busymum01

On 17/08/2017 at 1:29 PM, ish said:

Was his breeder concerned about his weight? I have German Shepherds which are similarly sized and to me that's either a very big pup or he's a bit heavy. If he is heavy, he may be refusing his meals because he doesn't need it. 

 

This article is very useful - the growth chart is German Shepherd specific but still might be helpful - average for a 9 month old male GSD is 31kg 

http://www.gsdcv.org.au/sites/default/files/file/Nutrition in Dogs.pdf

 

 

No, the breeder wasn't concerned (Dad is s heavyweight which might tip the scales). There's no denying he's a very big pup and above the breed 'average'. However, the average being exactly that, you need weights to fall either side to create the magic number so I'm not particularly concerned about his weight myself. I'm in contact with a few owners of his litter mates and they are all similarly sized within the kilo. 

On 15/08/2017 at 8:21 PM, ish said:

I'm going to disagree with those saying that the diet is boring - my dogs and puppies have eaten only Royal Canin dry food for the bulk of their meals for their entire lives without ever being bored of it. I do mix it up on occasion but would never chose a time that a pup was being fussy to do so, creates a bigger problem of a dog who knows if he refuses food he gets something else. Good luck

Ish that's my concern too, am I making a rod for my own back?!

Thanks all, I've spoken to our breeder and she's given me some ideas to try in varying his diet. He's not yet desexed and weighs in at a huge 35kg. I'm puzzled because he eats the things he WANTS to eat just fine. Just not his dry biscuit all of a sudden.

Hmmm all good points. Bowel movements and weeing all good, drinking also. He does get a few pieces of raw veggies throughout the day, but not so much that I'd imagine it would kerb his appetite. The 450g of kibble is in line with the Royal Canin recommendation on the bag, so that's up to scratch. Will shoot his breeder a quick message and see what she suggests, thanks all!

Hi all, just looking for some advice. My 9 month old Golden over the past week or so is starting to not eat his dry food meals. He's still his happy self and doesn't show any signs of being sick just... not interested in his biscuits. He'll have a sniff, maybe a bite, and walk away. Last night no dinner (7PM) and no initial interest in breakfast (7AM).

I'm not keen on changing his food (Royal Canin Maxi Junior) as our breeder said this is the best food for him for at least the first year, but maybe he's bored with it?

He could also be holding out on me - if it goes uneaten, the next meal time I'll stir a teaspoon of natural yoghurt or grate some zucchini through it to sway him to eat it. Could he be THAT SMART so young?

He's fed 450g of dry food a day, split into two meals and a Pedigree Dentastick in between. He's walked for 45 - 50 minutes a day and has three energetic children to follow around so is using plenty of energy during the day.  Can anyone please advise how to get his appetite back!? Thank you!

I was told that GR boys can be more affectionate, constantly under your feet kind of characters, while the ladies are a little more independent. *said with a furry fella asleep on my feet*. Definitely ask your breeder about each pups personality though!

Thanks all, I'll have a better look tonight while I brush him. The weekend could be good for dog and bedding baths!

Just a quick question as a first time dog owner - is there a flea preventative treatment out there? (I've Googled to my eyeballs and am quite overwhelmed by all the information on all kinds of brands and treatments.)

My 4 month golden pup has been biting at his tail, and back legs but as far as I can see, there's no evidence of flea bodies or dust. He's up to date on worming tablets, so either there's something there and I'm missing it or he's just having an itch. Anyways, I thought maybe a flea preventative would be good to cover either scenario, but tell me, what do I order!?

TIA, A Nervous Nelly

Our guy eats Royal Canin Maxi Junior twice a day with an almost daily yoghurt, fruit and veg filled King thrown in for good measure.

This is the LONGEST wait ever. Made worse by the fact we haven't shared our news with anyone, least of all our children, so I'm slowly but surely driving my huz insane with my excitement.

After years of waiting I am finally getting my second dog, a Havanese next year in January. Can't wait!

YAY! I'm excited for you too!

What type of car do you have? Mine travel in harnesses in the back of an SUV, with the harnesses attached to the child restraint anchors. No matter how safe a driver you may be, others are idiots. I had a car written off at a red light as the guy behind me (I was 10 cars back mind you) thought stopping was optional. From the moment I'd stopped at the light, I watched him drive about 300m and plough into the back of my stationary vehicle, he didn't really brake until he was on top of me. I was on a bridge, so no escaping........ Ever since then, dogs are harnessed for all car trips.

When I picked up my pup, he was travelled in the cat crate,but he was a tiny 2.5kg.

How scary for you Karen ! We drive a Mazda CX5, with three kids across the back typically so my fur baby pup will be travelling in the cargo space when we head to the beach. I've been looking at the Ezydog chest plate range and adjustable car restraint to have him secured in the first couple of months as he grows into his 'bigger size' and I invest in something he'll be wearing for a while.

The other thing to consider is a long car ride ride with a new puppy which may become motion sick.

Even though he will grow out of it very quickly I would be buying or borrowing a crate for his first ride. Keep on hand spare towels for possible clean up and clean bedding and a garbage bad or something to pop any soiled bedding in. A packet of non-perfumed baby wipes is also great for clean-up.

I didn't even think of this. Thank you!

Papillion Kisses, I'll definitely check out your suggestions, thank you!

You're right Scottsmum, the last thing I want is for that to happen, best to err on the side of caution. I best start looking for something!

Hi all, I'm trying to get ourselves all sorted with the necessary paraphernalia for when we pick him up in the New Year. The one thing which has me stumped is a car harness - are they a must (by law or otherwise?) or is it something not to worry about just yet? We have a lengthy three hour drive to bring our pup home and since we live rural, anywhere we go will ultimately be quite the drive thereafter.

Also if it is a must, please, PLEASE give me your recommendations for what I should look for. We're being owned by a golden retriever so he'll grow FAST - but I don't want to be constantly spending money on buying bigger car harnesses all the time either. Please help! TIA!

Hi all, I've been lurking on and off in this forum for a few years now, so desperate to have a goldie to call my own that I thoroughly enjoy listening all about your own lol! An opportunity has arisen for my family to adopt an 11 month old golden retriever boy who sadly is just too big and boisterous for his owner to handle. Big and boisterous would be an understatement - he's received next to zero training of what I can tell, not even sitting on command. A silly question it might be, but is it too late to train him, considering he's learned many bad habits and has zero discipline? And how do you go about starting training? I always imagined we'd start with a young puppy and training would just be par of the course but this dog is beautiful - just very naughty!