Help!!

Mechanical Angel, if you are in to cute t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. for dogs take a look at this site.

http://ruffruffandmeow.com/

Thanks!

Like 4 or 5 generations.

He did take nutrion classes already.

 I do not really like Kongs. They get dirty to easy.

Kongs get dirty?  In a crate?  I give my dogs frozen kongs in their crates when ever I need to leave them crated for the day.  They get part of their breakfast in the kong.  Then I just wash them with the rest of their dishes.

I've not gone to college to study animal nutrition.  But I read a LOT and I listen to others when they try to help me to learn more.  When I came to this forum I was feeding Purina Large Breed puppy.  Didn't take long to realize that my dogs didn't need the fillers in the food and to accept and understand what folks were trying to tell me.

I homecook for SIX german shepherds....approaching five hundred pounds of dog.  And, at the moment, and for the past 5 or 6 weeks, I've been sharing a motorhome with all six of them AND two cats.  Oh, and a husband.  Needless to say, space, even in the fridge is at a premium.  In order to maintain the diet I want them on, excellent quality kibble in the morning and homecooked or raw in the evening, I cook twice each week for them and minimize what I keep for US in the fridge.

Vets are s l o w l y coming around to the fact that SD isn't all that great as a food and some are accepting that excellent quality food WILL enhance the lives of their patients.  For example, I've not needed to use any flea and tick prevention for three years.  That's a whole lot of chemicals that haven't gone into my dogs systems and that's a good thing.

You'll do whatever it is you decide to do, but I sure hope you'll revisit the question of nutrition AND training classes.

Kongs or anything else like that -- just put it thru the dishwasher.  It's an awesome way to get a pup not to bolt it's food and to provide good teething challenge. 

OR -- don't even put food in them -- use as any other rubber toy.  They are an awesome toy to just throw.  Because of the odd structure, it bounces like a ball but they can't predict where. 

No cleaner nor dirtier than any other toy or thing they'll put their mouth on.  And easier to clean than something with ridges (THOSE can be nasty to get clean -- gum massaging?  maybe -- but eww -- tough to clean.)

Well I guess I'm just not sure what kind of help you are looking for.

You came to a dog forum for dog advise - and believe me - you have gotten tons of good advise.

But it seems like you are very set in your ways - and not willing to listen to a thing we are telling you. You seem to have a come back for every suggestion we make - as to why it's wrong.

I just don't get it. I've learned so much from this place - as have others. They've helped me through some of the hardest times with my pets, and have always offered the best advice, and personal expierence.

My only hope is that you really are taking some of what we say to heart - and will think things over, about what is best for your pet.

You have six weeks to do research -- I hope you use those six weeks to learn about new things instead of just doing everything your own way.  How you can ignore what so many people are telling you is beyond me.

Puppy pre-school/kindergarten is the BEST thing for both you & your puppy.  It is VITAL that you get your puppy out & socialized from the very beginning, especially with a toy breed like the Chi that is KNOWN for being unsocial and snappy.

I don't care what you think you know about dog training.  I have TAUGHT dog training classes.  I have an elite agility dog.  But I am STILL taking Kaiser (my new four month old puppy) to puppy pre-school starting next week.  It's not because I don't know what I'm doing -- it's because he needs the socialization and training in a new environment.  Puppy classes are for the good of your dog, plus they often give many owners the kick in the seat that they need to actually practice.

Science Diet is not what you should be feeding your puppy.  I started Luke out on SD as a puppy and HOLY HECK did he stink to high heaven.  He pooped eight times a day.  I switched him to Purina ProPlan (still not a "good" food by my standards today after doing research) and the change was immediate.  Fewer, firmer poops and his coat improved.  When I switched him Innova Evo the change was even more remarkable.  FOOD MAKES A DIFFERENCE.  I emphasized it because I feel it's a very important statement.  Many people don't bother to research dog food at all and they don't realize the junk that they are feeding.

If I were you, I'd take these next six weeks to really think about why it is you want a dog and what you expect to get from the experience.

erica1989

Well I guess I'm just not sure what kind of help you are looking for.

You came to a dog forum for dog advise - and believe me - you have gotten tons of good advise.

But it seems like you are very set in your ways - and not willing to listen to a thing we are telling you. You seem to have a come back for every suggestion we make - as to why it's wrong.

I just don't get it. I've learned so much from this place - as have others. They've helped me through some of the hardest times with my pets, and have always offered the best advice, and personal expierence.

My only hope is that you really are taking some of what we say to heart - and will think things over, about what is best for your pet.

I agree with Erica.  You wanted help, but seem to not be willing to even consider things people have suggested.  I am a relatively new dog owner, and in the few months I've been on this board, I have learned an unbelieveable amount about dogs, and continue to learn more every single day.  The more you learn the better dog owner you will be and the better off your dog will be.  The people here know what they are talking about, and are so willing to help newbies (like me!), that I feel this board is an invaluable resource.  But you must be open to suggestions.  Puppy classes are amazingly helpful, and not at all expensive.  And please, please consider at least researching some of the links you have been given here on nutrition.  I didn't know anything about dog nutrition, either, but with the help of the kind folks on this board, I have learned so much and my dog is better off for it.  Anyway, I wish you and your new pup the best of luck!

Shoot guys, I'm an OLD broad with tons of dog experience, and I'm still learning from this forum.  I don't care how old or how experienced we are, when we stop learning or refuse to listen, might as well start building the coffin....for the brain at least.

Some of the younger members have taught me stuff....those of you who think you don't know nuthin 'bout nuthin....well, you've still given me ideas to ponder and play with, and use.  Sometimes those things come from suggestions you've been offered, and sometimes from something you probably think is a really stupid idea......

So, doesn't matter who we are, where we've been or how we got there, we can still learn from the members of this forum.

Well said Glenda

I have taken some advice. I took the crate training, and a lot of other things. I just really dont want to do training classes or switch food. I actually did look at those sites. They were very helpful. I WILL switch if its a problem. Thanks!!!

Mechanical Angel

I actually did look at those sites. They were very helpful.

Glad to hear it!

When switching from the breeder's food (especially for a pup this small), be sure to do it gradually over 5-7 days to prevent digestive upsets.  Also please consider using a probiotic (doses of good intestinal bacteria) during the switch to help with the adjustment.

NOTE:  Antibiotics kill good bacteria as well as bad bacteria.  This can cause digestive upsets, but probiotics can help to prevent that.  Give them 2-3 hours after the antibiotic.  People should do this, too!!

Fastrack® Canine Microbial Gel

• manufacturer's site
• discount site

The problem with some foods is that you don't often SEE a problem.  I thought my guys were doing fine on the food that the vet suggested, but gosh, once I switched to something higher quality, I saw a major difference for the better.  Had I never TRIED it, I would have, like you, thought that all these people on the forum were food fanatics.

As for training classes, I'l be honest, I've had some trainers who I knew I could do a better job.  I could have taught the classes far better than they did.  But, there is always something to be learned, even from a trainer who seems not to be very good.  Always.  Even if its what NOT to do.  And that's why it's important to go and observe classes before you sign up...watch the trainer and the way s/he relates to the dogs and theowners.  Because I have german shepherds, a breed that can strike fear in many folks because of some of the jobs they do, mine are all highly trained and canine good citizens...well, except for my female who is just too reactive to go there.....but a little chi can be a royal pain in the rear too if not trained.  And, honestly, those untrained chi's give the whole breed a bad name as yippy little ankle biters.

Angel, can I ask if you have ever owned a dog before?

I speak from personal experience - a good class is a godsend.  There can be so few opportuinites to train your dog in the presence of high distractions (other dogs) without exposing your dog to others of unknown temperament or poisoning your cues because the environment is so completely uncontrolled.  If you are set on not finding a good class, please be careful.  I wouldn't advise just taking your dog everywhere and letting him play with any and all dogs he meets. 

About the food - just keep an eye on your dogs poo!  (not literally obviously).  There should not be a lot of it.  It should be firm enough to scoop without leaving any behind, but not hard.  If the coat looks a little dull, if the skin isn't too healthy, if the dog is hyperactive... all of these can (and often are) linked back to diet.