Help!!

Mechanical Angel

 I just really dont want to do training classes or switch food.

I was of the same opinion about training classes when I decided to get my first dog. I really just wanted to do the training myself. I saw no reason why I could not be successful.  Because of my breed a lot of people thought I was making a mistake not seeking out professional help. They simply thought as a novice dog owner I would be in over my head with an Aussie. I did quite a bit of research on training but most of my techniques I learned right here on idog. Being a companion dog, obedience made up the majority of his training. As it turned out, Kobi was really pretty easy to train - even for a novice! He was a quick learner and a dog who loves to please. Fortunately, I had countless opportunities and options for socializing him without having to go to puppy school. He is now 5 yrs old and I never regretted not going for classes.

I did take advise on feeding my dog as nutrition (human or canine) I am not very knowledgable about. I tried a raw diet for about 6 months. Unfortunately Kobi never did that well on it. I feed him high quality kibble and lots of RMBs. Having said that I am not 100% convinced that the 'premium' dog food is all that much better. I know lots of dogs live long healthy lives on lower quality food. Better or worse I choose to err on the side of caution so I can afford a 'better' food, so that is what I buy.  As an aside, if you get the chance, there is a great doc called "A Dog's Breakfast" that takes a very interesting look at what (and why) we feed our dogs.

Yes I have. A rat terrier named Ginger.

I thought you had a beagle and a cocker spaniel?

nyiceprincess

I thought you had a beagle and a cocker spaniel?

I remember reading that too... a 7 and 5 year old.

 How do you plan on introducing your new pup to these existing dogs?

Mechanical Angel

Again, i dont wanna offend anyone but Science Diet is what my vet reccomends and I think Im gonna stickw ith it. Thanks thouh!

I haven't read all posts but my vet recommended the same brand....until I told her about the brands I feed. She was nice enough to do research on the brands and gave me her honest opinion......her biggest concern was the no preservative factor (could be dangerous if kibble is exposed to heat and air), also, that some of the brands are too rich for dogs and can create a tummy problem....but, in my case she totally agreed with my choice (Canidae, Innova) due to my GSD's allergies to corn ....just saying most vets don't have a clue when it comes to nutrition.

Mechanical Angel

He did take nutrion classes already.

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

 

 

They are extremely easy to clean.  We have several--I just run ours under hot water and get any remaining food out.

While I know you don't want to take classes, I am going to recommend them anyway.  Instructors do not train your dog for you, they teach you how to more effectively teach your dog.  More importantly, they provide SOCIALIZATION.  You will not get the same kind of socialization visiting pet stores or going out in public that you do in a class.  I have found that there are a huge number of small dogs lacking in socialization.  my lab has been attacked/snarled at by other dogs, and in nearly every case it has been a small breed.  Those dogs are very lucky that he is the type to just ignore the behavior, because if he were to retaliate they might have been seriously injured. 

Another thing to remember is that vets are not the be-all-end-all in the world of dog nutrition.  One of my vets recommends Science Diet too--and another recommends Innova, and another recommends Merrick and Nature's Variety.  So which one is right?  They have all gone to vet school and yet all recommend different foods--see what I'm getting at?

I had a rat terrier as a kid. I do have Brownie and Cuddles now its just they live with my sister because she sorta lonely and needed companions so she wanted them and with me going to college and all and Brownie being a senior I agreed. It was the best thing for both dogs.

 HI MA,

I'm curious what questions you do want answered... I think everyone has really come around to be very helpful to you and your upcoming puppy.  But whenever someone tries to give advice, it seems you already have an answer.  Maybe if you were more specific in what you would like answered we could be more helpful.