saint bernard german shepherd puppies

Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold. Place the tray in the oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your Labrador Retriever gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator. Ingredients 1 lb. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings. Rice preparation. Once done, set aside. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa — a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. Ingredients 1 pound of ground turkey 1 cup of quinoa 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped 1 cup of green beans, finely chopped 1 cup of spinach, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fish oil A sprinkle of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, optional Directions Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft. Finishing touches. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your Labrador Retriever gets essential vitamins and nutrients. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them. Beef cooking. Once done, drain off any excess fat. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Labrador Retriever, cookbooks can be useful for various recipes. Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Labrador Retriever is fed the right dog food. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice. Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid. If yes,then you are at the right place. We are here to talk about a few home-cooked food options which are very much suitable for your pet and healthy as well. As a responsible dog owner, one should know that not all human food options are suitable for your dog, for example-Chocolate, lemon, grapes, raisins, onions, alcoholic beverages, tomato are poisonous to your dog even in small quantity. Many food items which the human digestive system can handle well may not be suitable for your dog like cow milk which causes frequent loose motion. Non-veg food options:- 1 Boiled chicken and rice— Dogs love this food. You can even give this every day to your dog without any harm. You can give them this food or mix dry food with plain boiled chicken. Although I have tried brands of dry food, I give boiled food to each of my 4 dogs every day at noon and give dry food only at night. Ideally you should give full meals to your dog not more than twice a day. In case you are unable to buy dry food and want to give this as a regular diet, you can do so without any harm, just make sure to add a few supplements like beaphar salmon oil. This is because, while chicken has abundant amount of protein, it lacks omega fatty acids otherwise found in fish. For puppies without developed teeth, make sure to avoid hard bones. You can also add a variety of vegetables like broccoli, spinach, cabbage, carrots, beans, apple. Also the chicken broth you get while boiling chicken, be sure to include it in the meal. Also, make sure the brand you are using is free from hydrogenated oils, excessive salt and harmful sweeteners like xylitol. Cheese too works well as treats in small quantity. Be sure to not feed too much cow milk cheese as it may cause loose motion. Also, cheese is rich in fat and some dogs may be lactose intolerant. Curd and yogurt in small quantities are acceptable. To spice things up, you may add vegetables, eggs or rice for a fuller meal. Turkey is also harmless for dogs. You can give boiled sweet potato, ghee in limited quantity , potato, carrot, ginger. You can give your dog sugarcane, watermelon, guava, cucumber, mango, pineapple or banana. Just avoid citrus fruits like lemon, orange, and fruits that are too salty or sour. You should be in the clear. Apple can be given but seeds need to be taken out as they contain traces of cyanide which is poisonous for your dog even in small quantity. If you are aware of more food options known to be liked as well as beneficial for doggies, be sure to mention them in below comments. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. Small Pets Indian Homemade Food that can be given to Labradors and Golden Retriever Dog Breeds Pet dogs are so very aligned as first of the kin in most dog loving Indian homes that it is impossible not to share the human food tid bits with them. The pleading gaze of big brown eyes are hard to avoid and it seems almost cruel at that time to not share our food. But there is always an apprehension regarding the suitability of the human food for our dogs and puppies. Premium commercial dog food brands like Royal Canin , Hills Science plan and Solid Gold Dog Food offer complete and balanced nutrition to assure fulfillment of all basic needs of the pet. In respect to the safety and health of the dogs , you would be glad to know that there are plenty of human foods which the dog can eat to acquire protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. So one does need to walk consciously, but anddo understand that most things which are healthy for you may not be as healthy or even fatal for our four-legged companion. Boiled or scrambled egg, chicken, fish, mutton, beef, pork are all commonly eaten at home and are good sources of protein and fats. Chicken is being a popular dish in most non-vegetarian Indian kitchens is often shared with the home grown and stray dogs, pl ensure to avoid any dinner table offering that entails onion, garlic, excess oil and spices. Even cooked chicken bones are not recommended as it is brittle and may cause oral injuries and in some cases even fatal obstructions in the intestines of dogs that will be required to remove surgically. Grains and Pulses Whole grains like brown rice, wheat, oats, barley, millet and quinoa and pulses supply various important nutrients to the dog. A blend of brown rice and mashed boiled vegetables constitutes an easy and good healthy meal for your furry friend. Some of the dogs can be allergic to wheat; for rest of the doggie population it can be safely eaten in the form of chapatti Indian wheat bread and whole wheat pasta without salt, sugar and acidic sauces. Soybeans also go well with dogs, provided your dog is not sensitive to it. Whole wheat or brown breads can be fed in small quantities. Do not feed these 10 foods to your dog. Storehouse of important vitamins, minerals and fibres, fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories. They not only make one healthy and energized but also cut the risks of several diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and certain cancers. Though low in calories, any fruit or vegetable carry the risk of upsetting the stomach in case of excessive intake. Fruits Fruits are a great power snack to quench in-between meal time hunger. Banana, oranges without rinds , watermelon, muskmelon, berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries , mango are great fruits for dogs. Serving a blend of fruits to the dog, cut into chewable pieces, mixing various flavours, will make fruits more interesting for the dogs. While feeding an apple, just take a very good care to remove all the seeds as they are poisonous for the dog. Certain seeds, like apple seeds contain cyanide which may not be harmful for us because of the small dose of toxins. But the same dose can prove poisonous to our dogs. Grapes and raisins are a complete No-No for the dogs; they can cause irreversible kidney damage — just keep the dogs away from them. Vegetables Boiled, cooked, peeled, raw or as scraps — vegetables are good for your dog. The fresh and crunchy vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cucumbers and spinach are good for health and do a lot of good to the teeth of the dog as well. Sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin, bottle guard, peas, tomatoes compulsorily ripe and potatoes boiled or mashed are also much loved veggies. Onions are not be ingested by the dogs in any form raw, cooked, dried, powered as it can damage the red blood cells of the canine. Garlic is also capable of harming the red blood cells of the dog; some people argue that garlic in small quantities act as natural antibiotic. Raw veggies can be eaten by dog but when it comes to relatively greater quantity, the vegetables should be boiled and then mashed or cut into chewable pieces. Treats In small amounts, our canine partners can enjoy cottage cheese, peanut butter, popcorns sans salt and butter , sunflower seeds shelled and plain white yogurt. More natural and plain a treat is — minimum sugar, salts, preservatives — more will they suit the health of your dog. BUT do remember that chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts, raisins are toxic for your pet. Be very careful with them. Certain dogs, just like humans, can be lactose intolerant; apart from them, milk, in moderate quantities, can be safely digested by all dogs. Cottage cheese is loved by most dogs. Curd and buttermilk are also good sources of prebiotics and calcium. It is recommended that before you offer a new food item to your pet you should consult your vet. Allergies and reactions to particular food stuffs would vary from dog to dog, so it is a good habit to observe your dog each time you feed it a new eatable. Care should be taken to avoid artificial sugar and have minimal salts pinch of salt a day would suffice. About Shikha Sharma Shikha Sharma believes that Mother Earth is our mutual abode, where all creatures have an equal right to live with dignity. This belief is clearly reflected in her wonderful writing pieces that revolve around animals and their well-being. She is the blog editor of Pets World. More like this.

Despite the fact that play biting, or mouthing, is normal dog behavior and may be cute at 8 weeks, if not curbed, as the dog grows, it can become downright painful and a nuisance to get under control. The correction is very simple-the puppy on the receiving end of the painful bite will yelp and stop paying with the offending puppy. After a beat or two, the play resumes but this lesson eventually teaches the pups how to control the intensity of their bites on each other. Controlling mouthing, along with house training, is usually one of the first lessons puppies learn and it takes time, consistency, and patience to get past this phase of life. There are usually two types of dog owners, those that allow some play biting and those that allow none. Teaching a dog not to bite human skin is the purpose of this article and has many benefits to the dog and owner. How to teach your dog to stop mouthing: Very young puppies explore their worlds with their mouths and will need continuous training and reminders. When a young puppy bites hard, let out a loud yelp and allow your hand to go limp. That sends the message that the game is over for the moment. You can expect your puppy to resume play and each time he bites too hard, you will repeat the yelp to get his attention and praise the moment he stops biting. If this is not effective for the young puppy, when the puppy bites hard, yelp and when he lets go remove your hand for 15 seconds. This will teach the puppy that rough play ends the fun but gentle play continues it. As the puppy grows, training him to stop biting skin can begin. How to teach a puppy to stop biting skin: Substitute a chew toy when the puppy gets too rough or bites fingers and toes. When the puppies is overexcited and play bites when being handled or petted, feed treats or distract with a toy while you handle him. Encourage age appropriate play, chase the ball or tug rather than biting your hands. If the puppy bites your pant legs, shoes, ankles, and feet, offer a tug as an alternative. Carry the tug with you during puppy training or play times. Provide a variety of toys and textures for the puppy to explore. If possible, allow the puppy to play with other puppies or friendly dogs. As the puppy grows, if he bites our skin, continue to yelp and stop the play. As he matures, you can also turn your back on the puppy to stop play. Never entice your puppy to bite by smacking his face or waving your fingers in front of him. Never use your hand as a tug toy or allow him to pull on your body parts. Your goal is to startle your dog so he stops playing and mouthing for 10 to 20 seconds. Once your dog has learned to control his bite pressure the next step is to teach him to stop mouthing completely. When your dog gently mouths you, begin yelping and redirecting him to a chew toy whenever he touches your skin. If he continues to put his mouth on your skin then yelp and walk away from him for 30 to 60 seconds. Continue playing games and redirecting him with toys until he stops mouthing. If your dog is still mouthing you after you've tried all of these training options then you may want to try redirecting him by putting dog repellent sprays or bad tasting mouth wash on your hands. The last thing you want to happen is to frustrate your dog and have him become aggressive or fearful of you. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Knowing how to discipline a German Shepherd for biting and nipping will not only help save your hands and legs from tiny razor-sharp teeth… But teaching your GSD puppy to stop biting can also help you with valuable training skills! How do you discipline a German Shepherd for biting and nipping? Follow these steps to discipline your German Shepherd for biting or nipping you. If they still continue to bite and nip, calmly get up and walk away to let them calm down. You can also get your puppy to stop biting by working on their impulse control. Never use physical punishment, yell at your dog, or cause them to fear you. Instead, use reward-based training to teach your GSD what behavior you want them to do instead. There is also extra information you need to know about disciplining your German Shepherd for biting, such as: Why your puppy bites and nips you How to avoid biting and nipping in the first place And what not to do! You might find it cute that your fuzzy little German Shepherd puppy biting your hand or ankles is cute but… Think again! Imagine your dog all grown up as a nearly 90 to pound athletic powerhouse — full of large, adult-size teeth. Some people incorrectly assume that discipline means punishment. This is your essential guide to learn how to discipline your German Shepherd for biting and nipping. Why is my German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping? Is your sweet puppy biting and nipping you all of a sudden? Read below to find out why. When my adorable German Shepherd puppy came home to me her antics were so much fun! I loved to move the toys to play her favorite games and keep her entertained. But, my hands looked like I had accidentally adopted a baby tiger after our playtimes! There were scratches, puncture wounds, and she could even draw blood! German Shepherd puppies love to play and do so by barking, play growling, and nipping their little brothers and sisters. But now, you and your family are the littermates! Puppies quickly learn that if they bite too hard their littermates stop the play, and the fun ends. This is a valuable life lesson for living with people and families. And even studies show that removing a German Shepherd puppy before they are 8-weeks-old could negatively affect their behavior as adults source. Your new German Shepherd must continue to learn bite inhibition skills when you first bring them home. Is yours? German Shepherds get their razor-sharp baby teeth around 2-weeks-old. The baby teeth have usually all grown in by 6 to 7 weeks of age. So, when your pup comes home, around 8-weeks of age to live with you, all 28 of their baby teeth are ready for nipping and biting. When the adult teeth grow in they can irritate the gums and cause your dog discomfort. This leads to your pup looking for things to chew to help soothe their teething pains. You might find tiny teeth on your carpet or on the ground, but most of the baby teeth are swallowed by your pup. Chewing is a natural way to help the pain go away and is very normal. During these times a frozen Kong filled with a mix of treats helps to cool the inflamed gums and soothe their aches. Keep a few frozen Kongs on hand during the teething stage to offer your German Shepherd puppy to stop them from chewing and biting everything in sight! Your German Shepherd comes from a long line of working dogs that were originally bred to herd sheep. These instincts still remain with your dog to this day. German Shepherds bite and nip your ankles due to this natural herding ability and powerful prey drive. This need to herd is in their genes and, unfortunately, your ankles will have to do when there are no sheep to round up! Absence or Lack of Mental Stimulation A bored, mentally understimulated German Shepherd might act out and need brain games. German Shepherds, even puppies, are highly intelligent dogs with a never-ending supply of stamina. Mental stimulation exhausts their minds and bodies! A pup that lacks proper mental stimulation finds themselves looking for ways to keep their brains busy, which generally means getting into trouble. Too Tired or Lack of Sleep A wild German Shepherd probably needs a long nap to help them become their sweet self again. Did you know that puppies sleep 18 to 20 hours a day source? A German Shepherd puppy who is nipping and biting a lot might just be cranky from lack of sleep, and not willfully acting out. Begin teaching them by using body language, hand signals, voice commands, and showing them the right behaviors you want from them. If they continue aggressively biting you, place them in a short time out. Always use positive training and avoid harsh punishment and corrections. You can practice these techniques by following the steps below for disciplining your German Shepherd for biting. Teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition during play. You can teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition to help deter their nipping! There might come a time when your dog is in fear, pain, or discomfort and they put their mouth on you. If your German Shepherd has learned bite inhibition during their play, then they understand to not bite down hard and avoid injuring your skin. You can play these fun games with your German Shepherd while teaching them to not bite you. Slowly move your hand or leg away from them. Try to relax your hand and body so that your puppy is less interested in holding on with their teeth. Stop all play and interaction for five seconds. Then resume activity, but remember no interaction means no talking, no eye contact, and no petting. Sometimes, those sharp puppy teeth are too painful or break the skin! Show your puppy that biting or nipping ends the play. If your German Shepherd is aggressively biting you, show them that this behavior ends the play. But hard bites that draw blood or break your skin mean no more playtime. How to show your German Shepherd that biting and nipping ends play If your dog hurts you painfully during play, quietly and calmly turn away and stand up. Walk away from your puppy, preferably into another room of the house. Leaving play when your GSD becomes too rough is a way to calm them by withdrawing your attention from their rough behavior. Place them in a short time out for continued biting. Sometimes, a short time-out is required for hard nipping and biting. There will be times when your puppy is acting out so badly you might need to place them in a short time out. Time outs are not meant to be punishment, but a moment of calm. Do NOT let them become worked up or stressed if your separation is too much for them. Give your German Shepherd the right things to chew. Help your German Shepherd stop biting you by giving them something else to chew on. You already know your German Shepherd is biting you, so anticipate the biting behavior and substitute a toy for your hand or ankles. Even better… Keep a few small toys in your pocket to offer them as they race around the house. What toys do German Shepherds like to bite and chew? The key to using this toy is to roll it away from yourself when your puppy is aggressively nipping and biting you. Read this hand-picked content… just for you! Instead of letting your dog chew on whatever they want, find appropriate toys to reduce their boredom and give them a place to put their teeth. Redirect biting ankles and legs by using a food lure. A tasty treat comes in handy when your GSD bites at your legs and ankles. Your legs and feet are also enticing since they move and change directions frequently. When your German Shepherd bites your ankles or feet, calmly take a treat out of your pocket and hold the treat near the side of your leg. This disciplining technique also has the added benefit of teaching your dog the first steps of walking nicely on a leash with you. Train a gentle mouth when taking food from your hand. Teach your dog that only a gentle mouth gets its reward. Training your German Shepherd to take treats or kibble with a gentle mouth is extremely easy. Teaching your GSD puppy what is acceptable pressure with their mouth helps to avoid their sharp teeth from damaging your skin or tearing your clothes accidentally. Training a soft mouth with your German Shepherd When feeding your dog a treat, keep the treat pinches between your fingers slightly. This is so your puppy has to lick or nibble at the treat to get it. Instead, pull your hand back slowly. Now, offer your puppy the treat again. When he switches to just licking or using a soft mouth to nibble the treat out release the treat. Withdraw your hand. Wait a few seconds before offering your hand with the treat again. Practice teaching a gentle mouth at least 3 to 5 times daily in short sessions only about 2 to 3 minutes long. Pay attention to the types of items your German Shepherd prefers to pick up and chew. Is it something hard? Then, replace it with a hard, tough chew toy. Is the item soft? Try replacing the item with a furry toy instead. If you want a rock-solid leave it, then use this guide to train your German Shepherd the leave it command. Enroll them in a training class. A structured training class helps your German Shepherd learn to listen to you. But, think about this… Using an online program helps give you confidence in your skills as a trainer and will help train your little play biter to offer more polite responses in the future. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation.

While litter box training does not replace a dog's need to run and play outdoors, it can keep your home cleaner with fewer accidents. The type of litter you purchase is extremely important, as a puppy may try to eat it. Choose a natural litter that does not clump to avoid an emergency visit to your veterinarian. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your puppy will be using the litter box on his own every day. Step 1 Choose a location in your home for your puppy's litter box training. If you have been using housebreaking pads or newspaper for your puppy, place the litter pan nearby. Choosing a tile or hardwood floor area is wise to make accidents easy to clean up. Step 2 Fill a disposable cookie sheet or pan with wood pellets or recycled paper litter. A cookie sheet is smaller and therefore easy for a little puppy to climb into and jump out. Wood pellets or litter made specifically for dogs is larger and more absorbent than traditional cat litter. Once it is soiled, it will break down to a sawdust consistency. Step 3 Place your puppy in the litter pan. Continue placing your puppy in the pan hourly. Each time you place him in the pan, give him a vocal cue such as "go on" or "potty. Your puppy may still have a few accidents, or not get his entire body into the box before attempting to use it. Do not punish him for accidents near the box. Instead, continue placing him in the box at regular intervals. Step 4 Replace the cookie pan or sheet with a litter box large enough to accommodate your growing puppy. Place the litter box in the same spot as the disposable pan for consistency, and show the new pan to your puppy. Tips If you notice your puppy begin to relieve himself outside of the pan, make a noise such as a clap or whistle to distract him, and place him in the litter pan. We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary. Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? 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Otherwise called Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , this condition is very common in pets all across the world. We all know that French bulldogs love to eat, but did you also realize how much they can suffer from bloat? The condition of gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV is a serious problem that can be fatal if left untreated. It progresses quickly towards life-threatening levels in just minutes. The stomach bloating in French bulldogs can come in two stages. The first stage is called gastric dilatation when the gasses and fluid cause the stomach to expand or bloat. Unfortunately, it can be fatal for a dog within only a few hours. The pancreas takes up much space inside dogs because it produces many important hormones like insulin to control blood sugar levels for example. When these vital organs get cut off from oxygenating tissue due to being pressed against one another by powerful abdominal muscles as seen during the digestion process which happens while flipping , they start producing harmful chemicals that can turn out to end up fatally. What causes a bloated stomach in French bulldogs? Use an anti-choking feeding bowl Since French bulldogs are naturally prone to fast eating because of their short snouts, you have to buy your pet a special anti-choke feeding bowl. The rotating bone will move as your Frenchie tries to reach food from the bowl and it will slow down his eating. In that way, your furry friend will not only have to work for his food but will also become less prone to bloating. Interactive Anti Choke Bowl is another French bulldog bowl that can help your pet. Feed your dog with multiple meals a day Instead of feeding your furry friend only one meal, you can divide the amount into two or three meals. Do not play with your dog right after the meal Playing with your Frenchie after the meal can cause his gizzard to twist. Just imagine how would you feel having training right after lunch. Well, your Frenchie would feel the same. Exposing your dog to strenuous exercise can lead to pains, gasses, and bloating. Keep your dog active Taking your Frenchie on regular strolls will improve his digestive system. Besides, walks will keep your dog in good shape and healthy. A rule of thumb is to take a French bulldog on multiple short strolls during the day. Visible stomach enlargement Heavy breathing and rapid heart rate A dog can show aggression when you try to touch its belly Hard belly in touch. This breed is particularly renowned as a companion dog, and they love nothing more than being in the company of their human owner. And as an owner, you will be called upon constantly to satisfy each and every whim of your Frenchie. They can be hard work; take it from me, I own a demanding Frenchie! But what about a good old-fashioned belly rub? Everybody knows that dogs love getting their belly rubbed, but, what about Frenchies? Do they fall into this particular category, and is a belly rub something you will have to administer almost on a daily basis? Let me give you the low-down… Do French Bulldogs love belly rubs? Most Frenchies love having their belly rubbed and scratched. Why do Frenchies expose their bellies? The reason why your French Bulldog rolls on his back and exposes his belly to you is quite interesting. French Bulldogs roll onto their back when they are being submissive and during playtime. Claude loves having his belly rubbed and scratched, but it has to be on his terms when he wants it! You will see this happening a lot when you start to stroke your Frenchie. Occasionally he will flip over so you can get to his belly. However, you will also see Frenchies rolling on to their back and exposing their bellies when approached by other people or dogs. They could feel intimidated by it. Take things slow instead, as they could simply be submissive, rather than wanting play. Why do French Bulldogs like belly rubs? But why? What makes their belly being rubbed feel so good that they want you to do it? In simple terms, it feels good. We all have things we like having done to us, right? What the experts says about belly rubs We know that Frenchies like belly rubs because it stimulates their hair follicles, but why does this elicit such a pleasurable response? The body and brain like this, and therefore pleasurable signals fire off. Well, actually, yes, there are. Your Frenchie might not actually want you to touch his belly! But never flip your Frenchie over to rub his belly yourself. If your Frenchie lets out a growl when you are touching his belly, then stop immediately. Every dog has a different personality. They are plenty of other games they love to play here are some fun ideas. However, if your Frenchie does love having his belly rubbed, go for it! Why do dogs kick their legs when you scratch their belly? One strange little quirk you might see your Frenchie doing, is the leg kicking when you scratch or rub their belly. These are connected to his spinal cord, which then communicates to his leg muscles, telling them to kick to get rid of the scratch or irritant. You might also like…. Discharge Skin color change The belly rash can cause itching and scratching pruritis which can cause further trauma to the area. They might seem irritated and withdrawn and not their usual happy selves. Skin rashes can occur on the belly but they can also appear on the inner thighs, groin, and underarm areas. French Bulldogs are prone to skin irritation in their skin folds which occurs around their nose and tail base mainly. There are many causes of belly rash in dogs. It can be caused by skin irritants, skin conditions, or hormonal issues in the body. It can be irritated by heat, cold, chemicals, or irritable objects e. Contact dermatitis also includes the skin coming in contact with something that the dog is allergic to. Skin Conditions There are many conditions that can occur in the skin including parasites e. Allergies are a very common issue in French Bulldogs and they can be caused by environmental allergies or food-related allergies. Hormonal Issues Certain hormonal conditions can cause skin problems along with other symptoms in the body. There will likely be other symptoms including increased drinking, increased urination, and weight gain. How to Treat Belly Rash at Home If you think your dog has reacted to food, you can try feeding them a high-quality diet with limited ingredients and no preservatives. If you notice that your dog has a mild belly rash, there are some steps that you can take at home. You can wash the area with a sensitive dog shampoo to wash off any potential allergens or irritable substances that your dog has come in contact with. Remove any sources of extreme heat or cold that could be causing the rash. Keep your dog up to date with their parasite control from your veterinary clinic. Feeding your French bulldog a good quality diet is important. Poor-quality diets tend to have long ingredient lists which could expose your dog to potential food allergens. Your vet might advise a food trial with a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet for a minimum of 6 weeks. Most cases of a mild skin rash can be treated at home but some cases might need veterinary attention. Your vet will examine your dog and might take skin samples and check for fungal infections. If your dog is displaying any other symptoms e. Conclusion Belly rashes in French Bulldogs have many potential causes including heat, parasites, allergies, fungal infection, bacterial infection, and hormonal problems. This could be grass, weeds, flowers or pollens. Contact your veterinarian to get advice on allergy treatments. Why does my French Bulldog get a rash on the belly after the shower? French Bulldogs can get a tummy rash due to heat. A heat rash could occur after a hot shower as the skin on their belly is quite sensitive. Try reducing the temperature next time. What to put on my French Bulldog belly rash? If the rash occurs after going outside, you can wash the area with a sensitive dog shampoo. Avoid rubbing any human products on the area. How to get rid of French Bulldog belly rash? There are many causes of belly rash and the treatment depends on the cause. Initially, she treated all species, but as the small animal hospital became busier, she focused on small animals from .She has a passion for soft tissue surgery as well as canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in both areas. Since , she has worked at a smaller, independent practice close to home, in order to devote more time to her other love — writing comedy fiction. She hopes to soon be a published author. Rapid or shallow breathing Collapse or shock If you find out that your Frenchie is suffering from bloat, contact your veterinarian immediately. Basically, bloat is a medical emergency, and if the treatment is not done at the right time it will lead to a lot of complications and even death. How to prevent bloat in French bulldogs? Although the bloat is not completely preventable, you can take certain steps to decrease the chances of bloat in French bulldogs. Feed your French bulldog a high-quality diet A good quality diet with all the nutrients is essential for the overall health of French bulldogs. When selecting the dog food for your Frenchie, always go through the ingredient list and make sure that the formula is according to the age, breed, and activity level of your pup. Furthermore, make sure that the food has good quality ingredients, including whole grains, animal-based proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid feeding your French bulldog table scraps or human food, as this can disrupt their digestive system and increase their risk of bloat. Feed smaller meals more frequently The next important thing that you can do is to feed your Frenchie small frequent meals as it can help in reducing the chances of bloat by preventing the air to enter the stomach. You can do this by feeding your Frenchie three to four small meals instead of two large meals per day. Use a slow-feed bowl If your Frenchie is an aggressive eater and eats his meals too quickly it increases the risk of bloat. In order to avoid this situation use a slow-feeding bowl or mat. They are designed in a way that they could decrease the speed of your dog while eating. The slow feeding bowl for French bulldogs is a revolutionary new product designed to help your dog eat at a slower pace. The design of the bowl keeps food inside it and prevents your dog from gulp-feeding, which can lead to bloat and other digestive issues. The slow-feeding bowl for French bulldogs is made of high-quality plastic and is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean. Limit water intake before and after meals Water is an important component for maintaining the good health of your French bulldog but if they drink a large amount of water before or after every meal it increases the risk of bloat. In order to avoid this issue limit their water intake for at least an hour before and after a meal. Instead, wait at least an hour after feeding your dog before engaging in any strenuous activities. Reduce stress and anxiety Anxiety and stress are not good for your French bulldog because they increase the risk of bloat. To decrease the stress in your French bulldog make sure they have a safe and comfortable space when they need rest. It is also necessary to provide your pup with a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to burn off excess energy and reduce stress. Monitor your French bulldog for signs of bloat Early detection is necessary when you want to treat bloats. Always keep an eye on your French bulldog for the sign of bloat, like restlessness, distended abdomen, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Consider a prophylactic gastropexy A prophylactic gastropexy is a surgical procedure that can be done to prevent bloat in dogs, especially those at high risk, like French bulldogs. In this procedure, the vet will attach the stomach to the abdominal wall, as it will prevent it from twisting. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a prophylactic gastropexy is right for your French bulldog. Feeding your dog a high-quality diet, feeding smaller meals more frequently, using a slow-feed bowl, limiting water intake before and after meals, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, reducing stress and anxiety, monitoring your dog for signs of bloat, and considering a prophylactic gastropexy are all effective ways to prevent bloat in French bulldogs. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your French bulldog lives a healthy and happy life.

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The Meryl is a male he is 1, From Business: Visit your Elmira Pet Store located at County Road 64 for all of your animal nutrition, pet supplies and grooming needs. Visit our top ten pages to find puppies for adoption Teacup Puppies for Sale. April is a buff colored little pup weighing. Our mission at Petco is Healthier…. Partnered with the nation's most reputable breeders, Premier Pups offers cute Pomeranian puppies for sale in the Elmira area. Long Island is the fourth-largest island in the United States. Call .Raised in home, exposure to children, other animals and people. We also offer nationwide delivery with 1st class puppy travel options for out-of-state customers. This is a sweet and cuddly little boy! A fully-grown Boxador will usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. These feisty little toy dogs max out at 9 inches tall and weigh and average of 5 pounds. Americanlisted has classifieds in Elmira, New York for dogs and. If your looking for a teacup Yorkshire Terrier check out this page Teacup Yorkie. Pugs for adoption in the Elmira, New York area come with a year health guarantee. Intelligent, loyal, and spirited, the Morkie has a big personality beautifully wrapped in a stunningly cute little body. Comes with a. Our mission at Petco is Healthier. Pet price! ISO small to medium sized puppy or dog Sweet, fluffy, and completely adorable, Pomeranian puppies are here to reward your love with joy and blissful companionship. Check out our breed information page! Adopt a Morkie puppy at Premier Pups today. Search for pets for adoption at shelters near Elmira, NY. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to every need. Interested in finding out more about the HavaneseThe process for eviction in New York can take up to 90 days, depending on the length of court proceedings and processing, according to LawNY, Legal Assistance of Western New York. This breed mixes the best qualities of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese, in a toy-sized, gorgeous hybrid. Puppies For Sale in .Americanlisted has classifieds in Elmira, New York for dogs and cats. Elmira Heights pic. Our Pug puppies are raised in a family environment and interacted with daily to prepare them for a smooth transition to their new homes. At Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's most reputable breeders to offer small Poodle puppies for adoption in the Elmira, New York area. We are dedicated to breeding quality puppies to great families!! Freddie is a 17 pound 3 year old gorgeous boy. April is a buff colored little pup weighing 2 lbs at 8 weeks. Blue Diamond French Bulldogs usually mature weighing around pounds and inches to the top of the back. Yorkie and Coton puppies are 8 weeks almost 9 weeks. Will be vet checked, have first. So hurry they go fast! Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats Household raised puggle puppies for sale more photos on our site at www. Bloodline can be seen on Bullpedex. She is an excellent source of breed info, too! A Boxador generally lives 10 to 14 years. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Although it is possible, theoretically, for a Boxador to inherit a yellow Labrador Retriever coat, it seems like the Boxer coat coloring is dominant in that mix and may "override" the lighter coat. NOTE: Your puppy can only be held for you once a non-refundable deposit has been made. Yorkie poo puppies Ready to go January 31st. Come with first round of vaccinations, vet certificate, and a one year health guaran more. A family owned boutique in Elmira Heights, offers adorable puppies, clothes, accessories, Males and females currently available. Will come with Boerboel puppies - .We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! And one long haired Black and Tan male, will have their first set of shots, vet checked, and dewormed several times. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. If you are unable to find your Yorkshire. Sweet, fluffy, and completely adorable, Pomeranian. Elmira, NY Tel: Fax: .Pets in Elmira - Local Elmira Pets for sale or adoption and wanted ads for pets in your area. Despite their tiny size, they have the biggest hearts. Elmira NY hide this posting restore restore this posting. The remaining balance must be paid before delivery of the puppy when it is 7 weeks old. See pics of her brothers and sisters in the litter atThe Sunday crossword is larger than the standard daily crossword. He is playful and loving. These beautiful, foxlike pups thrive in a setting where love and cuddles are plentiful. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Our Shih Poos come with a year health guarantee and multiple delivery options. Find your puppy for sale in Elmira, NY. This island off the southeastern coast of New York State varies between 12 and 20 miles wide. Find your puppy for sale in Elmira Heights, NY. We've got the best variety of Cavapoos for you. The mother is a mix of Husky and German Shepherd and the father is a mix of Boxer and kijiji. Ottawa, Ontario 5 puppies for sale born on May 21st .Trained to use the puppy pads eats dry puppy food all shots plus dewormed two with white ontop of the. Will be vet checked, have first shots, dewormed, have front line before they leave. Puppies For Sale in Elmira Heights on YP The puppies and their parents receive the best care with regular grooming and health inspections. At Premier Pups, we also stand behind our Premier Promise with a year health guarantee. See available F1 and F1b Cavapoo puppies. Goldendoodle Puppy for Sale near. Searching for a designer Cavapoo puppy for sale in Elmira, New York? New York could become the third state to ban the sale of certain animals in pet stores. She has not had one application, zer… more. Will be medium sized pounds. Please enable cookies in your browser setting to continue. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. We travelled across many states for both the mother and father from different breeders. Males tend to be larger in size compared to females. We have answers. Give me some fun facts about Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Corning! Golden Retrievers are loyal, friendly, and intelligent dogs that make wonderful family pets. They're popular choices for service animals due to their patient and eagerness to please demeanor. They have an uncanny ability for learning commands and tricks, so a Golden Retriever's obedience training is often a joy instead of a chore. They love to swim and play fetch, and they're even known to pull a sled in colder climates. This breed is known for its fluffy, luxurious golden color, hence its name. Will Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Corning cause me to have allergies? Generally speaking, Golden Retrievers should not give you allergies. Hypoallergenic breeds are designed to reduce or remove allergens, but the Golden Retriever is not one of them. Since allergies can vary from person to person, it's best to consult your doctor about what steps can be taken to manage or prevent your allergic reaction. Potentially, spending time around a Golden Retriever may cause an allergy attack in some people due to the dander, saliva, and other substances that they secrete, but this is not always the case. What should I feed Corning Golden Retriever puppies for sale? Feeding your Golden Retriever is an important part of their health and wellbeing. Grains, such as rice, oats, and barley, should also be present in the diet. Consider supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids to ensure balanced nutrition. Am I ready to adopt Golden Retriever puppies in Corning? To prepare your home for your new Golden Retriever, the first thing to do is puppy-proof the environment. Make sure any hazardous objects or substances are out of reach of a small and curious puppy, and consider using baby gates to prevent the puppy from accessing certain areas of the house. Second, invest in the necessary supplies and equipment such as food and water bowls, beds, and leashes. It is also important to start training early so as to set rules and establish your role as the caretaker. Are Golden Retrievers for sale in Corning considered big dogs? Generally, yes, Golden Retrievers are considered big dogs. They typically fall into the large breed category and usually measure between 22 and 24 inches in height and approximately 65 to 75 pounds in weight. They are a highly active breed, playful and full of energy, so their bodies tend to be well-muscled and robust. Also, if you compare their size to other dog breeds, they fall into a higher size class. All in all, Golden Retrievers are quite sizable and would normally be classed as a large dog. Are Golden Retriever puppies near Corning active dogs? Golden Retrievers are known for their energetic and active personalities. They typically need one to two hours of exercise every day and thrive in a household with lots of activities to keep them busy. They are highly intelligent and often need plenty of stimulation in order to stay out of trouble. Golden Retrievers are quite friendly and easy to train, so they are a great breed for families and those who lead active lifestyles. They will join you jogging, hiking, and swimming, and make loyal and loving companions. Are Golden Retrievers in Corning good with kids? Yes, Golden Retrievers are great with kids! They are known for their gentle temperament, which makes them the perfect family pet. Golden Retrievers are loyal and affectionate companions that will bond quickly with your children. They are eager to please, and love playing, cuddling, and taking part in family activities. They are patient, tolerant, and wonderfully gentle with children of all ages. Their cheerful personalities will bring hours of entertainment for your children while teaching them responsibility in caring for a pet. Is training Corning Golden Retrievers for sale easy? Training a Golden Retriever can take some patience and consistency from its owner. However, due to the breed's intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to please, many find them easier than other more stubborn breeds to train. Golden Retrievers enjoy the challenge of learning and the mental stimulation that comes with it. With repetition, positive reinforcement, and love, owners can be successful in teaching basic commands and even more complex behaviors like retrieving and retrieving skills. Of course, the individual characteristics and preferences of each dog may vary.

They are social, energetic, and ready to play with anyone. As the owner of a Labradoodle, I quickly learned they are highly intelligent. They also love water. Get ready for your pet to jump into any puddle. They are excellent swimmers and love to show off their doggy-paddling skills. Along with their exuberant energy, Labradoodles are also an easygoing breed. Underneath their playful energy, they are gentle and loving to their human families. Start with short walks, especially with puppies. Let them get used to the leash and being outside. Walks, and even jogging as the dog gets older, give them an outlet for their energy, helping them stay calmer at home. Exercise can also lessen the amount of time your dog spends tearing through the house. After a while, you can even predict when your pet will start zooming around. Mine usually does it right after a nap. Labradoodle Energy Level — How energetic are Labradoodles? You want to know how energetic a dog breed is before bringing the pup home. If you prefer a laidback lifestyle with plenty of time to relax, the energetic Labradoodle may not be the right option. Labradoodles need plenty of exercise. Be prepared for enthusiastic greetings every time you come home. They are affectionate dogs and crave social interaction and attention. Older dogs can go on jogs and longer walks. Swimming and fetch are other great ways to get rid of excessive energy. Do Labradoodles Calm Down? At what age do Labradoodles calm down? In the beginning, they have an insatiable curiosity about everything. Like toddlers, they grow and mature, only a little faster. You can expect most of the puppy energy to wear off around the time your pet turns two. Crazy Labradoodle Puppy — How to calm down? All puppies are active, but Labradoodles can take it to the extreme. The best way to calm your crazy puppy is with short walks. Let your Labradoodle puppy run wild around the yard. Throwing toys like balls or small sticks for the puppy to chase will also burn off energy. Most have an area away from older dogs devoted to puppies. Labradoodles and Loud Noises Loud noises startle all dogs, including Labradoodles. Petting and snuggling will help calm your pet down. You can also try a blanket, calming collar, or specially made dog jumper. Some dogs outgrow their skittishness, while loud noises bother others throughout their lives. If loud noises send your Labradoodle into a panic, you may want to try exposure therapy. Can a Labradoodle Be Left Alone? A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. These are social and affectionate animals, so separation anxiety is a common problem. When your Labradoodle is a puppy, try to only stay away for a short time. Keep it around two or three hours at a time. It allows your dog to get used to you being gone without instilling a lot of anxiety. Labradoodles are intelligent dogs, even as puppies. Crate Training a Labradoodle There are two reasons you want to think about crate training your Labradoodle. It helps relieve separation anxiety and makes potty training easier. Dogs naturally prefer dens, and a crate is the perfect substitution. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. Add some toys and a blanket, and pretty soon, your Labradoodle will go inside without any coaxing. Praising your Labradoodle for going into the crate will help to reinforce the positive behavior. Scolding your pup for bad behavior only works in the moment. The minute you leave out the door, your dog may start to misbehave. Some Labradoodle owners block off a room for their dogs. It is an effective solution to a point. Your pet can still chew up the furniture or drapes. Some Labradoodles have been known to even chew on doorknobs. Puzzle toys are the best way to keep these intelligent dogs occupied for hours. You can find a variety of dog-friendly toys at your local pet store. Some will even let you bring your dog in to help pick out the toys. Labradoodles and Other Dogs Labradoodle Max looks at a toilet paper wall obstacle Labradoodles are social animals and get along with other dogs. Other dogs may find it harder to adjust to any furry friend, especially if they are used to being a solo pet. Instead of adopting another pet, give your Labradoodle the opportunity to make friends with other dogs. Giving your Labradoodle plenty of attention when you get home will also lessen separation anxiety. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. It is a high-energy breed, but the dogs also make great pets. Labradoodles are affectionate, intelligent, and love life. Even though they are high-energy dogs, you can manage their hyperactivity with walks, playtime, and lots of toys. Labradoodles can live up to 16 years, making them great additions to almost any family. They make excellent best friends and companions—just give them the attention and time they need to thrive. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Is your Labradoodle chewing on the brand new sofa set? Labradoodles are fluffballs of energy and can seem overwhelming to control. They are naturally known to have an optimistic and passionate outlook towards life. In their early stages as a puppy and adolescence, their energies are the most heightened and at their peak. A Labradoodle is not considered fully grown until around there years of age, and this is when you can expect them to calm down. But, when they begin to grow up, mainly between the ages of two and three, and enter adulthood, they tend to calm down and become relatively in control of themselves. However, if their erratic and crazy behavior is not looked into, they might continue being active and overly excited into their mature, senior years. Puppyhood The first five months of your Labradoodle are their puppyhood phase. This is probably the most adorable stage of their life when they are still getting used to all the attention and affection. They begin to form strong associations with people and objects, which is a prime reason why you might often find them active and hopping around in glee. This is also the best time to expose your babies to new experiences, train them through positive reinforcement, and bond with them. Adolescence Do you remember your adolescent years when you were either sleeping on the couch or were caught making mischief? The period of adolescence for a Labradoodle lasts for about two years, usually starting when the dogs are about 5 to 6 months of age. At this stage, your Labradoodle is either bored and sleeping or hyperactive — there is no in-between. And, because this is the time when their hormones kick in, they are always jumping around, chewing everything that comes in their contact, and basically having the time of their lives. A Labradoodle running on the beach 3. Adulthood Your dogs are finally fully grown and mature when they enter adulthood. This stage usually begins when the dog hits three years of age. At this stage, the most crucial aspect to look into is their diet and weight. If not correctly taken care of, your Labradoodle can become fat and unhealthy in no time. If you trained your friend adequately during the first two stages of their life, you would start to observe a noticeable change in their behavior. Because they grow both mentally and physically, they are likely to become more calm and composed. Middle Age You should expect your dog to enter into the middle-age phase when they are about seven years old. Your dog will have both active and inactive days. They have transitioned into a mature stage of their life, so a drop in their excitement level is to be expected. As a pet parent, you must ensure to start taking care of their health and well-being a little more cautiously. They will become prone to developing common ailments and will require extra care and warmth. Senior Age When your dog hits the ripe old age of 10 to 12 years, they will enter the last, most crucial stage of their lives — old age. You will observe that your dog will considerably slow down and will develop habits that will be challenging to take care of. However, this is also the stage when they need your most attention. This is the time for you to return all the years of unconditional love they have given you, and more. Do you have a standard, miniature, or toy cross? The smaller breeds will mature quickly but live longer. And the older breeds will live a relatively shorter period. Puppies of any breed are expected to act crazy and excited. They have a lot of pent-up energy and excitement inside them, and they are always finding ways to release that. Labradoodles are considered more intelligent than most other dog breeds. They are very sharp and have excellent hunting abilities. This is one primary reason why they seek to learn and discover new things right from a very early stage. They are curious creatures that love being out in open spaces. Now, if they are to be suddenly confined within the four walls of your house, they will obviously look for ways to release their energies inside the home. This often tends to make them more hyperactive and agitated than usual. If your labradoodle is a rescue dog, it is likely for them to be coping with past traumas or because they have been conditioned or bred to behave in this manner by their previous owners. Labradoodles tend to jump around in excitement when they are trying to grab your attention. The issue of hyperactivity in Labradoodles can stem from a lack of proper stimulation. If your dog gets bored of their daily routine and has nothing new and exciting to look forward to, they can become hyperactive and often display destructive behaviors. Lack of social interaction with other dogs and people around them can also make Labradoodles hyperactive. They might suffer from hyperkinesis or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD. Signs Of Hyperactivity In Labradoodles If you want to hit the dog-parent jackpot, it is crucial that you keep your eye open to the following signs of hyper activeness in your furry friend before they turn into more serious implications: Even in familiar situations, you will find your dog overly excited and unable to relax. They will have a short attention span and will be unable to pay attention or concentrate on the smallest of things. They will display bouts of impulsiveness in their behavior. They will lack the ability to socialize with other people and pets around them. They will frantically move or fidget around. This includes running madly in circles, trying to catch their own tail. And an excellent way to display your love for them is by dealing with them with care when they are hyper and a little more excited and naughty than usual. Here are several tips that you can follow to control your dog when they engage in uncontrollable behaviors. This is where exercising comes into play. Walking You cannot keep your dog locked in the house the entire day. One walk per day is the least they require. You can take them to a nearby park or for mountain hikes; they will equally enjoy both. Swimming Labradoodles are water babies. They are bred from Poodles and Labradors, and both these breeds are excellent swimmers. Therefore, Labradoodles leave no chance to enjoy and play around in pools. Play a game of fetch, a nose-work game, or the old and classic hide and seek — outdoor games add the element of fun to exercising, something your dog will be excited for every day. Many of these collars are packed with essential oils that help to calm a dog down when they are anxious. Plush toys The motive of plush toys is to eliminate the risk of separation anxiety that tends to develop in a dog. They are the ultimate cuddling buddies for your pets that provide comfort, aid, and keep them calm. Calming beds Lack of sleep tends to make dogs anxious and hyperactive. If you want to create a soothing environment for your Labradoodle where they can relax and calm themselves down, a calming bed would be a great choice. These beds are specially designed to provide your pet with a sense of security and safety. Training Training a dog is no joke. It is the best way to instill good behavior in your Labradoodle, both physically and mentally. Teach your dog to carry themselves well and be in control of their emotions through reward-based training. Discourage their hyperactive behavior, but never punish them for the same. Understand that being hyperactive is a part of growing up. If you punish them and instill fear in them, they may never bond with you or emote themselves properly. Whenever you feel your dog is calmer than usual, make sure you encourage their behavior. Reinforce calmness in them by showing them affection and love. Reward them with their favorite treat every time they show good behavior. Some Additional Tips: Maintain a set routine for your dog. Having a specific time set aside for eating, walking, or playing will help limit their energy to certain times of the day. Before you try to calm your labradoodle, make sure you manage yourself. Never yell, shout, scream, or show any anger or aggression toward your Labradoodle. This type of negative behavior will only make the situation worse. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. So Why Choose A Labradoodle? Even though handling a Labradoodle may feel like a lot of work, there are so many reasons why I believe Labradoodles are one of the best dogs to have. The joy of being a Labradoodle parent is unexplainable, and you can only know it by experience. Labradoodles are incredibly friendly and social dogs; they even love swimming, making them great outdoor buddies! Labradoodles are also an excellent choice for those allergic to dogs as they are hypoallergenic and do not shed fur. Not only that, Labradoodles make excellent therapy dogs for people who have autism, depression, or other mental or physical disparities. The sociable, loving, and empathetic traits make them one of the best candidates for therapy dogs. Final Words A calmer pet means a more relaxed you. It is just a phase, and it too shall pass. I hope you now have more clarity on what age Labradoodles calm down. Everything is paw-sibble with a bit of love and warmth. Happy dog-parenting! My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Also take a deep look on your own behavior around your dog Training Training is really important for every dog. Labradoodles are super smart dogs and you can teach them pretty much everything. If you are consistent and really devoted to training your dog, it can last months. If you have a budget, you can have someone else train your dog or you can pay for training sessions where you can go together with your pet. As soon as you bring a puppy you should start with obedience training then crate, housebreaking, and potty training. There are many training options objects training, voice commands training… and the good thing is that your Labradoodle is a fast learner and you can teach him whatever you want. You just need to have patience and determination. Never give up. Proper training along with other activities and your love and attention should make your Labradoodle happy, well-behaved, and confident dog. Good training will also influence your Labradoodle to calm down. Exercise Note that every healthy Labradoodle requires at least minutes of daily exercise. The exact time depends on several factors such as size, age, temperament, energy level, living conditions, etc. Generally, a miniature Labradoodle needs at least 30 minutes of daily exercise but a larger Labradoodle requires a minimum of 60 minutes. Neither includes the time your dog spent inside the house, no matter how active he was. Pay special attention in case you have a puppy. After that, you can start with short walks on a leash but take this as a ground rule: 5 minutes of exercise x per month of age. So if you have a 4-month old puppy, he should have 20 minutes of daily exercise and not more. Gradually increase the time your puppy spends exercising and that will help him to properly build up the muscle structure and stamina. Avoid exercising your dog on a full stomach. It can cause bloat. Safe rule: no exercise at least one hour before or after the meal. Lack of exercise may result in restless behavior. The same will happen if you keep your Labradoodle locked inside for too many hours. Bottom line is that if you cannot commit to having at least one walk better to have two or even three walks on daily basis with your Labradoodle a day, then maybe you should consider giving your dog to someone else. Again, dogs like routine. That is why it is absolutely necessary to make an exact schedule and not to change it often. Of course, not all days are the same, sometime you just need to change the plans but make sure the change is more the exception than the rule. Try to do all activities including playtime at the same time of the day. That way your Labradoodle will know what is going to happen next. This fact makes him feel secure just like small children which further makes him calmer. When you determine the time when you play with your dog, do really play with him. Make sure your Labradoodle has your full attention during playtime. Provide also a variety of toys and mental stimulation for your Labradoodle. This crossbreed is super curios especially the young ones and needs plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Also, it is crucial to show to your dog who the boss is. Due to his gentle personality Labradoodles are not responding well to a harsh relationship with the owner but positive reinforcement along with a lot of love and care can do miracles. Talk to him quietly and calmly. Advise other family members to do the same. Skip physical play. This is something that will make your Labradoodle even more excited than he already is. Avoid that. Advise other family members to do the same, especially teens. Never reward bad behavior. You will be surprised by how quickly he will understand your message. If you react only when your dog is barking or whining, he will quickly understand that if he does that, he gets attention. When he is calm, you ignore him. What would you do if you were him? You should be always in control of your dog. Your Labradoodle has to know always what do you want him to do and why bad behavior is not wanted. Show your dog how to relax. Grooming time is the perfect time to slow things down. Sooth brushing or a simple massage will help your Labradoodle to calm down not to mention his happiness for extra one-to-one attention he gets. Final Thought Labradoodles are very sociable dogs. Meeting other people leave them very excited, they like any type of attention. They are very energetic dogs, especially young ones. Like kids, you have to teach Labradoodles how to behave, to give them some guidelines for life. So proper training is a must, as without it your Labradoodle could cultivate bad habits. Other activities such as exercise and playtime will help to drain the vast energy they have. Keeping your Labradoodle mentally stimulated is equally important as keeping him physically active. If your dog is bored or depressed he might feel anxiety which further may lead to destructive behavior. Cocker Spaniels Retrievers As you can see our friends from the Retriever family made the list. And since your labradoodle is at least some part retriever, it just means they have it in the genes to be somewhat hyper. Long walks. A good long walk will leave both you and your dog feeling way more relaxed and clear-minded. Exercise your dog. Go outside and run. Or take it to a park where it can walk freely and interact with other dogs. Play, play, and more play. Play both inside and outside the house. Train it — perhaps agility training. Lots of toys. There are plenty of options here. Buy some on Amazon, make some yourself. Toys are a great way to keep your dog occupied and entertained. Go hunting. If you can afford it, perhaps rent a dogwalker or sign it up in the local school that has programs for dogs. In this day and age, dogs are rarely pulling sleighs or watching sheep. So try and find alternatives, because the energy is still inside the dog. The Often Overlooked Aspect When you have a hyperactive dog, one of the first things we do is more exercise. But more often than not people, are very good at giving their dogs plenty of outside playtime and exercise, but what is often overlooked is the need for mental stimulation. Especially when we are talking about a breed as intelligent as a Labradoodle, it is very important that your dog gets the mental exercises it needs. An easy solution could be to buy a product like the West Paw Zogoflex Toppl affiliate link. But since my dog was still quite hyper at times, I started looking for even more advanced ideas, and after a while, I found this training course affiliate link by dog expert Andrea Faricelli, and it has been godsent! Pretty much day 1 after we started the program, my dog has been a lot calmer and easier to live with, and some of the tricks and games we learned from the program we still use pretty much every day and my doodle Monty still loves it: Hopefully, this has given you some advice on dealing with a hyper labradoodle, it did for me at least! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Share this:. Golden doodles are a very popular new breed due to their coat not shedding. However, they come from Labradors who are some of the most energetic and rambunctious puppies around. If properly socialized as a puppy through puppy socialization classes, they usually learn that certain behaviors mouthing, biting, etc are unwanted and stop engaging in them. But because Hank has not participated in puppy socialization classes, he was more ornery than the norm. As you can see from the way Hank greeted me when I arrived for the session, he is sorely in need of more exercise. An average puppy needs 45 minutes of good exercise a day. But higher energy dogs can need much more. It only took a few minutes to understand that Hank and his guardians would benefit from some additional exercise activities. I have found a great way to burn excess energy is through the fetch; something most Labs will do until they drop. The fetch taps into their pursuit mode and they end up releasing a lot of energy with that adrenaline release. I suggested that they practice the fetch before taking Hank for a jog or walk waiting a few minutes after for the dog to recover as well as any time that the dog starts to get ornery. I also suggested that they chart the number of fetches along with the result on the dog and its behavior. Before we started with the fetching regimen, she went through a few couches, remote controls, dog beds, etc. But once I found that if I fetch her 41 times each day Takes about 13 minutes , her energy and behavior are fine, i made that a part of our daily routine. Im guessing for Hank, it will be a few fetching sessions each day. The morning one should be the longest and then the guardians can supplement it with shorter minute fetch sessions after that on a as-needed basis. By charting the number of fetches and resulting behavior for a week or so, they will be able to determine exactly how much exercise Hank needs to deplete his excess energy. Once inside Hank was still hyped up and unruly so I pulled out a leash and used it to give him a doggy time out to disagree with his over excited behavior. While the leash settled down Hank quite a bit, you can see that he is still breathing pretty heavily, something his guardian said was the norm. One of my favorite activities to showing a client how to claim the door from their dog. This over excited, barking and jumping behavior is usually developed when the humans in the home give the dog attention and affection as soon as they get home or on demand. But when we pet a dog or give it attention when its in an excited or unbalanced state, we are actually reinforcing that behavior. By petting the dog upon arrival, the humans were inadvertantly training the dog to jump up or get excited as a way of asking for attention. I suggested that they refrain from giving the dog attention or affection unless he is in a calm frame of mind. If they do this consistently, he will learn he needs to settle down and remain calm in order to get attention from the humans. In reviewing myself in the door answering footage, I identified a few mistakes I made. The primary error was not stopping and waiting for the dog to stop, sit or calm down more before I moved backward towards the door. If a dog is moving forward and we back up, we are inviting the dog to come forward. For this reason, its important that the dog is in a calm and stationary position before we back away to the door. Usually this exercise only needs to be practiced times before a dog adopts a new behavior and sits calmly past the boundary near the door. I was frustrated by how the door claiming exercise had gone as this was the first time I had not been able to achieve the end result I wanted. I showed the guardian how to black Hank from exiting the kennel until he was completely calm, then coached her through the technique until she got the same result. Practicing this kennel release exercise will go a long way towards the dog developing the ability to control himself for longer periods of time. Dogs are reactive creatures who literally leap before they consider all the options. I have had great success in adding in structure to activities the dog is very excited about like going for walks, feeding time, fetch, etc. By stopping and waiting for the dog to return to a completely calm state before starting the walk, getting permission to eat or throwing the ball again — we can help the dog learn that he needs to be calm in order to continue. After going outside to practice some of the fetch, I showed the guardian how to make a simple exercise out of going in or out of the door to the back yard. While asking the dog to wait and calm down seems like a minor deal, when its done in actions and activities the dog engages in often, the cumulative results have a major impact on the dog. These are the little things we can do that help the dog learn the behavior we expect from it. By the end of the session, Hank was calmer and showing more respect for his guardian, but there is still a ways to go. If they increase his daily exercise and go to the fetch when the dog gets into trouble or gets over excited, they should notice an immediate improvement in the quality of life. Its going to take a few days of trying different amounts of fetching to come up with the right cocktail. Taking care of a Labradoodle is said to be a difficult yet rewarding endeavor. Is there anything I can do to expedite the process? So, are Labradoodles hyper? Labradoodles are not hyper; they are energetic and like playing. Are Labradoodles Hyper? They are intelligent, loving, and easy to teach, and they get along with almost everyone. Labradoodles are lively and active dogs who enjoy a range of activities and workouts including fetch, long walks, running, and participating in outdoor dog sports. One element that contributes to behavioral issues is a lack of exercise. Labradoodles may live in peace and harmony with only a minimal amount of exercise. Keep your labradoodle busy to keep them mentally and physically fit. In exchange, they will have a nice, loving attitude, and their aggression will be much reduced. The labradoodle is a low-maintenance dog that can keep up with an active lifestyle. Due to their enormous amount of energy, most Labradoodles but not all are energetic. Their genes hold the key to their success. A Labradoodle could not be inactive and slow since it is the offspring of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. The Labrador Retriever is an active working dog with a lot of energy. Poodles, on the other hand, were initially intended to be hunting dogs, despite their appearance as a fancy show dog that does nothing all day. Poodles have a lot of energy as well. Normally, these abilities must be tested from time to time. During puppyhood, Labradoodles are extremely energetic. This is the time when you must be patient, consistent, and persistent in your work with your dog. Do you believe a hyper adult dog is a content dog? It appears to be correct. He is not pleased, he is overexcited, and he does not know where he belongs. Boredom This is the most common cause of hyperactive dog behavior! Dogs are typically laid-back creatures. They spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping or relaxing. But they want to accomplish something with their remaining awake hours! Domestic dogs frequently feel obligated to do a task, but they are unsure of what that task is. That, however, would not be an issue. If the only thing to do is walk for 30 minutes every day, it would be fairly dull for us as well, right? Dogs do, after all, sleep a lot more than humans do. They do, however, require some action in their lives! Regrettably, not every dog receives the amount of exercise that he need. This can lead to dog boredom, which can ultimately contribute to hyperactivity in the dog. Cold Weather This is most likely a witty reason. In colder weather, most dogs have thick fur to keep them warm. This implies that they get quite overheated in the summer, which causes them to become lethargic. As a result, they have no desire to get all worked up. This can easily result in hyperactivity. As I already stated, your dog is extremely unlikely to get it. However, there are a few cases where dogs are diagnosed with this condition. Overstimulation This is a critical consideration for sensitive dogs. Some dogs find it difficult to cope with all of the stimulation in our contemporary environment. Overworked In fact, the opposite of boredom might make your dog hyperactive. While providing your dog with a variety of activities is beneficial, it is also possible to overdo it. How to help your hyperactive Labradoodle calm down Reduce their anxiety Many pet owners suffer from anxiety when it comes to their animals. Anxiety in dogs can lead to greater messes on the floor as well as chewing on personal items. As a consequence of their mental involvement, their anxiety is decreased, and your floors and personal items are given a break. The younger a Goldendoodle is, the more he or she needs to play. You must also consider their intelligence. Due to their intelligence, Labradoodles are prone to boredom. Finally, when your dog is mentally engaged in an activity or toy, their negative behavior is typically reduced, if not eliminated entirely. Rambunctious dogs are most often caused by boredom. Consider it a way for them to express their dissatisfaction with their daily routine. This might lead to self-destructive behavior. Labradoodles may start chewing on furniture, going through the trash, or damaging other items. Exercise is a great way for them to let off steam. They need to play to get rid of their pent-up energy. The greatest way to keep your Goldendoodle calm and comfortable is to play with them. It might be as easy as kicking a ball around outside for a few minutes. Maintain Control Over Their Diet It may seem little to you, but trust me when I say that healthy behavior stems from a healthy lifestyle; make sure your Goldendoodle is eating enough to stay healthy. Feel free to check out my guide to dog foods here. Your dog will gain the greatest when mental stimulation is coupled with physical activity. Physical Exercise After all, has been said and done, you must utilize your Doodle. Because they can burn off their energy together, Labradoodles are an excellent choice for families with little children. To be calmer and healthier, Labradoodles require at least an hour of vigorous activity. How much exercise does your Labradoodle need at every age Labradoodles are high-energy dogs who need to be exercised and played with on a regular basis as puppies. Experts advise that you exercise for 5 minutes per month of age, up to two times each day. Dislike of being restrained or crated Ongoing, unexplained gastrointestinal issues Fidgeting and constant movement pacing, circling Poor retention of training commands and skills These symptoms can occur along a spectrum from mild to severe. Untreated canine hyperkinesis typically does not resolve on its own and tends to worsen over time. Causes of Labradoodle Hyperactivity Canine researchers have found a range of potential causes or triggers that may lead to Labradoodle hyperactivity. Here are the most commonly cited causes: Dog breed Too early separation from mom and littermates Too early neutering or spaying Lack of socialization with other dogs early in life Neglect, abuse, or trauma early in life Inadequate daily activity, exercise, and play Poorly trained or untrained Underlying nutritional deficiency often due to poor diet Structure and consistency missing in daily life Another underlying health condition such as endocrine, neurological, or metabolic Exposure to environmental toxins lead-based paint, pesticides, etc. Diagnosing Labradoodle Hyperactivity The list of causes and triggers above shows you what the process is like to diagnose a Labradoodle with a suspected case of canine hyperactivity. Because true canine ADHD is so rare, veterinarians often start the diagnostic process by ruling out other, more likely causes for the hyperactive behaviors. If other treatments do not succeed, the next step is to evaluate the Labradoodle for canine hyperkinesis. This is a multi-stage process, involving physical, behavioral, psychological, and medical tests. You will need to bring your Labradoodle to a qualified canine behavioral veterinarian for evaluation and testing. The actual testing process typically takes two to three hours. If the medication eases the hyperactivity, further testing may be warranted. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire during the testing period. This questionnaire will help you identify other potential factors contributing to the hyperactive behavior. So much so that dogs are now often used in animal model research to develop better treatments for childhood ADHD. Another similarity is that dogs with true canine hyperkinesis respond equally well to administration of amphetamines stimulant medication. It may seem counterintuitive to give an overly excitable Labradoodle a stimulant medication. Giving a truly hyperkinetic dog a stimulant medication will calm the hyperactivity and help the dog focus. This is also why stimulant-based diagnostic testing is the gold standard for identifying dogs that are suffering from true canine hyperkinesis. They will then look at other potential causes, both medically and environmentally. Is Your Labradoodle Truly Hyperactive? But, the current research has yielded valuable information. Researchers have identified certain mutations in the DRD4 gene that consistently appear in dogs with true canine hyperkinesis. In other words, a Labradoodle that inherits the DRD4 genetic variant may or may not develop true canine hyperkinesis. The risk increases if adverse health, psychological, or environmental conditions are also present. Other Reasons for Labradoodle Hyperactive Behaviors Is true canine hyperkinesis the only reason a Labradoodle might show hyperactive behaviors? This is a great question. In fact, your Labradoodle is much more likely to display hyperactive behavior for reasons that have nothing to do with canine ADHD. Mismatch Between Owner and Labradoodle Energy Levels Labradoodles are a hybrid or crossbred dog breed that take their genetic influence from two high-energy working dog breeds. Both of these purebred dogs are known for being intelligent, active, tireless dogs. Sometimes, all the Labradoodle really needs is more play time, socialization with other dogs and people, or training and activity that will tire them out. Early Neglect, Trauma, Abuse, or Lack of Socialization Just like human children, young dogs need a stable, social, and enriching daily environment. If a puppy experiences chaos, trauma, isolation, or early separation from the mother and littermates, hyperactivity in adulthood is one possible outcome. Here, it will take time, and often assistance from a professional K-9 trainer, to help your Labradoodle heal from old traumas and gain the life skills and confidence needed to remain calm. Normal Labradoodle Energy Needs Both parent breeds of the Labradoodle mix have long histories as energetic working dogs. Even today you can find them working alongside humans in energetic roles. A mix between them will be just as energetic. Labradoodles grow to be large breed dogs and need active exercise and play time every single day. They will enjoy swimming, hiking, running after a ball, and more. This breed will not suit families that lead overly sedentary lifestyles. Labradoodles need time with their owners every day dedicated to physical exercise and mental stimulation. You can combine these in some areas, with doggy sports like canine agility, obedience, rally, and more. Are Labradoodles Hyperactive? Most Labradoodles are active dogs, but they are not hyperactive. With the right amount of exercise and companionship, they can live as calm and happy pets. Hyperactivity or AHDH in dogs is a condition that is rare. Are you navigating the troubled waters of Labradoodle hyperactivity? Or has the Labradoodle breed simply been more energetic than you first expected? We would love to hear your stories in the comments! References and Resources Hoppe et al, .Horwitz, .Ciribassi, .Coren, .Lohi, .Luescher, .Post navigation. Labradoodles, are one of the most popular crossbreeds in America. All young puppies experience a period of hyperactivity. Labradoodles should calm down by around three years old. Table of Contents What age do Labradoodles calm down? Most Labradoodles reach adolescence at months old and grow to their full adult size by 12 months of age, although they can take as long as 18 months to develop fully. They take a little longer to mature mentally, and may not be emotionally mature until 3 years old. At that point they are a lot better at regulating their energy levels. That said, Doodles should remain relatively high-energy dogs as adults, well into their old age. However, being too hyper can cause problems. Signs of hyperactivity in Labradoodles Signs of hyperactivity in Doodles include fidgety movements, a short attention span, impulsiveness, attention-seeking behaviors, unprovoked snapping, aggression, and not being able to socialize well with other dogs. Why is my Labradoodles so hyper? Labradoodles are naturally high-energy, playful dogs. They are part Labrador Retriever, a very energetic breed, and part Poodle, one of the most intelligent breeds on the planet. The more intelligent a dog is, the more mental stimulation they tend to need to avoid getting bored. So, naturally, Labradoodles need a lot of exercise and play. This can result in pent-up energy and hyperactivity. It can also lead to anxious and destructive behaviors, such as pacing, panting, excessive barking, and destroying personal and household items. How much exercise does a Labradoodle need? A healthy adult Labradoodle needs around an hour of exercise every day, preferably split into two walks. Doodles enjoy walking, running, hiking, and swimming, so try to vary the location and do different activities on your walks to keep them stimulated. Labradoodle pups need to build up their exercise routine, with 5 minutes of exercise per month of their life twice a day. What do Labradoodles like to play? Dogs love playing games that exercise their natural instincts. Historically, Labradors and Poodles were both bred to hunt, and primarily in water. So, Labradoodles love games like fetch and chase, and anything involving water. Paddling pools are a good idea! Some other popular games for bright dogs include hide and seek, treasure hunt, and the cup game. To play hide and seek, ask your Labradoodle to sit and stay while you hide somewhere in your home. Then, call them to come and find you. To play the cup game, place two empty cups face down on the floor in front of your Doodle, and put a treat underneath one of them. Switch the cups around and ask your dog to find them. Toys that stimulate the senses are great, too, especially for younger Doodles. The importance of socialization Socialization is very important for dogs of all kinds, but especially super-social breeds like Labradoodles. Not only is it essential for their well-being, but it is also very stimulating and will burn up a lot of their daily energy. Try to involve your dog in your family life as much as possible, and interact with lots of friendly people and dogs on walks. This will also prevent aggressive behavior and snapping during periods of hyperactivity. Ideally your breeder will have already started some socialization and exposure with the puppy such as to different sounds and surfaces before you bring him or her home. Training a hyper Labradoodle Hyperactivity can make training a dog difficult, but not impossible. The key is to harness their energy and playfulness, rather than try to suppress it or punish them for it. Start training your Labradoodle as early on in their life as possible and try to keep your training sessions concise, consistent, regular, and fun to avoid stubbornness. How to calm down a Labradoodle? If your dog behaves badly, ignoring them by crossing your arms and turning away from them is the best response. Once they calm down, you should reward them for their calm behavior, so that they understand that this is what you want. They use naturally soothing ingredients like CBD and lavender to bring down stress levels and relax the body and mind. There are also calming collars and beds that emit calming scents and provide a sense of security. Do Labradoodles make good family dogs? Their high-energy, playful nature makes them ideal for large families, active families, and families that love to have fun and explore. However, because of their training and exercise needs, they are not ideal dogs for first-time dog owners. Is separation anxiety common in Labradoodles? Separation anxiety is fairly common in Labradoodles, especially those that are also experiencing hyperactivity. This is because the most common cause of hyperactivity in dogs also causes separation anxiety. You can do this by leaving your Doodle alone for short periods of time, and gradually building up the time that you are apart. This will create trust and understanding with your dog that you will always come back. This lets them know that there is something to look forward to the next time you leave. You can also relieve some anticipatory anxiety by doing some of the things you commonly do before leaving the house, such as grabbing your keys or turning off the TV, and then not leaving to remove the association. If your dog is destructive at first, try putting them in a crate or confining them to a safe area of the home with a dog gate. Can Labradoodles be low-energy? Labradoodles are generally high-energy dogs. Several health conditions can cause low energy in dogs, including infections, diseases, allergies, and hormonal disorders. As long as you can meet their needs, the lovely Labradoodle makes a wonderful companion and a great family pet! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Lori's Labradors has been raising quality Labrador Retrievers for 25 years. We are a small kennel, and we strive to produce quality dogs with calmness, intelligence, and trainability. Our family of 3 generations now operates the kennel, and we are so excited to be able to raise your next forever friend. As life-long animal lovers and dog owners, we know the importance of raising healthy, happy, and well adjusted dogs. Our dogs and puppies are all socialized with our children to make sure they are used to all ages. We have 20 years experience working in the veterinary field and have raised animals our entire lives. We have worked side by side with the previous owners to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the same standards that dog lovers have experienced over the past 25 years. And we now to look to the future to continue raising quality and healthy animals! Size The adult females weigh lbs. AKC Registered Our dogs are hunters for ducks and geese, as well as upland game birds. They have been trained to find antler sheds, get a beer from the refrigerator, take out the trash, get the leash, and retrieve your shoes. Of course, these dogs are only as good as you train them. They are very intelligent, and you will be pleased with your results from the time spent training these fine animals. We are now taking deposits on litters! Breeding all colors in ! Contact Us to Reserve Yours Today! Our dogs have been placed in homes of families diagnosed with cancer. Other puppy donations include 6 puppies to the Ducks Unlimited Foundation. The Latest from Facebook. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. Labrador Retriever Puppies For Sale in Montana Our Labs can be found across the country in forty 40 states from the great Southwest to historic New England, from frigid Alaska to the great state of Montana Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we have delivered more than 8, world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in the state of Montana. For details, Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Did you know… Just south of Billings, Lt. George Armstrong Custer and his troops made their last stand. State Flower: Bitterroot.

Poodles come in many colors, but unfortunately, there is no way to naturally breed a pink Poodle. Those who have pink Poodles actually have a dog that naturally has a white or light apricot color. A pink Poodle walks at the beach. A surprising number of people are interested in pink Poodles. As a result, most Poodles already look unique. The colors a Poodle can come in include black, blue, silver, gray, apricot, cream, white, brown, red, silver beige, and cafe au lait. The most common color is black, but none of the colors are overly rare. Two Poodles are playing at the park. Many believe that the general popularity of Poodles is a result of their status as circus dogs. Specifically, Poodles were popular circus dogs in the early 19th century, and remain so to this day. Back when circuses started becoming popular in the United States in the s, Poodles were a big part of the show. Trainers were able to teach Poodles how to perform a variety of interesting and exciting tricks. At this time, many circus owners would color their light-colored Poodles to draw more attention from the general audience. After all, audiences came to see a spectacle. What could be more spectacular than a Poodle performing tricks with pink hair? Furthermore, as Poodles became more popular, their curly hair allowed groomers to get creative in how they presented them. Different cuts and styles emerged so that each dog could look different. Some haircuts were considered more elegant, so wealthy owners would look to have the most elegant-looking dogs. Dye also was not easy to come by, and owners would flaunt their wealth by using it on their Poodles. Today, many owners around the United States opt to dye their dogs pink. However, they do not do it for the same reasons as owners from the 19th century. Instead, they do it so that their dog stands out. Many owners also believe their dogs like the extra attention they get as a result of their pink hair. A white Poodle dyed with pink. However, it is still smart to be cautious about which products you choose. You should treat them the way you want to be treated! When you do dye your Poodle, you should also take care to keep the dye away from their eyes, nose, mouth, and other sensitive areas. Keep in mind: if it would hurt you, it will hurt your dog, too. One thing that comes up often is the use of food coloring as a substitution for hair dye. You can do this, but you need to be extra cautious. When applying the dye, you need to make sure you take your time. Just think — would you eat straight food-coloring? Probably not! Drying can take a long time, so be prepared to do nothing else for a little while. Unfortunately, it is not possible to dye a black or dark-haired Poodle pink. Only dye the fur of white or light-colored Poodles for the best results. Combing a black Poodle. Final Thoughts Sadly, pink Poodles are not real. Bummer, we know. Just make sure you read and follow all the precautions on the hair dye container, and your best friend will be looking pink and posh in no time. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Dying a Poodle Pink Overview Many different dog breeds are dyed by their owners; however it is the Poodle which is dyed most often. In addition, the most popular color is a pink Poodle. The Poodle breed has the reputation of being graceful, elegant and lively…. A dog that is pampered like a prince or princess… And whether male or female, it is the pink Poodle that gets the most attention. Is This Safe for the Dog? Must a Poodle be white for this to work? The different ways in which this can be done Instructions on how to create a pink Poodle Is This Legal? When done properly, dyeing the coat of a dog is very safe, non-toxic, does not dry out the coat and it is temporary. However, it is not legal to do so in some areas. There is not a countrywide law regarding this…. In the United States, being able to create a pink Poodle or any other color is decided by city level. For example, in Boulder Colorado, there is a city ordinance that prohibits the coloring or dyeing of any animal. Owners who live in that town and have done so, have been severely fined and in at least 1 case, arrested for doing so. The reason that this legislation was drawn up was to discourage people from coloring chickens and rabbits for the Easter holiday. Because it was not written to specify chickens and rabbits, it therefore includes all dogs, including the Poodle. For this reason, if you are thinking about having a pink Poodle, do please first check with your local town or city hall to find out if there are any restrictions to this practice. Is This Safe? When done properly and with great care, this is safe. While there are no official studies done on the long term effects of creating a pink Poodle… proper dyeing includes using non-toxic substances that do NOT block any air flow and is universally considered to be safe. There is, of course, always a chance of an allergic reaction, however this can be said for any food fed to a dog, any laundry detergent used to clean dog bedding, etc. Care must be taken when coloring around the Poodle's ears however, as allowing the dye or water to enter the ear canal can cause an ear infection. A solid white Poodle will be much easier to color.However, with some experimentation, a light colored Poodle can also be made to be a pink Poodle. As you can imagine, a very dark dog, such as a black Poodle cannot be dyed pink. The darker the dog, the less that the pink color will stand out. The Different Ways in Which This Can be Done There are basically 5 choices you can choose from if you wish for a pink Poodle: 1 You can have a professional dog groomer do this, preferably one who has experience in doing so. While you would assume that a non-toxic product would be used, be sure to still ask questions about the safety of the paint and any possible side effects. Many will come with pre-cut designs which are essentially stencils that are held up to the coat. It's best to have a helper so that one person can hold the stencil and the other can do the painting. Most paints will be in the form of sprays. Be careful when using this around your Poodle's face. This is the method that was used long before commercial pet painting products were marketed. This type of product is also manufactured to temporarily add colored stripes to human hair. This is another 'old school' method that was used to make a Poodle pink long before commercial pet paints came out on the market. Note: You may hear of other methods; some may not be safe at all. It is important to use a dye method that is proven to not clog skin pores, interfere with a dog's breathing or his ability to move, etc. And in all cases, a dog may still have an unexpected reaction. How to Make a Pink Poodle with the Chalking Method Many people are aware of using food coloring to do this, however another increasingly popular method is to use colored chalk. The main reason that this is used is if the owner wishes for the color to be able to rinse out rather quickly. In most cases, when using this method, the color will steadily rinse out anywhere from 3 days to 2 months. One downside to this, is that if you are going to use more than 1 color, such as making the ear fringes pink and the pompons blue, there is a good chance that the colors will transfer, run and blend when you are bathing your Poodle or even if your dog is out in the rain for too long. For this reason, it is suggested to only use this method if you wish to create a solid pink Poodle. What You Will Need. Small Smallest Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a painful disease that occurs when the bones in the back legs do not fit correctly in the joints. While some dogs will exhibit symptoms, the majority of canines will not. Hip dysplasia is primarily inherited, although it may also be caused by accidents, excessive weight gain, and incorrect activity. Though this illness is life-threatening, there are a variety of therapies available, including medication and surgical hip replacement. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: It is an age-related eye disease that affects the photoreceptors. Due to the degradation of the photoreceptor cells, the afflicted dog will eventually go blind. Small breed dogs are prone to Legg Calve Perthes. It leads to arthritis or the loss of ability if the severity develops. This leads to lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, like a hop or a skip. This condition is caused by birth, although the actual misalignment or luxation does not always occur much later. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation leads to arthritis. There are 4 patellar luxation grades, ranging from phase I, an occasional luxation causing unstable lameness in the joint, to grade IV, where the turning of the tibia is heavy, and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives your dog a bow-legged appearance. Uphill grades of patellar luxation may require surgery. Corneal Dystrophy: Corneal Dystrophy is an inherited illness that affects the corneal layers of the eyes. It is not a painful ailment, although some pink poodles exhibit signs of forming an opaque coating. Epilepsy: Seizures are common in Idiopathic epilepsy, typically hereditary, and can range from mild to severe. Seizures can be identified by unusual behaviors such as frantically fleeing as if being pursued, tripping, or hiding. Seizures are frightening, but idiopathic epilepsy in dogs has a reasonably good long-term prognosis. Seizures can be caused by various factors other than idiopathic epilepsy, such as metabolic disorders, brain respiratory illnesses, malignancies, toxin poisoning, and severe head trauma. Sebaceous Adenitis: Standard poodles are more susceptible to the illness, with estimates suggesting that half of all Standard Poodles are carriers. Sebaceous Adenitis is a difficult-to-diagnose genetic disease frequently misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism, asthma, or other ailments. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous gland, which protects the coat. Secondary skin infections and skin thickness might occur in severe instances. The main sign is excessive bleeding after ablation or surgery. Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and intestinal or bowel bleeding are some of the symptoms and consequences. There is no cure, and the only thing that can help is a blood transfusion from healthy dogs. The development of new treatments, including medicine, is underway. A veterinarian should test your dog for the illness. Consistency with the treatment and regular veterinary check ups can cure this condition. Pink Poodle Diet and Nutrition 1. However, it is best to consult a veterinarian for a diet chart for your Pink Poodle. They are not suited to living in the open or being trapped in a shelter. Despite their thick coat, they have little tolerance to intense cold. If you have a Poodle, keep them away from extremes of heat and cold. As long as they are with you, they can adapt well to apartment living and compact living areas. Tri-color Poodles, for example, will attract many buyers and can be overpriced. Puppies with the lineage of show champions will be costly.

Sep 27, Jul 8, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Are you looking for a dog with all the amazing characteristics of a German shepherd, but you also want something a bit different and special? If so, then why not consider a sable German shepherd? The sable German shepherd is not a crossbreed dog but rather a recognized variation within the breed, so the dog retains all the benefits of a purebred pup. German shepherds are one of the most popular purebred dog breeds in the United States, in part thanks to their intelligence, trainability, and intense loyalty. They are also well-loved for their sleek, noble appearance. Interestingly, sable is actually the original color of the German shepherd breed. It is the only variation of the German shepherd that has the same color as the founding member of the breed. Read on to learn everything you need to know about these attractive, intelligent, and hard-working dogs. Sable German Shepherd Appearance Sable German shepherds look just like most other German shepherd dogs, with the exception of their distinctively colored coat. The German shepherd is a large breed. You can expect the males to reach up to 26 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 95 pounds. The females are a bit smaller. Their heads are domed in shape with a long, square muzzle. They have alert, erect ears and long necks that make them seem even larger than they are. It is considered ideal for the dog to be longer than it is tall with a proportion of 10 to 8. Their bushy tail should extend out in a hook-like shape. German shepherds tend to dip their head low like a wolf when they are running or prowling, which contributes to the consensus that they look very much like the wolf ancestors of dogs. These dogs have double coats with a soft undercoat and a denser guard layer. The guard layer can be either medium or long, though the medium length is significantly more common. Most German shepherds are either tan and black or red and black. The lighter brown shade is usually their principal color, with a black face mask and black markings on their back which often look like a saddle. A variety of other color variations exist, including pure black, pure white, liver, silver, blue, panda, and, of course, sable. Sable basically means the dog has mostly lighter colored hair with a black tips, which can make the dog appear grey or mottled. In reality, the actual color combinations are more varied, and the sable pattern could be any mixture of tan, black, brown, or red. The term is mostly used in the United States. In other countries, such as Germany, these dogs are often just called grey. It has since become a popular working dog for roles such as search and rescue, police, and military due to its strength, trainability, and intelligence. The breed emerged from the s trend to try to standardize dog breeds to assist in certain jobs, such as herding sheep. Max von Stephanitz was a leading thinker in this area and was specifically looking for canine specimens that matched his ideal vision of a working dog. He found that ideal dog at a dog show in .He purchased the dog and named it Horand von Grafrath and founded the Society for German Shepherd Dogs to promote the breed and others like it. Horand, who was in fact a sable-colored German Shepherd, became the center point of a breeding program. Horand himself had 84 puppies, and extensive inbreeding was required to secure the characteristics of the breed. When the German Shepherd was imported to the United States in the early 20th century, it became popular with gangsters and bootleggers for its strength, intelligence, and intimidating appearance. It was also popular in Nazi Germany, and even Adolf Hitler loved the breed. As a result, it has gained a reputation for being a fierce, intimidating, and even dangerous breed. However, this says much more about how the dogs were used than the natural temperament of the dogs themselves. German Shepherd Temperament The color of a German shepherd makes no difference to its temperament, so you can expect a sable German shepherd to conform to the general temperament of the breed. German shepherd dogs are often described as active and self-assured. This, combined with their intelligence and eagerness to learn and please, makes them excellent working dogs. They are also highly obedient and loyal. Their extreme loyalty also extends to family situations. They will raise the alarm with their loud, deep bark if they sense danger. However, German shepherds are not naturally aggressive. This is a reputation that stems from the way that the dog has been used in the past. That said, German shepherds are often associated with severe dog bites. This is largely due to the popularity of the breed and the strength of their bite rather than any innate aggression; there are simply more of them around than many other dog breeds. Tests suggest that German Shepherds have a bite force of over 1, newtons, which is less than a Rottweiler but more than a pit bull. They tend to have a natural suspicion of strangers and like to chase smaller animals. Their intelligence and compliance means they can be trained not to display this behavior, but as an owner, you need to put in the work of training them properly and consistently. German shepherds are a very curious breed in addition to being highly intelligent, which is why they are well suited for search and rescue missions. German Shepherd Energy Level German shepherds are very playful and active dogs, so they need lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to thrive. This is another reason why they often do well as working animals. Working gives them both the physical and mental stimulation to complete these challenging tasks. Pleasing their handlers is also attractive to these highly reward-oriented dogs. Ideally, German shepherds need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day, preferably spread over at least two different sessions. However, this should be slightly less when they are puppies. There is always a risk of over-exercising puppies, especially when it comes to large dog breeds. As a general rule, you should exercise a puppy daily for five minutes for every month of their age until they are an adult. German shepherds reach adulthood at around 18 months. So, for example, a six month old pup should be getting 30 minutes of exercise a day if we follow this rule, as six months times five minutes comes out to 30 minutes per day. What to know more about exercising your puppy? Read our article: How far can I walk my puppy? German shepherds will love to accompany you on adventures, such as hikes and walks, and they also love swimming. They will do well at the lake, on the beach, or even accompanying you on a boat. However, even though they are excellent swimmers, they should have a doggy life vest if you are out at sea. They will struggle in an apartment, and their large size can make navigating small apartments challenging even for these nimble dogs. Ideally, they should have a backyard where they can move around freely, especially when left at home alone. The intelligence of these dogs means they can get bored quickly. While puzzle toys, such as a Kong , can help on the occasions when you do need to leave them alone, they are likely to become stressed if they are left alone regularly. German Shepherd Health Risks German shepherds have a life expectancy of a little over 10 years. This is normal for dogs of their size, and larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. You should not expect a sable German shepherd to be immune from these, especially since further inbreeding is often required to produce the sable color. It is common for these dogs to develop hip and elbow dysplasia , which is a developmental abnormality of the joints that can restrict movement and cause pain. This is often the result of different elements of the body growing at different speeds. The best way to prevent this is to ensure good nutrition and the right level of exercise during their crucial growing period. Even if the development of hip and elbow dysplasia does not affect the dog at a younger age, it can make them more susceptible to arthritis and other forms of joint pain when they are older. Older German shepherds often benefit from an orthopedic bed to take pressure off their joints. The breed also appears to be predisposed to degenerative myelopathy. This is a degenerative spinal cord disease that generally shows up in older dogs after about the age of seven years. If you are looking for one of these puppies specifically, you may need to go to a breeder. The sable color is relatively rare, and breeders have to control specifically for this kind of coat. As a result, you can expect to pay a bit more for a sable puppy than you would a German shepherd of any other more common colors. Are you thinking of adopting a sable German shepherd, or any German shepherd, into your family? Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if you and your home are a good fit for this breed. German shepherds are highly trainable and obedient, which means even first-time owners should be able to take on the challenge of training them. German shepherds need a commanding presence to keep them in check. The sad reality is that many people are also afraid of big dogs like these, and their behavior and response to them can cause serious problems. You need to feel confident to take control of your dog in charged situations. These dogs are also very active, so they will do best if they have a bit of outdoors to call their own that lets them run around a little, dig, and play. Just be sure your yard is properly and securely fenced in! German shepherds are very energetic dogs that need to be active a lot, which means you will need to be active frequently as well. As well as daily exercise, they will want to join you on weekend adventures rather than weekends on the couch catching up on Netflix. German shepherds need to spend a lot of time with their owners, as they need both companionship and intellectual stimulation. Thinking about getting a new puppy? Check out our new puppy checklist. Sable German shepherds have a coat with lighter roots and darker tips covering most of their body. The tips are usually black, which means the dog looks as though it has a greyish color. It is a natural color variation within the breed. How common are sable German shepherds? Sable German shepherds are significantly rare in comparison to the popular tan and black or red and black colors that dominate the breed. This is why a sable puppy will probably cost you more than other color variations. However, pure black German shepherds are a bit more rare. Are sable German shepherds bigger? No, sable German shepherds are not bigger than other German shepherds. The females should weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and the males 75 to 95 pounds. Look at the size of the parents to get a better feel for how big your pup is likely to get. Are German shepherds good family dogs? With the right training and socialization, German shepherds are excellent dogs for an active household. They will be loving, obedient, and protective. They are good around children, though small children should always be supervised around dogs, regardless of the breed and their level of familiarity. Accidents happen, even when children are around dogs they have grown up with and know well. What is bad about German shepherds? German shepherds tend to be suspicious of everyone, which can contribute to overly protective and territorial behavior. Proper socialization can help minimize this personality trait, but they will probably carry an element of this with them for their entire lives. The Verdict Sable German shepherds are not exotic crossbreeds but rather a rare color of the purebred German shepherd dog. They are actually the original color of the breed, matching its famous founding member. Sable-colored German shepherds are actually relatively rare, so they can be expensive to procure. However, aside from their unique color, they are just like other German shepherds, one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are large and strong dogs with a lot of energy, which makes them well suited to hard work. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them ideal to train to complete complex tasks such as the roles of military and police dogs despite being originally bred as herders. Overall, sable German shepherds are: Rarer than just about any other color of German shepherd No different than other German shepherds as far as personality, temperament, etc. With the right training and socialization, they are very safe dogs. German shepherds are great dogs for active people who have a lot of time to spend with their pup and want a companion to join them on various active adventures. Do you have experience with sable German shepherd dogs? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article:. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. Females continue to fill out until about the 2-year mark, while males take a bit longer by putting on weight until the 2. But can you tell how big a German Shepherd will get before then? What other developmental milestones should you keep an eye on with your pup? We answer both those questions and more here. While there are tons of backyard tricks to help you determine how big your German Shepherd will get, the truth is that none of them really work. The best way that you can make a guess is to take a look at their parents. If you want a small German Shepherd, try to find one from two small parents, and if you want a large one, try to find large parents. The average size of a German Shepherd largely comes down to genetics, but if you have a purebred GSD, then they should fit into these parameters. Fully grown male German Shepherds typically stand about 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 88 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller, standing between 22 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 49 and 71 pounds. This large discrepancy in size generally comes down to genetics. But how much does a German Shepherd typically grow in the first year, and how much can you expect over the next year? By the 1-year mark, most German Shepherds are near their full height. Males typically have another 25 pounds to add over the next year, while females typically have about another 20 pounds to pack on. Teeth Did you know that your German Shepherd goes through two sets of teeth throughout their life? Around 12 weeks, they start to get their adult teeth, which means their baby teeth only stick around for about 3 months! Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Sexual Maturity If you have pups of different sexes in the same home, you need to be aware of when your German Shepherds can reach sexual maturity. Most male German Shepherds will reach some level of sexual maturity by the 6-month mark. This is a big deal if you have an unspayed female pup in the house. On the other hand, females can experience their first heat anywhere from the 6-month to the month mark. If you have unneutered males in the house, this is a pretty big deal. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Final Thoughts When you have a growing German Shepherd , it can seem like they get bigger every day and like the growth will never stop. While growth might happen for longer than you were expecting , what we can promise is that it will slow down. But did you really get a German Shepherd expecting them to be a small dog? Your German Shepherd is going to grow, and you knew this when you got them. Related Reads:. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. 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. It lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types. It was developed in the s and s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for its large size, length of back, temperament and soundness of hips. White-coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the coloration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognised as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in and imported to Switzerland. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. These military working dogs MWD are usually trained for scout duty, and they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching , narcotics detection, explosives detection , accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis , all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as Herdengebrauchshund HGH herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. You may improve this section , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new section, as appropriate. By this number had grown to over .Returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Her offspring had defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to decline in popularity during the late s. As of [update] , the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the US. Degenerative myelopathy , a neurological disease, occurs with enough regularity specifically in the breed to suggest that the breed is predisposed to it. A very inexpensive DNA saliva test is now available to screen for degenerative myelopathy. The test screens for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA samples from any dog, collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab. Prospective German Shepherd buyers can now request the test from the breeder or buy from a breeder who is known to test their dogs. Skeletal health and supplementation[ edit ] Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Canine hip dysplasia CHD is an orthopaedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation , lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A German Shepherd named Inspector Rex is the star of an Austrian Police procedural drama program of the same name, which won many awards, where German Shepherd Rex assists the Vienna Kriminalpolizei homicide unit. It became one of the staple productions of Hungarian television history, making German Shepherds the most popular dog breed in the country ever since. Discover the truth behind German Shepherd growth stages. What I have learned from my own experience. The German Shepherd is a large breed dog, and they will continue to mature up until they reach 36 months. However, they can start to mature at the age of months and continue up to three years before they are fully mature. This is for both females and males. Fully mature. Your puppy will spend its first year growing up and its second year growing out. Your puppy will be as tall as it is going to be by the time it is about 12 months old. Once your dog has reached its maximum height, it will still have some growing to do. How much should German Shepherd puppies weigh? With my experience of breathing multiple litters of German Shepherds over the years. I like to take this question a little bit further, so you can have a better understanding about puppy weight. The bigger question should be… It depends on how the Breeder feeds the puppies. They will always keep a good eye on how the pups are developing so they keep them healthy. Here are a few pictures of puppies. This was a great litter of puppies. Everyone puppy he sold the people were so happy with their puppy. All the pups had a super loving temperament and training comes easy when you breed good blood-line puppies. This is a black sable collar. Roughly weight would be, 9-week old puppies weigh. I have had male puppies that weight up to 50 lbs. How long do German shepherds live? My personal experience with my own dogs. They have lived up to 15 years of age. Just like in humans. Now, I will share with you what will play a big part in keeping your German Shepherd healthy, is how you feed them and exercise them. Always use good food and plenty of vet checkups when needed. You should always get your dog check once a year. With my own experience after breeding multiple German Shepherd litters. The bloodlines have a great part and playing with their ears standing up. I have seen German Shepherds with floppy ears, known form as a lazy ear, which terms English grammar terms that you probably heard people saying. This can varies from dog to dog but generally between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age. I tell my customers. Take a look at the pictures above these puppies are 5 weeks old. I like you to remember this too. German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. Anywhere from 10 weeks to 14 weeks of age, the ears start to stand on their own. But sometimes things can happen like-Occasionally, pets are born with deformed ears that normally should stand erect but do not. The answer is no. I would never cut a GSD dog ear and less there was a danger to their life. I had never heard of any German Shepherd ears being cute before. This is something you should discuss with a licensed veterinarian. Now, this a popular question for new German Shepherd owners. First, you need to understand. Do you have a high-energy dog or low energy dog? This is the same for a puppy or older dog. If you have a high-energy- GSD-dog you will need physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. My friend Tonny just got a new German Shepherd and call me to ask, when will she calm down? She always brings me her ball to play. I told him to put her on a leash and teach her to lay down. This can be done when your eating dinner, and watching TV. This is done with training when you can supervise her. Meet- Nora. My friend Tonny, made the mistake of playing ball in the house with his new GSD puppy when she was weeks-old. And now she is 6 months old. Playtime is for outside the house. This why his dog brings him the toy all the time to play inside the house. This is what he taught her. Now the house became a big backyard for his puppy, and this is why she will not calm down inside the house. There are a lot of German Shepherd owners that do this with their puppies. If you always playing with your puppy- inside the house how will they ever learn to calm down? This behavior is not hard to break. He just needs to be consistent with his training. German Shepherd Growth Stages. True is, all puppies go through growth stages. My German shepherd princess is nine years old and she is still a super high-level energy dog. That comes from her breeding and blood-lines. This what working dogs do, is work. You may have heard some say, your dog needs a job. Now remember every German Shepherd has a different temperament, and temperament in dogs is energy level. I was out training my German Shepherd princess last week, and this man was watching me why I was working with her, and stop to talk with me and said he had a dog just like mine and it was a good thing that he owned 15 teen acres land at the time because he could not imagine living the city with a high-energy dog. Anyway, short post today but I just wanted to put the information out there. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Dennis.