PennyGB

I've been feeding my Boston Terrier ALS grain free since he was 8 weeks old (now 8 months), I did briefly switch to another dry because it got good reviews and was cheaper but it gave my pup terrible dandruff and he pooed a lot more. His skin and coat is much better on the Canidae.

He also gets a mixture of minced meat, frames and veggies daily, and yoghurt occasionally.

I don't mind the cost because he's a small dog and we don't have any other pets to feed.

You can also leave Gus with food dispensing toys during the day, kong wobbler is good for small sized kibble.

I am home 24/7 unless I go shopping which isn't that often these days. Smooch won't drink if I am not home so on hot days can't be left on his own for too long. Normally when I have been gone for the couple of hours, the first thing he does is be all over me than straight to the water bowel. I suppose he has me well trained

Genuine question, what would you do if for some unforeseen reason you couldn't be home? My friends had a dog trained to only eat from from them (they suspected their previous dog had been purposely poisoned) but then they could never go away for a weekend, they turned down wedding invites etc and when they had a baby the dog didn't eat for 3 days because they were in hospital for the birth and the dad stayed with them the first couple of nights, luckily the dog still drank water during that time...

It's hard to say because my husband is a shift worker but generally we will leave Archer alone for at least an hour or so each day, some days can be up to 9 hours.

He goes to doggy daycare one day a week which he loves.

As for the time he is alone I suspect he sleeps a lot, he has lots of toys and access to most of the house plus the backyard via doggy door, I've spoken to our neighbours and they never hear him bark or cry and nothing is destroyed when we get home, when we are with him we spend lots of quality time playing, training, exercising, cuddling etc so I don't feel too bad about leaving him.

I've been feeding Archer half Canidae grain free ALS and half raw since we got him at 8 weeks and had no problems, he is a smaller dog though (Boston Terrier).

Although it has a higher protein percentage you might not need to feed as much, so for example (just making up figures):

100gms Canidae with 40% protein = 40gms protein

150gms Other food with 30% protein = 45gms protein

Not sure if that helped at all?

I would always ask first, just a simple "can we say hello?" before you get too close.

Enjoy your new puppy, they grow so quickly!

Lilly is beautiful!

What did the person running puppy preschool say about her behaviour??

I can't really help as I have the opposite problem, Archer wants to play with everyone and everything, although as a puppy he had lots of weird fears (like walking down the hallway) which he eventually got over given time.

How are you when you take Lilly out, relaxed or tense/cautious?

griffons are happy friendly little chappies :D

my boy loves to run around the yard but also equally happy sitting on your lap having cuddles

I have four other dogs - two very large and two medium and he has just joined in with them no problems

when I took him to my friends place who has masses of coolies as soon as we arrived he was out running with her lot whilst my coolie who was bred there was finding it overwhelming, the griffon certainly didn't

and personality plus dogs - he is a laugh a minute!

As for shedding, I couldn't say, with two golden retreivers any of his hair would just probably be absorbed anyway but seriously he doesn't seem bad at all, he is a smooth coat

Oh My. I want one! Time to do some research.

OP I have a Boston Terrier, he's the best but I have no idea how he would be around horses, fine around other animals but never been near a horse...

Wow I feel really lucky, Archer was 80% at about 10 weeks and I'd say fully trained at our house at about 15 weeks. But I have a feeling he's still not 100% at someone else's house (5.5 months), he's used to using a doggy door and not having to ask to go out, so not sure how he would go without self-access to outside...

name them whatever you like- nicknames usually take over anyway ;)

Yep Archer responds to all his nicknames and they're all 3 syllables or more, Sooky-dog, Pigeon-nugget, Archer-dog-furry-pants and Mr Furry Pants. Although in public we just stick to Archer, his nicknames are bit embarrassing

I feed the grain free ALS along with Raw on the advice of my dog's breeder, so about 50/50. My dog does really well on it, I previously tried another dry food with bad results, back to Canidae with no problems

Haven't heard anything about a law suite, but then again I haven't ever searched for that kind of history

I give Grover a chicken wing on the weekends, and lean lamb bones (as well as dry food, of course) during the week. For more than 2 years I fed him completely raw. I think it gave him a great start to life, and it's the reason why he's so healthy.

I'm not going to go in to the raw vs. kibble debate on here. I think you have to feed your dog what works best for the both of you. And right now I'm happy with kibble and raw meaty bones...and the occasional healthy titbits.

I've stopped giving Grover supermarket treats because at one stage he was 12.5 kilos! 11 kilos is his ideal weight because he's a large Arnie Schwarzenegger type Pug LOL. He's now 11.5 kilos - just 500 grams to go : )

I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound judgmental , I just meant that yes I feed canidae but I don't have experience with using it as 100% of my dog's diet.

By the way I love the name Grover for a Pug!

I feed the grain free ALS along with Raw on the advice of my dog's breeder, so about 50/50. My dog does really well on it, I previously tried another dry food with bad results, back to Canidae with no problems

Haven't heard anything about a law suite, but then again I haven't ever searched for that kind of history

Well put Weasel, not the best of situations for human for animal...but alot of are trying to make the most out of the cards they were dealt...

Are they blameless no..but hey I have it alot better and still make some pretty selfish decisions...

He wasn't making the most of anything - he was on the social - thinking a labouring job was beneath him. Him and people like him are the reason England is in crisis.

He says he doesn't want to work for a "cowboy" builder again, which I would interpret as someone that undertakes dodgy, illegal practices...

To stay on topic on a Dog Forum I will say I thought it was interesting how most (all?) of the owners lived in apartments, is that common in England? We waited 4 years to have a dog so it could have a back yard.

I actually think that most of the people in that docco thought they were doing the right thing by the dogs, however uneducated they may be. It doesn't make it right but I don't believe anyone intended harm to their dogs. But the woman that helped and got the free puppy - ooh I got a bad feeling about her!

I feel very privileged to be in my position right now.

I started but lost interest halfway.

Interesting re bull breeds, Archer is a Boston Terrier so has that smooshed in face kind of look that people associate with bull breeds, recently as he's lost his puppy looks people have steered clear of him - he's always on a leash in these areas but never lunges/moves towards them or anything - however people will usher their children away, one girl grabbed her boyfriends hand and moved to the other side away from us... I know I'm not imagining as my husband has experienced the same thing and one of our friends also commented on it.

Well I think he's cute... Boston Terriers were on my list of dogs when we were looking. Love a smooshy face.

Aww thanks! :D I should say that it's the minority of people that do this and I don't know them so their response may have nothing to do with his looks, I think I was feeling a bit sensitive yesterday

Bostons are great! Maybe for the next addition??

I started but lost interest halfway.

Interesting re bull breeds, Archer is a Boston Terrier so has that smooshed in face kind of look that people associate with bull breeds, recently as he's lost his puppy looks people have steered clear of him - he's always on a leash in these areas but never lunges/moves towards them or anything - however people will usher their children away, one girl grabbed her boyfriends hand and moved to the other side away from us... I know I'm not imagining as my husband has experienced the same thing and one of our friends also commented on it.

I would wait and see how the dogs get along first. But definitely let the in-laws know the house rules with regards to kids and dogs, I expect any reasonable person would respect those.

Also it sounds like you have the means in place to separate the dogs if necessary and I would feed them in separate areas just to be safe.

I'm not sure what your relationship is like with your in-laws but if you feel like you can't be blunt approach it like you're helping them "I think Boxer Pup is too energetic for Poodle I'll just put him out the back while I'm away and I think Poodle would be much happier inside" ???

When my in-laws visit with their 2 dogs they just take over, but they always supervise and have control of the situation, even if Archer (puppy) is a bit put out by the "new rules" they never stay long and we just recommence our rules once they've gone. I understand it is different with children involved which is why I think you should definitely lay down the law in that respect.

First thing in the morning about 0530 I have to drag myself out of bed for work, it's cold and dark and I am not a morning person!

I walk into the kitchen (where Archer sleeps) he looks at me, yawns, stretches, and rolls over onto his back for tummy rubs - this is the only time of day he likes to be on his back and he looks so gorgeous looking up at me with those big eyes... makes my morning instantly better

“I consider him a rescue.”

if you did something wrong, if you made a mistake, even if you knew it was wrong and said heck with it, I'm doing it anyway, OWN IT. Say "I did something really stupid, something I hope you don't ever do, something I hope nobody ever does."

http://blacksheepcardigans.com/ruff/general/i-consider-him-a-rescue/

I have family members who at the time thought they were doing the right thing buying from a byb (they called themselves a "breeder" and my family took that to mean they were reputable), several years on they freely admit it was a bad choice and they were not fully educated. Their experience helped us be a bit more discerning when choosing a puppy.

I wish people would spend less time trying to defend their poor choices and more time helping people avoid making the same mistakes...

Afghan Hound: Sir Walter, Faxon, Lochie, Bluey, Miffy,

Airedale Terrier: Abbey

Akita: Kyojin, Kuma

Alaskan Malamute: Indiana, Kira

American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno, Cash, Loki, Jessie

Anatolian Shepherd: Trojan

Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda, Katie

Australian Cattle Dog X : Frosty

Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie, Millie, Alice, Hannah, Hudson, Flynn, Gossip, Ava

Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper

Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Safire, Milky, Kinta, Banjo, Rosie, Skye, Emerald, Gem, Meg

Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper

Basset Hound : Gemma

Beagle : Teagan,Ollie, Ellie, Dusky, Brodie, Billy, Piper, Briar, Scarlett

Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie

Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy

Bichon Frise: Jag

Bichon Frise X: Harper

Bloodhound: Earl

Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumor, Diesel, Kobie, Emma, Kenzie, Maggie, Ella, Shelby, Jayde, Ashli, Mia, 'Bubba', Wyc, Echo, Topolino, Sally, Xena, CK, Wikki, Gemima, Carter, Maddy, Charlie,

Border Collie x: Anna, Cally

Border collie x kelpie: Jasmine

Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander

Boston Terrier: Archer

Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson

Brittany: Zora

Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas, Stitch

Bull Terrier (Miniature) Lainie

Cane Corso: Ali

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy, Maggie

Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper, Bella, Dobby

Chihuahua x Maltese: Midget

Chinese Crested: Louis, Daisy, Cyrus

Chinese Crested Powder Puff x Tibetan Terrier: Dee, Carrie, Benita, Jenna

Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea, Darcy

Curly Coated Retriever x Labrador Retriever: Maggie

Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo

Deerhound: Rhys, Calleigh

Deerhound X: D'Arcy

Doberman: Opal

Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose, Chevy, Bella, Molly, Digby, Dexter, Viva, Vegas, Griffen

Dogue De Bordeaux x Boxer: Madeline

English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea

English Setter: Spartan, James

English Springer Spaniel: Buddy

Field Spaniel: Moo

Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera, Annika, Ella

Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig, George

French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee, Alexis, Claire, Lilly

German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte, Razzle, Willow

German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan, Brennan, Jack, Santha, Molly, Max, Jenna, Acteon, Roxy, Scout, Rumour, Skye

German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo

German Spitz (Mittel)- Amber

Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby, Sasha, Aria, Archer, Lexi

Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney

Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally, Clyde, Ryan, Amethyst, Stan, Maddie, Skye, Rosie, Ruby, Roxie, Jazz, Gypsy, Ernie, Gus, Rufus, Joey, Woody, Coconut, Cleo, Freckles, Ziggy, Candy

Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha

Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan, Kobi, Ari, Belle, Monah

Irish Setter: Fionneaghan, Maia, Aneira

Irish Terrier: Kate, Duke

Irish Wolfhound: Zac

Italian Greyhound: Bella, Tari, Blaze, Zoey,

Italian Spinone: Roisin. Enzo

Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi, Chief, Louis, Matilda, Tess

Jack Russell terrier X: Thomas

Japanese Spitz: Emmy, Angelo

Keeshond: Jedi

Kerry Blue Terrier: Juno, Joxer, Bahsha, Louie, Cinders, Solo

Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Zep

Leonberger: Singe

Maltese: Luna, Mia

Maltese X: Chase, Pipi

Maremma: Dennys Dog, Grace,Gina, Angel,Honey, Hollie, Snotto, Hairy Beary, Tadea

Miniature Fox Terrier: Cleopatra

Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover

Miniature Pinscher: Mischa, Cleo

Murray River Curly Coated Retriever: Aggie

Neapolitan Mastiff: Miniera, Pacchia, Bruno, Pasquala + 3, 1 week old pups

Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey, Xanthe

Norwegian Elkhound: Odin

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi

Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka

Pekingese: Edwina, Lyle

Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger

Poodle (Toy): Chilli

Poodle (Minature): Caroline, Brody, Prada

Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies.

Pomeranian: Daisy, Comet, Jester,

Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack, Bert

Pyrenean Mountain Dog: Sasquatch

Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss, Sierra, Kei

Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint

Saluki: Bella, Arella, Moss, Lucy, Jadir, Mab, Floyd

Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato

Samoyed x: Jenna

Schipperke: Taz

Schnauzer (Miniature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga, Riva, Amy, Indy, Amber, Grace, Guy, Blue, Connie, Paddington

Schnauzer (Standard) Baillie

Schnauzer (Giant): Tara, Darcy

Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Cassie, Orsana, Cimba

Shih Tzu : Gizmo, Daisy

Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky, Blacky, Zuess, Zero, Mya

Siberian Husky x: Luki

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Shaemus, Nellie, Ciara

Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus, Monty, Chaos, Bean, Brock, Benson

SWF: Zoe

Tibetan Spaniel: Annie, Nina Zena, Lily

Tibetan Terrier: Prue, Mindy, Holly, Tara

Tenterfield Terrier: Cinder, Zoom

Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly, Judy, Mini, Pixie, Ozzie, Dozer, Alaska, Logan, Buddy, Leela, Rusty, Pip, Brembo, Satchmo

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan): Shandy

White German Shepherd: Casper

White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim,

Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi, Daphne, Elliot, Mindy, Whiz, Arizona aka Zassy , Griff , Penny, Kibah, Feather, Tag, Puck

Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie

West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy, Mac, Sarah, Andy, Sweep, JJ, Flash, Fergie, Crystal, Glen, Jingles, Jinnie, Loui, Mitch, Maggie, Smiekie, Zac, Roxy, Winnie, Cricket, Nova,

We wanted a small dog, due to yard and fences. I didn't want a dog that needed lots of grooming and I didn't want a dog that fell into the SWF category ( though I'd love a TT).

So, our options were Boston or Frenchie. We prefered the bulk of the Frenchie and are now owned by 2 of them.

Our thoughts were very similar to spanky, we wanted a smallish dog with a smooth or short coat, not a SWF, and something with a bit of character but also a temperament suitable for a first time dog owner. We now have a beautiful Boston Terrier :D

How long will your pup be alone for and what area ie. tiles/floorboards/carpet will he be left in?

Congrats! It's very exciting.

If Mr PGB was also unable to care for our pup we have lots of family and friends who would take on Archer, just like we would take on their dogs in similar circumstances. In fact we currently have my friend's dog staying with us as she has just moved to our city and does not have a house yet.

Isn't that what family and friends are the best at? Looking after each other? In my (and my friends/family) world that includes pets

On my breeders advice I fed my Boston pup Canidae Grain Free along with raw, then tried to gradually switch him over to Black Hawk as his dry component. It did not work well, (dandruff and bad poos). He's now back on the Canidae, doing really well and his coat is fantastic.

It really is whatever works best for your dog is the best food to feed them

Have a chat to your vet on your next visit, or if you're doing puppy classes ask the trainer - they're there to help

Do you wait for her to go toilet when you take her outside before letting her back inside? Sometimes you need to be veeerrryy patient, don't let her back inside until she goes, when she does act like it's the best thing in the whole world.

It's difficult when you get no indication like sniffing, circling etc (I had the same problem with my pup).

The other thing that may be worth considering is how cold it is outside, we've recently had a few really cold mornings and Archer has decided going straight outside the door and running back inside is sufficient rather than his designated toilet spot.