Need Puppy Info

Christy · 01-30-2005, 03:07 PM

For my Valentines present (early) Jason agreed to use getting a puppy. Grizzly is really getting up in years all though I really hope he's got many good ones left he doesnt want to do much more than eat, sleep, potty, He's not in pain or sick so as long as he's doing well I will let him have all the sleeping time he wants (even when he's in my bed on my side lol). Shadow is a weird dog he loves to be with the girls but dosent do much with me as far as playing. I knonw one day in the future Grizzly's sadly not going to be here and I didnt want to get a new dog then as I felt it would be replacing him.

SO long story short we just took in a 8 week old male puppy. He's mom was a german shepard mix, his father a border colie/cattle dog mix. I could use all the good puppy advise I can get. I did alot of things wrong with Grizzly when he was a puppy and shadow was an adult dog when we got him so I want to do the puppy thing right with Scooby. Food,training, socializing the works any info is appreciated.

This is a picture I was emailed I dont have any of him here as my cameras broke. Grizzly just licked him and really wagged his tail when I brought him in. Oh he's all ready been wormed.

Candycane · 01-30-2005, 03:50 PM

It's too bad you didn't post something before you brought the dog home.

Some questions I would have before taking in the dog:

1. Has the mother had her hips examined and certified by a qualified professional?
If not, you could be looking at a lot of heart ache and expenses down the road. German shepards (especially of unknown descent) and prone to hip dysplasia.

2. Do you know the characteristics of each of these breeds?
Collies and cattle dogs can be EXTREMELY high maintenance. They require a lot of space and time to keep them stimulated. If not adequately stimulated, they can develop behavioral problems and be destructive. IMHO, it is considered a form of neglect to not give these types of dogs what they need.

3. How do you intend to quarantine this dog?
This point is pretty mute seems how you have already brought the dog home and it has been in contact with your dogs.

You should have already known this though.

4. Are your dogs properly vaccinated? Or have they been recently vaccinated?
If not, they could be already passing disease to your unprotected puppy. Also, I know with cats, the kittens must be quarantined from the other cats for 2 weeks after they are given vacs...this is because they are injected with a live, but dormant, virus. I don't see why puppies would be much different.

It is encouraging that you are asking for advice, but IMHO, research should be done well in advance, versus learning on the fly. I would seriously consider the questions that I asked above and possibly reconsider this puppy if necessary.

Christy · 01-30-2005, 03:59 PM

Candice first its not like im not expereinced with having dogs, Im just looking for new and updated info, Ive had dogs in life as long as I can remember, so I know what im getting into. This dog was not a planned breeding so no the hips werent cleared but thats not going to be something I require before adopting a puppy that needs a home, same as id have went to a shelter I wouldnt expcet his hips to be cleared. The puppy has been in ONE home since the time of birth so im not worried about him being sick, or the need to quaranteene.
I had border collies growing up so yes I was aware of there needs and there high energy drive and easy bordom. I have two acres as well as a huge area for long peaceful walks through woods, and streams. So its not a worry
My dogs are up to date but new puppy is going to the vets next week for his first set.

Now anyone want to give me info on proper socilazation, and reccomend a good quality puppy food?

willamettevalleychins · 01-30-2005, 04:30 PM

I have not had a puppy for a long time, So I have no idea what the good puppy food is any longer, I perfer to feed my dog Lamb and Rice food. As for socailizing your puppy I would recomend contacting a good trainer in your area, and the best for last, he sure is a cutie.

Candycane · 01-30-2005, 04:53 PM

Christy, there are numerous threads here on good quality feeds. I'm glad to see that you are looking for good quality...it wasn't too long ago that you thought Purina was just fine.
Some great brands: Nutro, Natural Balance, Wellness, Innova, Solid Gold, Wysong
Avoid: Grocery store foods, Science Diet, Eukanuba, Iams
I posted a very detailed description about what to look for. I would recommend that you read it. If you have any questions, just ask.
http://www.pets-on-the-net.com/forum...ad.php?t=14159

The reason that I mention hips is because of your ongoing financial situation. I think it's great to take in a dog that needs a home but at the same time, what if the dog ends up with hip dysplasia? Are you willing to pay thousands of dollars to have the hips fixed? Be honest with yourself. It seems selfish to consider not adopting a pup because of this but honestly, if I wasn't willing to deal with that down the road, it's better to find another pup. "Free" puppies are very seldom free...most people don't get that. If you are going to blindly buy from a backyard breeder, you must be able to accept the financial burden that it could bring. The same goes for buying from a reputable breeder, however, good breeders breed healthy, vet-checked animals so the chances of having a healthy puppy are probably better.

Quarantine is not for SICK animals, it's for all animals. Just because an animal doesn't appear sick, does not mean that it can't make your other animals sick. One person has likened this to going to a foreign country and drinking the water. The locals are just fine with the water but the foreigners end up sick. The same goes for animals. Your dogs, or the new dog, could be carrying something that they are immune to but could make the other very sick. The excuse that he has been in one home and isn't sick is not a good enough reason not to quarantine. To think that you don't need to quarantine is irresponsible because it is putting all of your pets in danger.

But like I said, this point is mute since you have already introduced him. I hope that there are no problems.

I would highly recommend looking into the quarantine period AFTER the vacs. I know that Sue posted information on cats...she will probably know if dogs require the same 2 week period.

Socialization is very important...especially for a potential protective breed such as GSD. Take the puppy as many places as you can (after he's properly protected with his vacs). I would also recommend puppy classes AND basic obedience classes. You could have a potentially large dog on your hands and you must know how to handle it. Find a reputable school and enroll your puppy as soon as you can (puppy classes are very popular and can fill up quickly). The individuals running these classes are trained professionals and can tell you more about socialization and training than most other dog owners.

Christy · 01-30-2005, 05:44 PM

First I still belive that Purina is a fine food. I will continue to use it for my two older boys that have done wonderful on it, but am considering a diffrent take on Scooby's food.

As for puppy classes, ill have to check the bigger town near me I know around here there are nothing like that, then again I live in the boonies anyway lol.

Also I wouldnt consider this person a back yard breeder and I didnt pay a thing for him. There was a male down the street that got the ladies dog pregnant before her spay appt. The spay of the mom has been moved to first week of next month (at least thats what im told). Also im very aware of no anmal thats free is free, and there has never been a time any animal of mine has ever been refused medical treatment so thats not a concern. In the event of hip displaisa I will deal with that when it comes, if surgerys not a financial option I will not let an animal suffer in pain.

Im starting him off after his first set of shots and all by having him visit all the neighbors, only one has a dog but he will get to meet a variety of people. Been a LONG time since ive had a puppy and the poor boys crying for his mommy

Ive got a stuffed animal for him as well as the radio playing softly. The sucker that I am today though have him on my lap, I know I cant do this after today or it will become a habbit, him whinning to get his way, not going to happen. Im also use to large dogs as Grizzly's a german shepard mix and I LOVE big dogs.

Christy · 01-30-2005, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the compliment he is a sweet heart thats for sure.

fertmom · 01-30-2005, 06:29 PM

I am sorry I can't help you much on raising it, feeding it etc. But, I just wanted to say that he is adorable! I love German Shepards and I love Border Collies so that would be an ideal dog in my opinion. I really wish you would get a new digi cam, I so want to see more pictures. (Hey Denise, can you borrow yours to Christy LOL?)
When we purchased our Old English Sheepdog from a breeder (years ago before I knew anything) about the only thing I knew was to ask about his hips. The breeder said they had been xrayed and would send me the document prooving it, but after several times my asking it was never sent. So even though I asked about it they were probably lying to me the whole time.
I am guessing that Grizzly will probably show him the ropes and keep him in line more than anyone else!

suzoo · 01-30-2005, 07:00 PM

Congrats on the new puppy!
I agree with Candice about the quarantine period. I wouldn't have introduced them until after at least the first vaccine. Let's just hope that both parents are healthy.
If you can find a good puppy class it will be very beneficial for him. I would also seek out a trainer that does temperment testing.. I highly recommend any dog being tested especially since you have children.
As far as food, I would recommend the best quality food that your budget will allow. Nutro Natural Choice is a pretty good 'middle of the road' brand.. it's not extremely expensive and it has decent ingredients. There are many brands that I would consider better than Purina but not as expensive as Innova or Wysong. I'd read the link that Candice posted and then go from there. If you live in the 'boonies' all those brands may not be readily available to you.
Since you are home during the day, housetraining should be fairly easy. I would start out just giving the puppy one room (the one with tile flooring is preferable b/c of accidents).. don't give him too much freedom too soon... b/c you cannot correct his mistakes if you don't catch him while he's doing it.. even 30 seconds later is too late.. he won't know what you are upset about.
Good Luck! Three dogs will be a handful..

Candycane · 01-30-2005, 08:19 PM

Nutro would probably be cheaper in the long run because it uses less fillers and therefore you would be feeding less. My dog would have to eat 6 cups of food (for his body weight) on Purina Dog Chow versus just over 3 cups on Nutro (he actually gets less than that because of a thyroid problem). Nutro is not quite twice as expensive as Purina.