browse our selection of black poodle puppies for sale to learn more about them. You will be able to view pictures and learn about their temperament, birth date, size, and more! Explore our website today to learn more about our black poodle puppies and our history of toy poodle breeding in general, and please contact us if you have any questions!
And, when you add an amazing collar, it gets even better. Family Portrait Photo from: Pinterest They say intelligence is inherited from your mom, but I think beauty is, too. Look at that gorgeous-looking GSD, proud of her white pups! Ready For The Trip! The sooner we arrive at the doggy park, the sooner I get to show you all my tricks! A nice bath after the walk will make the fur shiny again! Head Tilt! Even German Shepherd puppies do the head tilt. Who can resist such a cute face?! My bet is on the ball… 8. Play Time Photo from: Pinterest Would you look at that? Sitting and playing tug-of-war. Ladies and gentlemen, we might have a case of too-cute-to-move kind of laziness. Toe Beans! First Command Learned Photo from: Pinterest German Shepherds are well-known for their intelligence, and we have proof right here. Good boy! It looks like a white GSD puppy! Now, you know why… They start practicing their jumps very early. Photo from: Pinterest Just boop the nose for good luck! Boop it three times for a GSD to appear. Try it again! Beach Fun I swear the bird was this big, and it went that way! True Cuteness This picture is a true example of absolute cuteness! Serious Doggo Photo from: Pinterest This looks like a true guard dog on duty. Good Morning! You are safe! Final Frame No matter if you have a white GSD or any other coat color, we know your dogs are just as adorable as the white ones. But, this was an ode to white GSDs so that everyone can see how cute they are. Take your time to go through these photos, and I am sure you will be reading these last few sentences with a smile on your face. Enjoy, and have a pawsome day! Sweet puppies and cute babies: perceptual adaptation to babyfacedness transfers across species Post navigation. Alyssa provided an excellent insight into White Shepherd and how they can be claimed by three different breeds. The outline of the White Shepherd is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. Working dogs are not to be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes that are due to occupational injuries. The temperament of White Shepherds all depends on breeding and can absolutely vary from dog to dog, however on average, they tend to be a bit calmer. From meeting other White German Shepherd owners we all seem to say the same thing. Exercise all depends on the drive and energy level of your dog. German Shepherds on average White Shepherds included need quite a bit of exercise. They can get bored very easily so its important to keep their mind busy. Training sessions also do a great job of keeping them mentally stimulated. Ash, meanwhile, underlined the importance of keeping a White German Shepherd busy! They have a lot of energy like any other German Shepherd they need a lot of exercise. Ghost sleeps a lot during the day but in the afternoon his energy kicks in. As this breed is very needy and they can become very clingy from boredom if they do not use that german shepherd energy! White Shepherds are incredibly smart. Just keep at it and make sure to give lots of praise when they exhibit the correct behaviors. White German Shepherd Photo: Adobe Stock The White Shepherd has a weather-resistant double coat with a straight, harsh outer coat and a thick, fine inner coat. And Ash warned potential White German Shepherd owners to be prepared for dog hair! The only thing that is worse is that the fur is white! It stands out so much on your clothes, regular grooming and brushing is usually the best way to keep on top of it. I recommend at the beginning of spring to get your pooch groomed professionally. It just makes dealing with the fur a lot easier in the shedding season. They love their families and will do anything to protect them. Because of this, they typically are a bit skeptical of strangers but this can be worked through with proper socialization and training. The White German Shepherd is a little more timid and shy, are softer in the heart and they are not so aggressive. The German Shepherd is an excellent family and pet friendly dog, with the fun playful side for the kids and family to the hard working training for security for the home. This breed will have your back like no other. It usually occurs when a dog owner leaves their canine companion at home alone. Alyssa believes members of the breed are susceptible to some separation anxiety. White German Shepherds are prone to separation anxiety due to their love for their people. Its hard to want to leave your cute new puppy alone but the work we did with Lumi at 8 weeks to get her comfortable on her own has carried through to today. German Shepherds are notoriously fussy eaters and tend to be prone to sensitivities. From my experience, White Shepherds are no different. Food is food right?! Once your White German Shepherd gets a taste for the finer things in life you will be ruined! My breeder fed him raw mince, so I decided to keep him on a RAW diet. I change it around sometimes from meaty bones to livers and giblets, it is all about knowing what exact meats to give your dog on this diet, like anything else you need to do your own research on whats best for you and your pooch. You may find a White GSD in need of a forever home. Otherwise, you may want to seek out a specific White German Shepherd organization to find some breeders of these elegant dogs. The cost of White Shepherds can vary quite a bit, especially when taking location into consideration. Be smart about the dog you choose to bring home and make sure their personality matches your lifestyle. Other then that if you are looking for a breeder make sure you do some research. I have grown up with the standard colour German Shepherd my entire 26 years of life and when I got my first White German Shepherd I did notice a slight difference. I made sure to do my research on the breed, what the dog needs. I do not recommend getting any type of German Shepherd if you are not ready for the hard work they require. They are very hard work sometimes and very stubborn but also so so rewarding. White German Shepherds will shed a lot so you should be prepared to brush your dog regularly as well as have a lint roller close by at all times to remove white fur from your clothes. Though size varies between individuals, a standard German Shepherd weighs about 60 pounds. Whether you already own a German Shepherd pup or are looking into it, be prepared for a hefty lap dog! Continue to 7 of 16 below. They were originally bred for their striking good looks and intelligence, making for a great working dog on the police force and in the military. They were so cute that dog-lovers in other countries soon caught on and began breeding them themselves. Continue to 8 of 16 below. These dogs are very protective of their homes and family and make excellent guard dogs. Continue to 9 of 16 below. They need stimulation, even if they are a family pet and not a trained deputy. This can be in the form of playful games, puzzle toys, tricks , and obedience training. Otherwise, German Shepherds may show off some unpleasant behavior, like chewing. Continue to 10 of 16 below. Continue to 11 of 16 below. Continue to 12 of 16 below. They perk up as they grow older, making them look extra tall and important. Continue to 13 of 16 below. Beautiful all black and all white German Shepherds are out there, too. Continue to 14 of 16 below. Continue to 15 of 16 below. This breed is inherently athletic and courageous—nothing can stop them, not even water. Continue to 16 of 16 below. This unique dog is bred from German Shepherds and carries many of the same characteristics, yet it also carries the recessive white furred coat gene. Read on below to find out more about this special breed of dog and whether they could be the right pup for you. This is because the White German Shepherd carries the recessive white furred gene, which is just the same as some humans carrying the recessive blonde haired gene. This color never really stuck, and therefore the White German Shepherd never became as popular as other colors of German Shepherds. They are very popular working dogs who are known for their work as police dogs, military dogs and herding dogs. They are also very popular family dogs because of their loyalty and protective nature. They were first discovered by Von Stephanitz who spotted the German Shepherd at a dog show and decided that this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. Horand was the first breed standard for the German Shepherd breed and was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance to give German Shepherd litters. They are thought to have first appeared in the United States in and were recognized by the AKC in .Appearance White German Shepherd puppies look like little balls of fluff and are extremely cute! By 1 year of age, they should be at their adult height. You should always buy from a reputable breeder because sometimes breeders try pass off German Shepherd mixes for pure white German Shepherds. The White German Shepherd can weigh anywhere between 50 to 85 pounds with a male weighing more than a female. They are classified as a large dog breed and stand tall at 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Again, females are normally shorter than the males. They are a very muscular and athletic breed, which is no surprise because they were bred for their working capabilities. They are very strong and wear a proud posture and have erect ears. Their feet are big too, even when they are puppies! Coat The White German Shepherd has two different types of coat — short coat and long coat. If your White German Shepherd has a long coat, it will typically be much longer than other German Shepherds in the breed. The fur is thick and straight and does require quite a bit of grooming, although we will go into more detail about that below. When they are a puppy, their coat is normally super fluffy. It does become more coarse as they get older, but their ears remain fluffy. Their coat is also a double-coat which helps add protection against harsh winds or rain. Color Of course, the coat color of the White German Shepherd is white! This is what makes them stand out and a unique breed. The white coat recessive gene only impacts the fur color and does not have any effect on their skin or eye pigment. This makes identifying a white German Shepherd very simple and also closely resembles their wolf ancestors. In every other aspect, they mirror the appearance of a standard tan German Shepherd with the same dark brown eyes. They are very protective and make excellent guard dogs or watchdogs. They are also extremely loyal and love to be around people, which makes them a great family dog as well as an excellent working dog. They may also bark at strangers, but this is just because they are trying to protect you! A White Shepherd is an active dog and needs to be mentally stimulated. As we mentioned above, they are originally a working dog and love to be outside running and playing. Lifespan The life expectancy of a White German Shepherd is relatively long. They can live between 12 to 14 years. Many of the problems they are more likely to develop are the same problems that other breeds of German Shepherd deal with. The most common health problem for the German Shepherd dog breed is elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition that is seen in many large dogs and is a disease of a malformation of the joints. The joints can become very painful and may worsen over time causing lameness. The best way to ensure your pup is less prone to any of these conditions is to buy from a reputable breeder and to ensure you get health clearances from both parents. You should also check your dog often for any signs of these issues and take them to the vet regularly for checkups. Daily Life Now you know all about the characteristics and traits of this unique German Shepherd breed, it is time to take a look at what daily life with them is like. We will look at what to feed this dog, how much exercise they need and what grooming of this big breed should be. It comes as no surprise that this is a high maintenance dog breed, but they are worth it! It is recommended that you feed them a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds and you should always check the back of the dog food packet to see how much food you should be feeding your doggie based on their weight. Experts recommend that a White German Shepherd should be eating around calories a day, which is around 3 cups of food. As a puppy, they should be fed three times a day which can then be decreased to two meals a day as an adult. However, if you have a busy lifestyle then this can just be one meal a day. Their food should be healthy and nutritious. It should cover all the nutrients that a dog of this size needs, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates. High-quality dry kibble is a great option, although some dog owners opt to feed their pup raw food. Exercise It is not a surprise that this breed of white dog is very active and has high exercise needs. As a working dog and a breed that is often used as a police dog, they need lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy. You should ensure that you are exercising your German Shepherd for 60 to 90 minutes a day. This includes walks, playing and mental games. Your doggie will want a big back yard to run around in too, so they will not be getting the exercise they need if you live in a small apartment. Without adequate exercise, they can develop unwanted and destructive behaviors due to frustration and boredom. Family Compatibility A White Shepherd makes an excellent family dog. Because they are so loyal, they will want to protect you from anything harmful, which makes them an excellent guard dog. However, you will need to train them from a young age to understand that not everything is a threat, otherwise they may well bark for hours! We mentioned above how much exercise a German Shepherd needs. As a working dog, they need lots of physical and mental stimulation, so they are the perfect pet for those who are outside a lot. Because they are a large dog, they also need a good amount of space. This includes a back yard that they can run around in. Your German Shepherd will not thrive in a small apartment as they will feel like they are being cooped up and may begin to exhibit destructive behaviors. This breed does have a naturally high prey drive, so you will need to take care when introducing them to children for the first time. That being said, when socialized properly, White German Shepherds love children and will even take your children under their wing. The older your dog is, the harder it will be to introduce them to new things and people, but it still can be done. They also get on very well with other family pets, so there will be no issue there and they will become a loved family member. Training The White German Shepherd is a very intelligent dog and is therefore very easy to train. Their ease of training means that they make a great family dog as well as a dog for couples or individuals. You should train them from a very young age and always use positive reinforcement. This can include verbal praise and yummy treats to show them that they are doing a good job. German Shepherds can be a little stubborn, so you should never punish them or scold them. They are great detectives too, so hiding treats and getting them to sniff the treats out makes a fun game to play! Grooming Unfortunately, your White German Shepherd will shed all year round. This is because their coat is so thick. One way to minimize shed is to ensure that you brush them at least two to three times a week. Bathing is not necessary often — only when they look dirty. Brushing their teeth is very important to prevent dental decay and gum disease, although you can give them dental chews every day to help keep their teeth clean. One way to ensure that grooming your German Shepherd is not a traumatic experience for them is to begin grooming them from a young age. This will show them that there is nothing to be afraid of. Whether you're searching for images to promote your pet-related business or want to add some stunning visuals to your personal project, you've come to the right place. Here, you can find a great collection of white German shepherd images that are sure to catch your attention. Available Image Types Our stock images of white German Shepherds come in a variety of forms, including photos, illustrations, and vectors. You can use photos for more realistic or candid depictions of the dogs, while illustrations and vectors are great for more stylized or abstract versions. Image Usage and Purpose You can use these white German shepherd images in many different ways, from advertising to personal projects. For example, they make excellent additions to websites or social media pages with a focus on pet care, animal shelters or rescue organisations. They can also be effective in educational or informative articles or documents related to dogs or German Shepherds. Tips for Using Images When using these images, it's important to take into account the purpose and context of your project. Consider the style and tone of your project, as well as the target audience. If you are using images for a professional or business-related project, make sure the images are high-quality and of appropriate resolution. Also, be sure to check the usage rights of the images before using them. This is especially important if you plan to use the images commercially. It's typically best to use images with a proper license so you don't face any legal issues in the future. Keywords and Availability If you're looking for white German Shepherd images, you've come to the right place. In addition to the main keyword "white German Shepherd images," other common keywords you may find useful include "dog breeds", "canine", "pets", "animal photos", and "nature". Overall, when it comes to choosing the right images for your project, the most important thing is to pick ones that will convey your message effectively and appropriately. We hope our collection of white German Shepherd images helps you do just that.
Things to do with your English Bulldog Pennsylvania is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Pennsylvania that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Pennsylvania that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Pennsylvania, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Pennsylvania, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Pennsylvania has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Pennsylvania. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Pennsylvania is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Pennsylvania? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. They are situated in the Appalachians of South Western PA and are run by a highly experienced and motivated team of volunteers. Contact: admin keystonebulldogrescue. All dogs that come to ECBR are fully vetted, fixed, and cared for to ensure they are healthy before their adoption day. Contact: sara. Volunteers provide foster care, veterinary care, and rehabilitation for these dogs before they are made available for adoption. Contact: HSrescue aol. They are based in eastern Pennsylvania and work with adopters and shelters in the mid-Atlantic region. American Bulldog Rescue is not a shelter, but an all-volunteer group where the dogs receive loving care in a network of dedicated foster homes until the time when their forever family is found. Contact: Jodi AmericanBulldogRescue. They are the main, most reputable ones. They may or may not have this breed available for adoption at the time of your search. So do bear that in mind. Generally, these rescues should be the basis of your search. And while I spent a lot of time researching to find these rescues, if you were to find others that are not listed that you believe should be, do contact me. Or looking for other breed rescues in PA? Check out my followings guides below:. Since he was attacked by other dogs, he is a bit timid at first. He will be spending more time with her now that he is recovered from his wound and neuter. Good with cats? Good with children? He loves walks to smell around the neighborhood and is always down for a car ride. He had many wounds and a giant wound on his leg. After a few months, he has finally healed! Louie loves meeting people and is very curious to everything and everyone. Louie loves toys, bones, and walks. He is not a fan of the sweeper, and absolutely hates motorcycles. He is not a fan of tubby time, and will fight you the entire time. He his a little timid at first when meeting larger dogs, so slower introductions will be a must for him. He would do best with another relaxed, low key female or would do fine as a single dog. We have been working on listening skills, but still needs finishing touches. He loves to jump so we have been working on getting that stopped. Louie is FULL of energy and loves life. Louie loves a fenced in back yard so he can run around and watch the activity of the neighborhood. Please visit www. Remember - Adoption is always the best option! We cannot place dogs in homes with children under 10 unless that dog has lived with kids or is in a foster home with kids. Thank you. To be considered for adoption, you must apply using our free, online application. Only approved applicants are put into contact with the foster family to setup a meeting with the foster dog. September 11, , pm.
Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article. Customizable Golden retriever memorial. Golden Retriever puppies for sale! Find Golden Retriever puppies near you at Lancaster Puppies. The life expectancy of this crossbreed is around .Golden Retrievers boast golden coats that vary from cream to a rich golden hue. Mini Golden Retrievers do not occur naturally. Our Puppy Placement Specialist team will follow up with you. On-call veterinarian; Full-time medical staff;. They offer the most popular dog breed in Pa, Ohio and more. At Keystone Puppies, we have the ulti-mutt selection of affordable dogs for sale. Find Golden Retriever puppies for sale. There are lots of expenses a breeder must pay to give the best care to their puppies which means this pricey pup might not be. These dogs were created because it feels as though you have a forever puppy in your home! The goal of Mini Golden Retriever breeders was to create smaller dogs that are still healthy but shed less. Moreover, if we talk about the size, it is approximately 20 to 24 inches. Its a small to medium dog breed at about 14 to 20 inches tall, weighing between 20 to 45 pounds. Hip dysplasia, eye problems, and ear infections can be dramatically reduced in. Some dogs are born with a deficiency in their progestins or thyroid hormones. Their low supply and high demand makes breeders increase the price tag. Take a look at the a-dog-able puppies for sale. The average price is higher than it has ever been and has doubled since .A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. Do Mini Goldens shed less? The amount a dog sheds is individual to each dog, but yes, in general, Miniature Golden Retrievers shed less than Standard Golden Retrievers. Our miniature goldens are in all 50 states and multiple continents. There are lots of expenses a breeder must pay to give the best care to their puppies which means this pricey pup might not be affordable for everyone. Miniature Golden Retriever is a cross of the Golden Retriever and the Miniature Poodle, also known as comfort retrievers. Devoted, smart, and friendly, these eager-to-please double-coated gundogs excel in hunting, obedience, field trials, and guiding the blind. Golden Retriever price depends on where you get them and whether you are looking for a companion, working dog or show quality pup. Weekly picture updates will be posted on Social Media. Shed levels are individual to the dog, so while we hope that the majority of our dogs are low shedding, there are those who are moderate to heavy shedders. Mini Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale. We are a busy family with 4 children ages .Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies Cost. To help put things in perspective, below is a chart comparing golden retrievers and mini golden retrievers. Miniature Golden Retriever. Mini Fairytail Golden Retrievers. Goldens are very loyal, and need a whole lot of time to run around and play. If you're looking to purchase one you can get a Miniature Golden Retriever from C and S Ranch, one of the leaders in creating this breed. Mini Golden Retrievers are not purebred. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies. Available Mini Golden Retrievers. If you're looking for a loving family dog in the pound range, then maybe you should consider getting a mini golden retriever. The lifespan of this crossbreed is around 10 to 12 years. The Mini Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are among America's most popular breeds. Ready to go to their forever homes in 1 week from .How much do Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies cost? Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? The Ultimate Golden Retriever Guide. Printable version Email this Page. We have been breeding Mini Golden Retrievers for nearly 20 years. Our goal is to produce a miniature version of the Golden Retriever ranging in size from lbs and about inches tall. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Taylormade Miniature Golden Retrievers. The specific hereditary cosmetics of a Comfort Retriever isn't known as the first reproducer has stayed quiet about this. Standard Goldens usually weigh somewhere between 55 and 75 lbs with females at the lighter end and males at the heavier and measure between 20 to 24 inches in height. On average, they are pounds, but the weights vary greatly. What is a mini golden? A miniature Golden Retriever is a hybrid mix between a golden retriever, a cocker spaniel, and sometimes Poodle. Miniature Goldens are expensive, as one could anticipate from specially bred canines of this caliber. Mini golden retriever price These dogs are not inexpensive. Some of these include season changes, weather. Miniature Golden Retriever Ready Now! Mini Golden Retrievers are a hybrid species resulting from a Golden Retriever mixed with a Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, or another small breed. They began as a mix of Retrievers, Spaniels, and Red Setter. Instead, this is a breed where people select a female Golden Retriever to mate with a cocker spaniel, a poodle, or another small breed dog. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale in Massachusetts. Raising, showing, raising and loving golden retrievers is our passion! By generation we mean f1 versus f1b:. Goldens are merry companions that act like puppies well into adulthood. Although sometimes a smaller or larger puppy may be produced in a litter. Miniatures, however, usually weigh between 20 and 45 pounds and measure between 14 and 20 inches in height. Vet approved, socially secure, healthy, happy pups are our priority, and the only type of pups we have here! What colors do Golden Retrievers come in? It's all in the name. Puppies for sale at Mini Fairytail Golden Retrievers. On average, they are pounds , but the. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. So we can say that these are medium size dogs. This high demand is reflected in the price of a Golden Retriever puppy. An iconic American dog, the Golden Retriever is playful and hard-working. Mini Golden Retriever in NY. Despite that, many people think they are worth it because they are lovely dogs. We register our dogs with the International Designer Canine Registry. Here are a few breeders that have Mini Golden Retriever dogs for sale. These dogs are specifically bred for people looking for a smaller Golden Retriever. We will do our best to make an estimate of the adult size of your puppy, but ultimately we can NOT guarantee adult sizes. Females are inches high and weigh around 65 lbs. Purchasing a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy is a decision you won't regret, and Tex is ready to become your loyal and loving fur baby. We are passionate about these little treasures and our small breeding program. Mini golden retrievers are very expensive up to twice the price of normal golden retrievers , so breeding them could attract people who are in it for the money more than a love for the breed Mini golden. You can expect to pay more for Mini Goldendoodles, whereas Standard Goldendoodles are usually less expensive. In Canada, the average cost of a Miniature Golden Retriever puppy. There are many factors that influence shedding as well. Puppies have been raised around our kids, other dog in busy, noise household since birth. Whilst adults are slightly cheaper to buy they are few and far between. The specific hereditary cosmetics of a Comfort. The puppy-to-go kit that each puppy is sold with comes with a toy or blanket that smells like home, some treats, potty pads, and a bathing and. Nov 5, .The breed standard for a Golden Retriever is lbs, and inches tall. Our Miniature Golden Retrievers range in size from pounds. Due to their friendly nature, everyone loves them. The benefits of mini Goldens: Generally less health problems. They are one of the most expensive sizes of Goldendoodle as they are a designer dog size and need extra care and attention when breeding. The average Mini Golden Retriever weighs 35 lbs 16 kg. Golden Retrievers Mini Golden Retrievers; Height: 22 inches on average: 12 and 18 inches: Weight: 53 lbs 24 kg to 75 lbs 34 kg 29 lbs 13 kg to 51 lbs 23 kg Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years: Up to 15 years: Caloric Intake: to calories per day: to calories per day: Personality: Affectionate, cautious, energetic, and mouthy. Remaining balance due at pick up in cash only. Taylormade Miniature Golden Retriever. They share the same looks as a Golden Retriever, but they are smaller in size. Puppy …. To help put things in perspective, below is a chart comparing golden. Its a small to medium pet dog type at about 14 to 20 inches tall, evaluating between 20 to 45 pounds. Read More If you aren't ready to bring some Comfort home just yet, we strongly recommend that you make a deposit to get on our waitlist. Do Mini Goldens shed. See our pets for sale! All of the fun of a Golden Retriever, in a more comfortable size approximately lbs. The price of Miniature. Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale. If you're still interested, the next section will be extremely important. Mini Golden Retriever Price. Occasionally we may have smaller puppies maturing at closer to 15 pounds and larger puppies maturing closer to 50 pounds. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Washington Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Washington? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Washington? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Life Span Did You Know? The English Cream Golden Retriever is not a separate dog breed from the Golden Retriever ; it is simply a rarer coat color variation. These Golden Retrievers tend to have light white or cream-colored coats instead of honey, golden-brown, or reddish coats. As they are still standard Golden Retrievers, they are recognized by the AKC and other canine organizations and can be registered. An English Cream Golden Retriever has all the same traits as any other Golden Retriever; they are one of the most popular dog breeds and tend to be open, friendly, and make great family pets. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. As long as they are socialized and trained, Goldens tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are even known for being open and friendly with strangers. As one of the kid-friendly dog breeds , Golden Retrievers love attention. These dogs tend to be energetic, full of personality, and are devoted to their families. They also tend to be excitable, which means they can be prone to barking. Training your dog to stop barking early on can help curb this habit and help prevent it from becoming a nuisance. Due to their friendly, gentle nature and intelligence, Goldens can often be found working as service, therapy, or search and rescue dogs. English Cream Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. Their high energy and exuberance make them better suited for homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to ensure they get enough attention, mental stimulation, and exercise. Goldens fare well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they bond so closely with their families and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Some potential health concerns to be aware of in an English Cream Golden Retriever can include canine cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Good breeding practices reduce the risk of these health issues and make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an NCL DNA test, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a cardiac exam at a minimum. English Cream Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable dogs that are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Not only are they one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners , but they also tend to excel at obedience competitions and other dog sports. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered basic commands , move on to other activities or more advanced commands. Anything you learn will help and will only strengthen the bond you are building with your puppy. Plus, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes including socialization. English Cream Goldens may have a lighter-colored coat, but they still have the classic longer Golden Retriever coat that will shed a big year-round and heavier as the seasons change. You will want to bathe them as needed and get your Golden professionally groomed a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Trimming nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing is ideal to keep tartar buildup at bay. This, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Golden Retrievers are known for being high-energy dogs. Like Labrador Retrievers , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They do tend to calm down a little as they grow into adulthood, but will still have a lot of energy. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. Goldens tend to be athletic and versatile dogs. So, once they are done growing and the vet has cleared them for higher-impact activities, you can take them running with you, play frisbee, go hiking, train for dog sports, and more. As one of the most active dog breeds , you will likely run out of energy before they do and they will likely be up for even more activity if you are. An English Cream Golden Retriever generally lives for years on average. Golden Retrievers are one of the dog breeds of famous dogs.
Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! And also cover how you can determine if your Golden is too fat or too thin to ensure your puppy is as healthy as possible. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller, weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .Differences Between Individuals At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. This means at 3 months, your puppy could weigh about 22 pounds, and at 6 months, they could weigh roughly 44 pounds. Golden Retriever Puppy Growth Chart 8 weeks. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:.
She was mated with an exceptionally handsome dog, with good bone and very good confirmation. The Dad is a proven stud, siring very good and strong puppies. He is a working dog and has a lovely temperament. He holds a clear eye certificate. Mum is from a strong litter with an exceptional blood line with working dog breeding. She is a family pet that loves being around people, her favourite playground is the beach running in and out of the sea, and always wants a ball to chase after! She holds a clear eye certificate. All puppies have been Kennel Club Registered and will be microchipped, wormed, flea treated, weaned, and will have had their first vaccinations before leaving home at 8 weeks. The puppies will be ready to collect from Wednesday 29th December after their first vaccination. The Kennel Club registration provides you with 5 weeks free insurance from the day you collect your puppy. You will also be provided with a Contact of Sale. The puppies live inside our family home and have been handled daily by our children making them perfect family pets, they are following a socialisation plan during their time with us. We're a happy, friendly team and would love you to come and visit us at the centre to see our fantastic facilities and all the waggy tails of our doggy guests. We can care for up to dogs at any one time and our facilities include a training barn, veterinary and surgical suite and a dedicated training and rehabilitation unit to enrich the lives of the dogs in our care. By public transport: Closest train stations are Wickford Greater Anglia line , which is about a five-minute drive from the centre, and Basildon and Pitsea C2C line , which are both a minute drive from the centre. The 25 bus runs between Basildon and the rehoming centre and takes about 25 minutes. Parking available on site. Local supporter relations If you are interested in donating In Memory, have questions about our Canine Care Card service, leaving a Legacy or if you would like to book a guest speaker for your Community Group, then please get in touch with your local Supporter Relations Officer Stephanie Disch or calling .Supporting us Donate your pre-loved items. Signage outside will make it clear where you can drop off your donations. We rely on your kind support to continue our vital work, please donate today. How rehoming works. Chelmsford, Essex Description We are so excited to introduce you to our much loved and truly gorgeous litter of Labrador puppies! She is our beautiful black Labrador. She is a pedigree Labrador but is not KC registered. She has the most kind, gentle and loving nature and has been the most wonderful mum to her puppies. Dad, Charlie of Stepford is a kennel club registered fox red Labrador with 32 field trial champions across a 5 generation pedigree. Charlie has been DNA tested clear. He is a handsome, bundle of fun with a gentle and loving soul. The puppies are doing extremely well and have been spoilt rotten by our children and family. They are all getting their own personalities and we are enjoying every minute we have with them. We will continue to keep socialising them as they take their first steps in our busy family home. Our 4 children will make sure they are used to lots of noise and sounds along with love and cuddles! No expense has been or will be spared on both mum and her puppies along with a great deal of time, love and affection spent to ensure they each gets the very best start to life. The puppies will leave for their forever home only 5 star homes will be accepted on the 19th of July ready to be welcomed into their new homes for the school holidays. They will be flead and worm treated, microchipped, and will have had their first vaccinations and a full vet check. They will also leave with a puppy pack including a strip of mums bedding, food, and other goodies. We will be setting up a WhatsApp group for all the puppies to keep in touch with mum and their brothers and sisters. Viewings are welcome in person or via video call. Regular updates and video calls will be made available once your deposit has been paid. I know what an exciting time this is, but it is also an important decision to make so please be sure you can care for our pups properly before you make this commitment. Please feel free to text, wassap, email or call me for any further information. Looking forward to hearing from you. Similar Adverts.
How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement.
This is perhaps the reason why many dog lovers want to buy one nowadays. True, different dog breeds have different needs, but they all have something in common. After all, different breeds tend to have unique personalities. Short-haired shepherd breeds are no exception. They are loyal and obedient Short-haired shepherd breeds are extremely loyal to their owners. But as usual, too much is bad. They are cautious and loving Short-haired German shepherds also tend to be cautious around strangers. And you can expect that your relationship will last forever. After all, the hard-hearted personality of short-haired German shepherds makes it impossible for them to get used to many people at once. Thus, sufficient knowledge about them is necessary in order to avoid disappointment later on. Frequent vacations, trips, and overtime are the perfect ingredients for disaster when it comes to short-haired German shepherds. You only see them as watchdogs It goes without saying that short-haired German shepherds need freedom, just like how other dogs do. So keeping them restrained with chains for a long time will only lead to problems. Paying no attention to their behavior can only spell disaster, so watch out for sudden changes. The best thing about dogs is that you can take advantage of these to suit your needs. Here are some tips on how to do so. Teach them new skills regularly While dogs are known for being fast learners, short-haired German shepherds are beyond that. When buying… Due to the popularity of such breeds, there are many shams selling short-haired shepherd breeds. So, what you need to do is limit yourself to respected breeders. To avoid health issues , you might have to spend more on your initial purchase. They can even shed more than their long-haired counterpart. Purchase chew toys, the durable ones With proper care, short-haired German shepherd puppies can grow with tenacious jaws. Surely no one wants to fix damages in their yards or home, so buy some chew toys. Secure a regular check-up with the vet As previously said, the short-haired shepherd breeds tend to endure the toughest struggles. Even when they appear healthy, they might not be. So send them to the vet once in a while. Ensure a healthy diet If you think their shedding, chewing, and health issues are tiresome to deal with regularly, you can minimize it through their diet. Feed them fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, berries, while providing them protein with meat. If properly fed, they can shed less and experience fewer health issues. Conclusion Short-haired German shepherds are strong, flexible, reliable, and loving dogs. If this is the kind of dog that appeals to your sensibilities, then they might be the perfect fit for you. When properly taken care of, they can be a new addition to your family. And that includes spending money on them along the way. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. It is sometimes referred to as a regular coat or a short stock coat. These dogs are amazingly loyal, and they can feel anxious when you are not around. It explains their unfriendliness to strangers. Moreover, they do not easily make new friends, and a lot of socialization techniques are needed to reduce their aggression and rejection. Short haired GSDs are quite energetic, so they need at least two hours of exercise every day. Your pup will join you in all your activities, be they walking, running, swimming, or riding a bike. Their coat has a double layer, so they can withstand cold and severe weather conditions. However, such a coat needs constant grooming, at least every days, especially in spring and fall, when their shedding can become a true catastrophe for your household. The origin Short haired Shepherd Dogs, as well as long haired, are the result of the long and deliberate work of German breeders, whose goal was to breed an ideal herding dog with a stable mentality and good health. Only those with the best physical and mental conditions were allowed for further breeding. Already at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Shepherd Dogs were reclassified from Shepherds to guards and police dogs. However, the same creator, Max von Stephanitz, advocated strongly for shorter hair on German Shepherds. Then why did he prioritize eliminating the long hair feature from Shepherd dogs? Because lengthy hair hinders the capacity of a dog to work. Long fur is a liability for a large working dog, due to the absence of an undercoat and the ease with which it becomes dirty. Even modern-day working line German Shepherds must be agile and athletic. When long hair became somewhat more troublesome than short hair, breeders producing working dogs began removing the long-haired variety from the stud pool. We can easily recognize them in movies, such as Strongheart or Rin Tin Tin. Size and Appearance A short haired German Shepherd dog is usually athletically built. Its height is inches at the wither, and it can weigh pounds. Males are obviously bigger than females, and they look quite masculine. Their muzzle is long and the ears are erect, facing forward. The back should be straight, and a sloped back that has appeared nowadays can cause severe health problems. The outer layer of the coat is usually dense and located close to the skin. The fur is straight, but sometimes slight waving occurs. The undercoat is wooly and thick because it is meant to protect the animal from severe weather conditions. The short haired GSDs look like wolves. Nevertheless, they can be of different colors. Black, black and tan, sable, gray, or red and black colors are acceptable. However, lighter colors are not popular among breeders and owners. That is why they are appreciated as working dogs in many jobs, including the police and the army. These dogs are perfectly protective. They are always alert if they need to guard the family or household. They can even seem too possessive to their owners. However, these animals are very clever and trainable. They always want to please you. So, if you reward them with some treats, training will have much better results. Separation anxiety is one of the most severe behavioral problems. They feel lonely, frustrated, and anxious if they cannot see you for a long time. They may even start chewing your clothes, footwear, and furniture if you are out. A German Shepherd can start barking and howling, and it may cause some trouble in your relationships with neighbors. Anyway, the dog needs an exciting job to do, even if it is just playing with a toy. To keep your dog healthy and comfortable — adhere to the following care recommendations. Hair A short haired Shepherd has a fairly stiff coat, and during shedding , it covers the entire environment, including the furniture and the carpet. To prevent this from happening, brush your pet twice a week with a special brush. Bathing Two to three baths per year, excluding fall and winter, is the optimal number of water treatments for this breed. Washing more often will cause its coat to lose its natural shine. Teeth Shepherds often suffer from tartar, so once a week they should be given a special chew stick. This could cause its bite to become deformed. Walking A German Shepherd needs to get both mental and physical exercise every day. The best way to do it all at once is to train outside. If you keep your dog in an apartment, take at least two hours of daily walks. Training The German Shepherd requires mental workouts at least three to four times per week for 20 minutes each. It is important to remember that the muscles and joints in puppies under 6 months old are still developing. Training must be demanding but fair and kind. Violence is not permitted. The Shepherd may become hostile or cowardly as a result. It is best to start training your puppy when they are between two and three months old, starting with simple commands. It is advised to get in touch with a qualified dog trainer if you have no prior experience with dogs of those breeds. Feeding For a healthy pet, choosing a balanced diet is crucial. German Shepherds with short hair require a diet high in protein and low in fat. Dry food and natural food are also acceptable. Fish is beneficial to these pets. Calcium-enriched goods should only be consumed in moderation. For the short haired German Shepherd, it is preferable to select premium ready-to-eat food. Make sure there is enough water while using dry food. The following daily feeding schedule is advised by experts. When a puppy is born, it is fed 6 times in the first two months , 5 times in the third month, 4 times from the fourth to six months, and 3 times per day from six months to 1 year. When the dog is older and is considered an adult, meals are only given twice daily. Feed the Shepherd dog at the same time every day. The food should be served at a medium temperature. This is crucial for the development of its proper posture. They may suffer from such health issues as hip dysplasia, heart and eye conditions, and generative myelopathy. Getting insurance is a good idea, too. FAQ How rare are short haired Shepherds? Short haired GSDs are not rare at all. You can see these dogs almost everywhere. According to the AKC, German Shepherds are the third most popular breed, and its short-haired representatives make up most of the population. Short hair is a dominant gene, so the chance to get a long-haired puppy from its short-haired parents is quite minimal. Do short haired German Shepherds shed less? Short haired German Shepherds shed continuously throughout the year, however, the fall and spring are the seasons when they shed the fastest. In contrast, long-haired individuals do not shed more in the fall or spring. However, they must also be brushed on a regular basis. Do short haired German Shepherds Get Cold? Short haired GSDs do not become cold because of their thick undercoat, which serves as an insulating layer and keeps their body heat from escaping, keeping them relatively warm in colder weather. If taught and introduced from a young age, the breed is completely capable of sleeping and living outside. What is a short haired German Shepherd? A double-coated standard German Shepherd is a short haired German Shepherd. It is also known as a regular coat or a short stock coat. Final Thoughts A pet, a reliable guardian, or a dignified exhibitor — the short haired German Shepherd easily copes with any of the roles. The breed combines endurance, trainability, and affection for humans. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Lifespan Sociability Since the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, there are plenty of reputable breeders, and finding a puppy is usually not a problem. That said, they can vary fairly widely in price, as some are bred purely for the pet trade, while others are bred as working dogs and will cost a fair bit more. While the German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world, they are actually a fairly recent breed. German Shepherds as we know them today were first bred in the late s by Max von Stephanitz, with a dog by the name of Horand becoming the first officially registered German Shepherd. They have American Kennel Club recognition. They go by several names. During World War I and II, both Americans and Europeans sought to get rid of the German part of the name due to its association, and the dog thus became known as the Alsatian in most of Europe. Image Credit: Pixabay 4. They are highly intelligent. German Shepherds are widely considered among the most intelligent dogs on the planet. They are immensely popular. According to the AKC, since , German Shepherds have consistently ranked second in the United States for the most popular dog breed, with only the family-favorite Labrador Retriever above them. They served in both World Wars. During World War I, German Shepherds were used by both the Germans and Allied forces for carrying messages and distributing food and as rescue dogs and as personal guards. After the war, soldiers were impressed by the capabilities of the breed. They are Hollywood stars. German Shepherds have long had starring roles in many Hollywood movies, with Rin Tin Tin being the most well-known, with dozens of movies throughout the early s. They were one of the first seeing-eye dogs in the U. Dogs are commonly used as an aid for people with visual impairment or complete blindness. Although this role is now often associated with Labradors or Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds were among the first. There are few dogs more adorable than German Shepherd puppies, and there is no shortage of homes for them. They come in eleven recognized colors. The classic black and tan German Shepherd is the color most associated with the breed, but these dogs actually come in 11 different colors. Their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility are almost unmatched by any other breed, evidenced by their use in so many ways. Short-haired German Shepherds grow inches tall for males and weigh lbs, whereas short-haired females grow inches and weigh lbs. Their height and weight are similar to the medium and long-coated varieties. While long-haired varieties have topcoats that are twice as long as the short-haired dogs, this type has double coats. Short-haired German Shepherds belonging to the working line will be less bulky than show lines. This is primarily due to different genes, but you can exaggerate the size difference with the working lines being trimmed closer to the coat and show lines having their coats fluffed up for conformation events. Temperament Personality Traits of the Short-Haired German Shepherd Since short-haired German Shepherds are classed as the standard of the breed, their personality traits are what you would expect. However, the way you treat them also shapes their personality. The two types begin cultivating different traits, with the long-haired being treated differently than short-haired ones. Socially intelligent Short-haired German Shepherds are socially intelligent because their potential for observation is honed by their owners, who adopt them for work or enroll them in the show circuit. The long-haired types are often adopted by novice dog parents who fall in love with the pup for personal reasons. Nonetheless, both types make good pets. Alert While short-haired German Shepherds can be incredibly alert, this trait is often watered down by lack of reward. Even though you and your doggo might agree on how wrong that is, the social norms dictate that this is fine. Compound this for a year, and you have a best friend who is alert but for very specific things. Loyal Short-haired German Shepherds are loyal dogs , and their loyalty is cemented further as they bond with their owners. They shed more during the fall and spring because of their undercoat change. This means their owners brush them more frequently than long-coated dogs who shed at the same rate year-round. Brushing is therapeutic for the owner and pleasant for the pup because of the attention he receives. As a result, short-haired German Shepherds bond very quickly with their owners. They are interested in exploring and can often get distracted by external stimuli. Coupled with their high energy, this sense can make them hard to handle if not appropriately trained. They need walks, but if they cannot focus, they end up making you walk a longer distance and in more directions than you planned. To avoid this, you must know how to take care of a short-haired German Shepherd. Short-haired German Shepherds shed consistently throughout the year and lose their undercoats rapidly during the fall and spring seasons. Long-haired types, in contrast, do not shed more during fall or spring. However, they too require the same regular brushing regimen. Short-haired German Shepherds do not get cold as their woolly undercoat acts as an insulating layer and prevents their body heat from escaping, which helps them stay relatively warm in colder weather. The breed is perfectly capable of living and sleeping outside if exposed and trained from an early age. Therefore, they too get cold in extreme temperatures but survive relatively cold weather like their short-haired cousins. Again, because this variety accounts for almost the entirety of the breed, I would refer you to my comprehensive article on taking care of German Shepherds. Do you want to learn more about GSD care? Health Common Health Problems Short-haired German Shepherds seem privileged in that they have better acceptance than other types. But there are limits to the perks of any breed, and with long hair, medium, or short, health problems remain a significant concern. Here are some medical complications a short-haired German Shepherd is prone to. Degenerative Disc Disease. The fur sometimes flies among German shepherd fanciers regarding coat lengths. What the hairball, right? The overwhelming majority of German shepherds have moderately short to medium-length hair, as dictated by the breed standard. The term is primarily used to distinguish them from long-haired GSDs. Some long-haired individuals lack an undercoat, and they sometimes cost more due to their rarity. However, they are essentially the same pooch otherwise. Long-haired shepherds also occur, but both the AKC breed standard and UKC standard call for one coat length as we mentioned: medium. Excessively long or short, close-cropped coats are deemed faults. A standard German shepherd has a thick, medium-length coat that may appear slightly longer around the neck and rear legs. This is a point of contention in many breeds with differing looks, including Chihuahuas who can be short or long coated and Labs, who come in three colors. Many owners insist there are behavioral differences between types, while others disagree. Personality Differences Generally speaking, appearance has little weight on personality. A German shepherd is a German shepherd. They are large, athletic dogs who love human interaction and thrive when faced with challenges. Dogs from working lines are usually more active with a strong drive compared to show stock. Health Differences As with personality, there are few health differences noted between the short-coated and long-coated shepherds. Any potential health differences between the two can likely be attributed to the coat length. For example, the long-coated variety may be at greater risk of developing hot spots in wet weather. Also, and somewhat counterintuitively, long-coated shepherds are sometimes more susceptible to hypothermia, since they sometimes lack an insulating undercoat. All dedicated GSD breeders as well as those working with any other breed should screen their breeding stock for common health concerns of the breed. Certain colors can lead to issues, however. For example, pale, blue, and liver colors are considered faults, and white is a disqualifying color. On the other hand, long-haired German shepherds do not meet the breed standard since a long coat is considered a fault. These dogs cannot compete in a show ring. No — short-haired GSDs are not rare. In fact, short-coated German shepherds are more common than those with long coats. Additionally, since long-coated GSDs are seen as going against the breed standard, most breeders avoid producing them, or they choose to sell them on a pet-only contract. The point behind this is line of thinking is that every generation of puppy should strive to reach the breed standard. But on the other hand, because of the rarity of the long-coat gene, some breeders deliberately produce them and charge a premium for these long-haired doggos. Also, note that those who opt to breed long-coated shepherds may not always have the same goals as traditional GSD breeders. Now, while the standard calls for a double coat, the undercoat is sometimes lacking in long-haired GSDs. On the surface, this may not appear to be a big deal, but in colder climates, an undercoat is vital in insulating your dog from the elements, so these long-haired pups may actually have a tougher time staying warm. Because the vast majority of short-haired shepherds have an undercoat, they shed more than longer-coated pups who lack one. They also require more brushing around shedding season to remove any loose undercoat. The same is true of long-haired GSDs with an undercoat. Image from Pinterest. The German shepherd dog has a dense coat that sheds regularly. Weekly brushing is recommended to maintain his handsome looks and cut down on tumbleweeds around the house. Brushing should increase during heavy shedding periods, such as when seasons change. Regular tooth brushing and ear cleaning are also musts to keep him in tip-top shape, as is a good flea prevention program. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.
puppy food seaspray labradoodles - Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Recommended by D Magazine.We have bred and raised rare Labrador Retrievers for 20 years. We consider ourselves boutique breeders; we usually have one litter at a time, and rarely two. Our mature dogs are family members, each and every one. They are raised on our 20 acre Arabian horse ranch, which is fenced in its entirety for the safety of our animals. We have ponds to swim in, birds to chase, and shade trees to relax under on those hot Texas Days. All our puppies are birthed in our home. As each baby is born, Russ and I fuss over each arrival with all the anticipated joy of grandparents. To put it very simply, we adore our dogs. I love the diversity of genetic possibilities. While it is true that we are famous for the rare color of our Labradors-there is so much more that goes into it. Everyone wants a beautiful stunning puppy that stops traffic. We go even further. We try to minimize negative behavior traits, for example, our line of pups and mature dogs are quieter and will rarely excessively bark. We have all experienced or witnessed a neurotic or aggressive dog. This is the type of animal we all wish to avoid. Our Labradors are known for their loyalty, intelligence and charisma-as well as their stunning great looks. This is an easy statement to say, but we can brag for hours on the accomplishments of our labradors. These are all great accomplishments, but the best compliment we ever receive are our heartfelt letters, Christmas Cards and emails from our families that just have to let us know how their dog is unique and truly the best dog ever. We smile because we know, they are our treasures and they are our family members too. We completely understand. My passion for as long as I can remember has been animals. In addition to our rare Labradors, we also isolate unusual genetic qualities of our Arabian Horses. These two passions grew together over time. Horses are also exotic animals that just capture our imaginations and attentions. I have spent 20 years breeding rare Arabian Horses. It is because of the decades spent studying our animals that I see more than most when they look at the animal. I actually see what type of eye is most engaging, the shape of the eye, the type of expression that speaks to us. I can go on and on, but I believe you see what I mean. Legacy-Labs was not created as a business venture. It was created out of a love for the animal. Some people might say that our pups are too pricey but we believe that through decades of breeding, we offer one of the best dogs available on the market. We feel they are priceless. The demand for our puppies has grown substantially over the years yet we refuse to mass produce. It takes all our care and attention to keep all their needs fulfilled. I feel committed to each and every puppy, each and every family. We are committed to the physical, emotional and mental strength of each dog and pup at our facility. This is our commitment to you, as well as our pups. At this time we have three males that are our main sires at Legacy-Labs. Our males do not stand at stud to the public at this time. Please remember we support Limited Registration. Legacy Alamo We support limited registration. Located 20 miles from Downtown Dallas on I.We appreciate your interest and invite your inquiries. For driving directions go to the contact us page. We invite you to browse the happy families we have helped create on our reviews page. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs help children to be more physically fit. All dogs, regardless of breed, need to be walked. Children who take their dogs for regularly scheduled walks tend to exercise more than those who have no reason to get up off the couch and leave the TV. The Journal of Physical Activity and Health concluded that people who walk their dogs generally walk about an hour longer per day than non-dog walkers. In this age where over one-third of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight or obese, exercise is no longer merely a choice of leisure activity, it is a necessity Center for Disease Control and Prevention, .What more pleasurable way for a child to exercise than to run and play with an adored dog? All dogs need exercise regardless of size, so children include dogs when they are running or playing casually—not just on regularly scheduled walks. One of the reasons that I suggest retrievers when parents ask about what kind of dog is best is simply the name. Of course, I grew up with retrievers and I love them, but even more than other dogs, they love to play ball. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Before Texas was claimed in the 18th century as a part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, the Dallas area was inhabited by the Caddo people. The area remained under Spanish rule until , when Mexico declared independence from Spain and the area became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. In , the Republic of Texas broke off from Mexico to become an independent nation. In , Warren Angus Ferris surveyed the area around present-day Dallas. Two and a half years later, John Neely Bryan established a permanent settlement near a river he found and called that settlement Dallas. Dallas was formally incorporated as a city in February 2, .Twin Lakes Kennel is the number 1 resource for Labrador Retriever puppies. We select from the most dominant American field bloodlines and breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability. Our Labs, both puppies and adults, are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country. The end results are the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retrievers possible, making them a most desirable family pet. More than eight thousand 8, Labrador Retrievers have been bred and trained during those thirty-five years. He has won the Ducks Unlimited Open Championships twice. Our Labrador Retriever puppies are the culmination of a 30 year search for the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retriever possible. Our puppies begin a structured socialization program in the litter box and are introduced to birds at six weeks. All our Labrador Retriever Puppies carry a guarantee against hereditary defects and to have basic retrieving instincts. Parents of all our Labrador Retriever puppies are physically sound with certified hips and eyes. They are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country. We guarantee all our Labrador Retriever puppies to be free from hereditary defects. Call Woody and Judi at for more information to learn more about how you can have a Labrador Retriever puppy in Dallas, Texas. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. Lab prices rely on numerous factors, including type American vs. English , coat color silver being extremely rare , breeder experience, pedigree, and more. What if there are no breeders near me with Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Dallas? So relax, and get ready to meet your new friend! We have tough standards in place to protect your puppy and your family from unethical breeders—have a look at our Breeder Pledge for more information. You have countless options for finding puppies online, but vetting all of those options is just about impossible. Uptown is on a mission to bring together the top businesses and breeders in the nation, making it simple and fun for families like yours to find awesome, healthy, happy puppies. What is a puppy mill? A puppy mill is an inhumane, unethical breeding operation where dogs are treated like machines instead of living animals. Puppy mills are all about breeding as many dogs as possible for as cheap as possible. When you adopt a dog from a mill, you run a much higher risk of your puppy getting sick and, unfortunately, dying young. Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Dallas right now? Still searching for your new best friend? Begin your MatchMaker questionnaire right now, and tell us all about your perfect puppy. Uptown makes it super easy for great families to find great dogs from great breeders and companies all across the US. MatchMaker is a FREE process that helps us find out all about your dream dog, letting us match you with our top picks for breeders and companies with upcoming and current litters who fit your preferences. How do I know I can trust you? Being ripped off by an online puppy scam is almost as common as being ripped off by your mechanic. Uptown uses tools like our strict screening process, Breeder Pledge and MatchMaker to create lasting relationships between families, breeders, businesses and, of course, puppies. Take a look at our Alumni to see what we mean!
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puppy food seaspray labradoodles - Of that number, a large amount is returned simply because the owners couldn't care for them. This is especially common for puppies that don't receive proper training. You might think that German Shepherds are exempt from these numbers. They're so obedient. They're trained to be police dogs; they're in the military; they're even trained to herd animals on farms. They take a lot of training to get there, though, especially German Shepherd puppies. While adopting a German Shepherd puppy is possibly one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever think of, it's definitely something to think about before taking the plunge. Luckily, we're here to help you learn all you need to know about taking care of puppies and even what you need to know beforehand. Read on to learn all you need to know about taking care of and raising German Shepherd puppies. Also don't forget to check out our custom german shepherd gifts as well! Ensure You'd Like to Adopt a German Shepherd The very first thing you need to consider is whether or not a German Shepherd puppy is going to match your lifestyle. They're a physically demanding breed that requires a lot of regular exercise and stimulation. If they don't get this, you can expect behavioral problems like chewing on and getting into things they shouldn't a common thing for any breed. They're a particularly aloof breed, but they make excellent and watchful family pets. German Shepherds may take time to warm up to strangers and even children, but with proper training and boundary establishment, they're very well-behaved dogs. The two other large things to consider before you decide; how much their care costs and just how big they can get. While some females can be as small as 51 pounds, some males can weigh up to 90 pounds. Typically, females are smaller than males, but German Shepherds are by no means a small breed. Their average height is anywhere from 22 to 26 inches. If you need a size comparison, the average height of a Pomeranian is around 10 inches tall. The other thing to consider is how much they're going to cost not only to adopt but also to care for. Since German Shepherds are typically a large breed, they're going to cost more to feed, transport, and care for on a day-to-day basis. Tips for Picking a Puppy Once you've figured out whether you can handle the financial responsibility of a German Shepherd puppy , it's time to pick out the puppy themselves. Here are a few things to consider, whether you're adopting from a breeder or a shelter. Look for Signs of Abuse and Neglect Abuse or neglect is likely to be more common in shelter puppies, but it's definitely a possibility if you're adopting from a breeder. Some signs of abuse can include: Food aggression or refusing to leave food when called Separation anxiety Antisocial behavior Submission Submission can be a tricky thing to spot at times, but it isn't impossible to detect. Sometimes in it's a dog's nature to be naturally submissive, and it's an important trait to have if they're going to be around established packs. Here are a few signs of abnormal submission that can point to emotional abuse, though: Cowering in fear or hiding when approached Rolling over or walking away with tail tucked between legs when approached Laying down or cowering while urinating These puppies aren't impossible to rehabilitate, but they're going to require patience. Scolding or becoming angry with an abused puppy will only make the problem worse, so it's smart to consider whether or not it's something you can handle. If you're not adopting from a shelter, it's important to ensure the breeder you're looking to work with is a reputable one. Adopting these breeders is an especially important thing you can do to ensure you're getting a healthy and well-cared-for puppy. Look Out for Their Demeanor But also be aware that, while they're still a puppy, you do potentially have some effect on their personality as they grow older. While there are definitely things you might not be able to change how much they enjoy affection, whether or not they like playing for hours or a few minutes , but there are still a lot of things you can affect. The things you can affect usually have to do with their overall temperament. With proper training and boundary-setting, aggressive puppies can be taught to socialize. The same goes for shy or insecure puppies. Curious and hyperactive puppies are already set up for success on the socialization front, but you'll have to show them proper interactions with other dogs and even humans. Training Milestones Once you've decided on a puppy, it's time to start training. These are important guidelines to take into consideration and also important to ensure you can achieve. While this article is going to focus on GSD puppies specifically, they're also milestones to take into consideration no matter what breed of puppy you decide upon. Socialization Socialization is important for any breed because it ensures that you can take your dog out in public safely. It is especially important, however, for German Shepherd puppies from the age of weeks old. As we talked about earlier, this breed is naturally protective of its owners. That's why it's important to establish from an early age which strangers are friendly and what situations are not a threat. The more variety you can provide with your puppy's interactions, the better. This means typical interactions, like going for a walk or visiting the dog park, but also rarer ones. Some examples might be a blind person's white cane that helps them navigate or meeting a person in a wheelchair. While these interactions aren't exactly uncommon to see, if your puppy is unfamiliar with them as they grow older, they might see them as a threat the first time they come across them. The most important thing to remember when it comes to proper socialization, however, is that your puppy will pick up on your cues. This means that confidence is key when it comes to training. If you're nervous the entire time you're attempting to socialize your dog, they're going to notice and become hesitant as well. Ensuring that you're safely exposing your puppy to new sounds, smells, and sights will give you both the confidence needed to live and work together. Crate Training Crate training is a great way to help your puppy avoid developing social anxiety. Like socialization, confidence and safety are crucial to this particular method of training. Your puppy's crate isn't a punishment. In fact, it's usually seen as a safe space for them to go when they want some alone time. To start crate training, begin by placing them in their crate for feeding times and when you sleep at night. It might be difficult when you first start, but it's important to stay consistent, as this shows your puppy that their crate is a place they're safe in. It's also great to leave them in their crate when you leave the house. How long you're gone is going to depend on their age the older they get, the longer they can wait to use the bathroom , but it's still a good way to ensure they're safe when left alone. House Training Crate training is also a great way to supplement house training — especially for GSDs. House training is usually simple for this breed, especially accompanied by supervision, patience, and consistency on the owner's part. When you first bring your puppy home, it's important to take them out at least once an hour, though this number will go down as they get older. Reward them when they use the restroom outside, and don't punish them if they have an accident inside. When you use harsh reinforcement, like shoving their nose in their urine, they're not necessarily going to understand what's going on. Instead, if they have an accident and you catch them in the act, simply pick them up and take them outside. This shows them where they're supposed to go, reinforcing the boundary rather than training from a place of fear. Chewing The same goes for chewing on or getting into items they're not supposed to. Yelling, hitting, or scaring your puppy is not an effective way to train them. Instead — when they're getting into things they shouldn't — remove the item from their possession or move them to a different location while firmly saying "no. In this case, toys are expected to be chewed on. Setting clear boundaries and expectations from day one is not only going to make training your puppy easier, but it's going to make it easier for them to trust you. Obedience Training Starting at three months, obedience training should take place for your puppy. This includes basic commands, impulse control, and teaching them which behaviors are inappropriate for them to exhibit. For impulse control, that means teaching them to stay when food is set in front of them. Inappropriate behaviors will depend on the owner, but this usually means things like excessive barking, digging, chasing especially cats and cars , or even jumping and begging. Establishing trust is important for your dog because the key to obedience training is having their focus be on you. You're the one giving the cue, so they have to be able to trust that you're guiding them appropriately. Having your puppy sit before getting food, being greeted by house guests, playing with a toy, or opening the door to go for a walk is a great place to start. In these situations, the more you can have the puppy's attention on you instead of the impulse, the more effective their training will be. That means lots of positive reinforcement with lots of treats! After 1 Year For many breeds, one year old is considered the "end" of puppyhood, but for a lot of german shepherds , that doesn't come until the age of two to three years old. It's important to continuously reinforce training methods like impulse control, obedience skills, and even possibly advancing to other, more specific, training skills like agility, herding, and even protection work. GSDs are capable of performing all these duties and even excel at them. When you give your puppy something a job to focus on at certain points throughout the day, you give them something to look forward to — dogs of any breed thrive on this. No matter what decision you make, a puppy will make a wonderful addition to any family they're added to — German Shepherd puppies are no exception to this. Overall, the breed is a very loving, loyal, and protective breed. They're going to have a natural affinity for you from the start. If you give them the proper love, affection, and training, you're definitely going to reap the rewards of the decision you made to adopt. Once you decide to adopt, your puppy is going to need a few supplies of its own. Check out our custom german shepherd gifts to show off your love for your puppy no matter where you both choose to venture. So, while this is not a reason not to get a GSD, it is a reason to look for adequate breeders, to ask for health certificates, to take good care of your dog, and to go to routine vet check-ups. German Shepherds can also be costly to take care of not just to purchase The regular vet visits, the high need for exercise, and the extra-space requirements all make the GSD a relatively expensive dog to take care of in terms of money as well. German Shepherds are very smart but that also makes them easily bored — they require lots of mental stimulation As with all smart dog breeds such as retrievers and other shepherds, the high intelligence of the GSD can be a curse as much as a blessing. So, what can be done to avoid boredom? Toys and time. However, an inexperienced dog owner can find a GSD to be more than a handful. Why is that? Simple — because they are so smart! Yes, their intelligence means that you can train them a lot but it also means they can be temperamental, manipulative, and stubborn! This breed is cute and cuddly at home but socially awkward in public German shepherds are incredibly cute, social, and loving animals. They are loyal to their family and would do anything for those close to them. What does this mean for you? Even if you just get a random GSD and not give it any special training or socialization, the dog may still get along just fine with a cat or a newborn baby. However, in general, the social awkwardness and guard-dog nature of GSDs means that they often need to be socialized well if you want to make other additions to the households down the line. Make sure that you teach your growing GSD to get along with other dog breeds in the dog park or at home. If you have a cat or are thinking of getting a cat, make sure your German Shepherd is accustomed to interacting with cats without any aggression. One of the best and easiest ways to avoid most of the problems above is to just get a second German Shepherd! Yes, we did just say that this breed can be a handful. However, a second dog usually brings much more benefits than negatives: The second dog will join the first in the playtime, meaning that both will exercise with each other very often and minimize the need for your involvement. Having a second GSD also means more mental stimulation for both dogs — again, less work for you and more fun for them. As natural guard dogs, German Shepherds may need to be trained not to bark Unfortunately, GSDs are especially bad for apartment owners not just because they are big but also because they tend to bark at strangers. They are guard dogs after all. This can be avoided, of course, there are ways to train any dog not to bark at strangers or at outside noises. There are several reasons for this: The frequent barking we mentioned above. Yes, you can train that behavior away but your landlord may still forbid you from getting a GSD. Getting a carpet or another type of floor insulation will help here. Giving your dog enough playtime outside will also alleviate this problem. But you may still get in trouble with your neighbors. They are just a large breed and many people, including parents of small children, are afraid of large dogs. Not only are GSDs not hypoallergenic, but they also tend to shed a lot! There are two main reasons for this: The aforementioned health concerns that some German Shepherds have and that get more and more likely as the dog gets older. The simple fact that the GSD is a large dog breed and larger breeds just have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. As you can see, there are lots of factors to consider before getting a GSD. In general, the right GSD owner can be characterized as such: Has a larger-than-average home, a yard, and a nearby dog park. Has enough time to spend with a German Shepherd. Knows how to train and socialize a GSD properly. Has the financial means to support a German Shepherd. Wants a second dog to play with the first one. How to prepare for getting a German Shepherd? Just like soon-to-be-parents before their first baby, there are lots of books and research to comb through if you want to give your future German Shepherd the care, upbringing, socialization, and care it needs. So Make sure your home is ready for a large dog to soon start springing through it. Make sure you have the time and daily schedule to play with a GSD. Consider owning a Cairn Terrier! In this article, we explore who would benefit them as furry friends! Check them here! Read on to discover nine types of people who should consider owning this unique breed. Check this article to learn more about the types of people who are perfect for owning a Poodle dog! Fans of the breed love them for their loyalty, courage, and intelligence. As family pets, they can be taught many things and thrive at being mentally challenged and trained. Since they were bred to work, they have a lot of endurance and energy that needs to be expended each day. Despite being so active, German shepherds also have a softer side. Their level of loyalty to their owners is unsurpassed. They love nothing more than to be near their family and the closer the better, so they can do their job of looking after those they adore. Because they have such a close bond with their owners, they make excellent companions and enjoy going on trips, car rides, walks, hikes, and are always up for an adventure. Anyone wanting to adopt or buy a German shepherd should do their research to see if this magnificent breed fits into their life to avoid problems down the road. Here are 15 things you can expect when you own a German shepherd: 1. Puppy biting When you bring home a German shepherd puppy, you can expect lots of nipping, puppy biting, and mouthing. All puppies explore the world with their mouth and nose, but some new owners are caught by surprise by just how much German shepherd puppies like to nip at their owners. As herding dogs, German shepherds have a high prey drive that results in a desire to herd and gather. Exercise is a must German shepherds are very active and as working dogs have lots of endurance. They are strong, athletic, and agile. They require lots of age appropriate exercise to meet their physical needs. The good news is, exercise can come in many forms. A dog genius German shepherds are very smart and they need to exercise their mind as well as their body. They require training and also need to have fun to be happy and fulfilled. They love to learn but require a strong leader and training to development into the amazing dog they were born to be. A bored German shepherd is a destructive and anxious German shepherd and that includes challenging their mind, training them, and teaching them new things throughout their life. To pay for healthy food German shepherds are notorious for having sensitive skin and stomachs and need high quality dog food to keep them from developing health problems. By investing in and feeding them high quality food, it may help avoid health problems and expensive trips to the vet down the road. A good diet begins in puppyhood and starts with a good quality large breed puppy food. Sweep and vacuum up lots of dog fur German shepherds have a dense coat and shed year-round. To keep up with the dog fur, expect to sweep and vacuum often. If dog fur drives you nuts, they are probably not the breed for you. To groom often Along with sweeping and vacuuming, German shepherds need lots of grooming. A protector German shepherds are very protective of their family and need training and socialization from a young age so they know what you expect of them. As a herding dog, they naturally have a strong guarding instinct and consider it their job to look after their owner. This is great except they must learn how to interact with the world and should not be allowed to guard food, resources, toys, territory, and people. Mess makers Along with their shedding, they are also mess makers! They love to play with their toys and strew them all over the house, drip water all over the floor, roll in the grass, and play in mud and dirt. They will leave their nose art all over your windows and doors and basically leave a trail wherever they go. They have adorable personalities and will do the funniest things to make you smile. Fun playmate German shepherds love to play. Play time is also a great time to provide with their daily exercise. They love nothing more than to chase a ball, catch a Frisbee, carry big sticks, play tug, and more. They have built in alarms clocks and will happily wake you up to take them out, feed them, exercise, and play. They love to follow you everywhere and go wherever you go. They use their body language and vocalizations to communicate their needs. They are masters at telling you when they want to eat, go outside, are frustrated, or want to play. Some will want to pet your dog and some will want you to go away. Owning a German shepherd automatically make you an ambassador of the breed and carries a responsibility to educate the public about how amazing they are. Best friend forever German shepherds are the most loyal breed ever. They will happily spend every day of their life living to be with you, love you, make you happy, and protect you. They are a friend like no other and deserve nothing but the same in return. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog. Common health problems in German Shepherds German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips. There is a screening test for this. There is a screening test. Inherited eye diseases — including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Pituitary dwarfism — a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan. Haemophilia A and B — bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. Training and socialisation Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training — consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules. German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours. As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours. Exercise Be prepared — German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go. German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential. Grooming Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair especially if they have a longer coat. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate German Shepherds and children Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds and other pets To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Fun facts The first guide dogs for visually impaired people were German Shepherds. They were originally bred to be herding dogs, an instinct which still remains strong in the breed. They need lots of exercise and plenty to do to stop getting bored. Make sure you have enough space and time to give them the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a German Shepherd. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in German Shepherds are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. German Shepherds are smart, loyal, naturally protective, and friendly. Without proper training and socialization, German Shepherds can develop nervous habits and overly-protective behaviors, just like most breeds. You might be wondering: What traits should I be watching for in my German Shepherd puppy? This intelligence, when left to its own devices, can lead to problematic behaviors. With early training and socialization though, you can help to prevent some of these common issues from coming up. A few of the most common include: Over-Protectiveness — German Shepherds are naturally protective. They want to protect the family unit. This protectiveness can become problematic if it manifests as aggression towards strangers or other animals. Examples include lunging at the mailman, or aggressive barking at passers-by. Introduce them to new people, new situations, and new noises. Socialization helps your puppy develop confidence and to learn what types of people and situations are non-threatening. Unfortunately, when they become over-territorial, this can be unsafe for visitors. Often, too, Shepherds can become territorial over food, growling, barking or lunging at anyone or other animals that come into their space. Exercise, obedience training, and rewarding calm behavior can all help to alleviate territorial aggression. Digging or Destructiveness — German Shepherds, require rigorous mental and physical exercise. They get bored very quickly, and often, this boredom manifests itself in destructive behavior. When bored, your pup might try to seek attention too, another common reason for the destructive behavior, like digging excessively or chewing up a shoe. Providing daily physical exercise, as well as training mental activity can help prevent boredom. Nipping — Many young dog breeds nip starting at around 6 to 9 months old. This is fairly typical behavior, but with Shepherds, it can be a bit scarier as get bigger. Separation Anxiety — German Shepherds, love you and want to always be by your side! Unfortunately, work and vacation make that impossible. You might also start with shorter trips when you first bring your pup home. Obedience training is imperative, and you should include your whole family in the training process. This will help your dog learn that he is not the alpha. Ultimately, the best way to weed out problematic behaviors is to start a training regime very early. German Shepherd puppies want to learn and put their intelligence to good use. Owners must be consistent in their training. Using the right cues, rewarding the right behaviors, and communicating with your dog properly is very important. The best way is to learn the right way to train a pup is to seek the help of a German Shepherd trainer. Taking a course teach you how to properly communicate with your dog and provide you with techniques to redirect negative behaviors. It starts with the breeder. Find a breeder that breeds for temperament and health. The best breeders take great care to produce animals that are calm, confident and loving. It requires careful pedigree planning and selecting the right sire dad and dam mom who show well-adjusted temperaments. Similarly, the best breeders will also be happy to provide a pedigree for the animal and are glad to answer the phone when you have any training concerns. For more information or if you may have questions, please contact us here.