Puppies #2

[Caffeine Fiend]

That sounds so much better! I hope there’ll eventually be a move away from the large “puppy party” set ups and an increase in more small groups like this! I think the large groups sometimes do more harm than good for the quiet pups

100%!!! Socialisation can be done without these parties. Ive made so many mistakes in the past and ended up with an over vocal and excited dog around people / dogs.

With subsequent dogs Ive made socialisation about experiences rather than people or dogs and its made such a difference. Introducing to the car from the very beginning frequently, taking in a dog sling to beaches, forests, woods, near main roads with buses/sirens/trucks. Not greeting every dog we meet and its night and day.

Its not to say they dont work out but I think they cause more harm than good in so many cases.

 

[aidil]

He is a small cross breed only 1.8kg at the moment 14 weeks. aww he’ll have a lot of girlfriends what breed is he?

Ahhhh I love little ones, I really want a Chi cross next He’s a lurcher, he’s getting on now but can still run for England

 

[Former_Antelopee]

I'm

We have a 11 week old cocker spaniel - what treats are you recommending for training? Using chicken and some natural puppy treats from pets at home but don’t want to feed too much chicken (if I can) as although it’s high value and helping her stay focused she seemed to struggle a bit too this morning so wonder if too much protein and she’s bunged up.

Want something I can buy that is preferably already small so don’t have to chop up treats, that is super yummy and exciting….not not full of crap!

also on that note - what chews? Just wanting something she can gnash on in the crate or when she’s on a wood chip eating rampage in the garden. Chew toys don’t seem to be satisfying her when she’s in that sort of mood so think needs to be a chew.

Could you use her normal meals for training? I'm not much help for this as my pups too fussy and will only focus for salmon and mackerel However when he was younger then only way I could get him to usually eat his normal food was by training and back then he wouldn't take any treats just his dry food.
My trainer told me to get natural treats like Pizzles, rabbit ears, chicken feet, pigs ears. I got him a penis treat the other day which he liked. I always go for the bigger versions of the treats as I get worried he'll swallow the last bit whilst it's too big for him so I usually take it away at that stage but the smaller ones wouldn't last that long then. I also got him a yak chew he had it the first time and it took ages for him to get through but the second one he wasn't bothered with - you can microwave this when it gets small and it puffs it up, can't remember the exact process as you have to soak in water for so long first

 

[Rodneytrotter]

Hmmm I think it depends as I got asked for a kitten to pay a deposit I didn't and turned out they were scammers. But in your situation I may do since they have been recommended to you so won't be scammers. Guess if they are popular breeders just means you'll definitely get a puppy. Just what happens if you don't end up wanting one from the litter will they give the deposit back?
What breed are they?

Well yeah exactly what if you just feel that none of them are for you! They are mi iature poodle x cavapoo. F1b I think they call it. I'd prefer extra poodle anyway.

Well the one that was recommended is cavapoo. But I think even on lets 4 homes people just send the deposit.

 

[Rodneytrotter]

Hi hope it’s okay to post here I’m looking at getting a puppy in the next few weeks some adverts state puppy will not be kennel club registered is this a problem? My last dog was but for reference I don’t plan on breeding the dog or anything it will be a family pet for me & my teen daughter, it’s been a good few years since I had a puppy (lost my precious boy 4 years ago) and never thought I would consider another dog but I feel now is the right time, any tips on what I need to look out for please? Obviously I’m aware to see puppy with mum ? Dad if possible? Some seem really high priced some cheaper I’m not sure which is best tbh?! I don’t want to get it wrong so any advice? I’m looking on champ dogs & pets 4 homes is there anywhere else? I would want the puppy to come from a family brought up environment, I’m also wary of puppy farms too so would appreciate any tips? Nervous and excited 🫣

Hi I have a crossbreed so KC registration wasn't on my radar. I would say same as above in asking for health testing etc. You can also ask in Facebook groups for specific breeds whether there are any recommended breeders. Follow your gut too, I walked away once when I realised a breeder had given a false name and also another when the breeder wouldn't let me meet mum (said she would be upset seeing me with the pups).

I also advise not telling children what you are planning for as long as possible as they will start pressuring you to hurry up when really it's something you need to take your time with.

 

[Former_Antelopee]

Please don't judge but a Maltese x miniature poodle. My last dog was beagle x collie and before that a jack russel.

I dunno I feel there's a bit of a stigma with poodle crosses at the moment I'm going to visit the pup with both mum and dad tomorrow.

Maltese x mini poodle sounds so much better than anything with beagle in it to me
If it wasn't for a mini poodle needing clipping often I would've got one just didn't want to have that as an additional cost. I'd even picked a name for a mini poodle

 

[aidil]

100%!!! Socialisation can be done without these parties. Ive made so many mistakes in the past and ended up with an over vocal and excited dog around people / dogs.

With subsequent dogs Ive made socialisation about experiences rather than people or dogs and its made such a difference. Introducing to the car from the very beginning frequently, taking in a dog sling to beaches, forests, woods, near main roads with buses/sirens/trucks. Not greeting every dog we meet and its night and day.

Its not to say they dont work out but I think they cause more harm than good in so many cases.

Spot on! I think so many owners (myself included!) read about socialisation and how important it is and then went on to flood our poor pups! There’s definitely a good and bad way to do it but at least we can learn from our mistakes now

I want to start running puppy classes at my work eventually but don’t want to do so until I know we can do it in the most responsible manner!

 

[epl000]

Well, I can't believe Little Girl is a year old now, so I guess no longer technically a puppy. It's been a learning curve and this thread has been a great help to a total novice like I was, so thank you everyone. I wouldn't change a thing, but sure don't miss those needle sharp baby teeth and 2am trips to the garden

The sock and slipper thief is recovering well after being spayed and I am looking forward to many more adventures together

Aww she is definitely still a puppy. Our girl is 2 and a bit and I still refer to her as our puppy, especially when she is being a nutcase zoomying around the park. Need to keep reminding myself of those razor teeth and garden trips when I get broody for a 2nd puppy

 

[Former_Antelopee]

I would recommend leave it and wait too. my dog eats absolutely anything he can get so leave it is so handy, also drop it but that’s been a bit harder. I find wait useful too just so he’s a bit more disciplined, we do wait before he eats and wait before he gets outside because he bounces at the door like a maniac if you haven’t already I would try liver paste for training!

Good idea I do have liver paste I got for my cats medication but never used so I’ll try it on him

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

It shouldn't be. I actually just fed him a different kind of food than normal since he wasn't eating his normal food well recently especially the last few days. He was grumpy all day today, the worst he has ever been, he usually only does it when tired. After he ate this different food well he has been happy and waggy so I'm hoping if I can find a good he eats well maybe it'll help his behaviour

My dog isnt fussy but once when our food delivery was a tiny bit late (i.e he still got breakfast just not as much) he was sooo grumpy.

So maybe that will help.

 

[Elle Woods]

Do not do it if you still want another by the time pup is 18m to 2y then go for it.

I have 2 (age gap) and its double the dirt, double the work.

Id never get 2 again.

BIB - this is exactly what put me off getting a 2nd dog! I was absolutely desperate for another but then I looked after a family members dog for the weekend and I could not believe how much dirt a 2nd dog brings in! My hoover and mop have never been so overworked

 

[Kthxbye]

Hi everyone, rescued a puppy 2 weeks ago and thoroughly drained. Lots of tears and regrets, but I'm feeling better most days, and reading here has been a comfort.

I'd be really grateful for any long lasting chew recommendations - puppy is 12 weeks/11 kg. We got him pizzles (didn't realise they were knobs ), his first lasted him a few days on and off, but now he can finish one in half an hour and we're terrified of him choking on it.
He has a frozen Kong in the evening so we can watch telly for a bit and relax, but I want to keep that special and give him something less exciting in the day so I can get chores done or nap (or cry in peace ).

Thinking about paying for Will Atherton's online training course - did anyone do similar and have any recommendations?
We're starting an in person training class next week but feeling lost and the idea of someone telling me week by week what to do is very appealing, especially with the crate which feels like a flop at the moment.

Licki mats, spread natural yoghurt, dog safe peanut butter, blueberries, frozen sprats etc on it and freeze.
Will keep the pup occupied for ages
Natural chews (like the pizzles) are fab- my boy is 18 months/ 40kg. He loves a giant beef braid, or a pork roll.
He also loves the jurassic bones that are £3.99 in the range, however I wouldn't recommend one of those for puppy teeth.

In person training is always going to be better than online, and the best is one to one training tailored to your needs and the needs of your pup.

My only regret is that I didn't start with my trainer sooner.

 

[Hamburglar]

My pup (8 months next week) has turned into a devil these last few days. Growling and attacking me for trying to stroke him. The trainer came yesterday and has advised me how to stop it. Said he is trying to get his own way and also will be in a regression phase. I'm hoping he will learn. He never breaks my skin when he does it, although I know he can as he has before but only when playing and he goes to grab the toy, misses (as I probably moved it) and he has got my finger.

I do really hope it is the regression phase and can teach him not to be like this as I don't want an aggressive dog. Done training classes and now the 1-1 training. Whereas my previous family dogs we never did anything and they were never like this

The training seems to have worked for the crate guarding but still working on it so he doesn't go back and become bad with that again.

Ordered butternut box as he really has been even less interested in his food recently. It's expensive so I'll probably keep him on it till he is on adult food as there is more choice then. That's if he likes it.

Have you spoken to the vet? I’m in a training group on fb (I think it’s been posted on here before but not 100% and not sure if we’re allowed to promote fb groups or not) - basically they sometimes say unusual behaviours like suddenly attacking or going off food could be a sign of pain so to get the dog checked.

I know when my boy really goes off his food (he is generally indifferent to food anyway but will eat) it’s usually followed by him being ill in the days following.

 

[Curly]

We stopped it pretty quickly.
our pup had some tummy issues the first few weeks and had to get some meds. We now give him a spoon of Greek yoghurt mixed in his kibble which he loves as he wouldn’t eat it dry

 

[Skinner]

Ah thank you, that's interesting. Picked my girl up on Wednesday with food from the breeder who has been soaking it in warm water and said may not need to do it much longer. Felt little one isn't eating as much as she should and put it down to new environment. Accidentally dropped dry kibble on kitchen floor today and she crunched it up with gusto, tail wagging

Best of luck with your new addition.

 

[vanilla cupcakes]

I would recommend leave it and wait too. my dog eats absolutely anything he can get so leave it is so handy, also drop it but that’s been a bit harder. I find wait useful too just so he’s a bit more disciplined, we do wait before he eats and wait before he gets outside because he bounces at the door like a maniac if you haven’t already I would try liver paste for training!

 

[epl000]

Hey

My 7month old girl has just started her first season. Always had male dogs, so this is all a bit new to me.

Just looking for recommendations really on things to protect my furniture, the best cleaning products for her blankets/the carpet etc.

Anything else I should think about getting?

TIA x

Aww sending your pup all the love. We just kept a damp cloth handy and covered the sofa, her dog bed and our bed in blankets and washed them every day or so and it was fine, but she was so good at keeping herself clean and didn't seem to bleed all that much.

She was really off her food for about 10 days though so maybe stock up on nice things that she might be tempted with if she's not into her usual dog food. I got worried and spoke to the vets and they said its super normal for their appetite to drop. I ended up cooking plain chicken with gravy and rice and scrambled egg for her as she just couldn't be bothered to eat anything. Also found that she was really cuddly and just wanted to snuggle up next to you and have her belly rubbed a lot so make time for that

Also try walking her when its quiet as she'll be attracting all the boys! Think its the couple of weeks post-season when they're most fertile so be extra careful when she's off the lead (or keep her on the lead).

 

[vanilla cupcakes]

I was thinking more when the childs in bed. My pup can be a resource guarder and his trainer said to leave a house lead on him (a lead with the handle cut off) which he can just drag around but means I can grab it if I need to

I’ll do that, thank you!

 

[N0sey.P4rker]

Hey

My 7month old girl has just started her first season. Always had male dogs, so this is all a bit new to me.

Just looking for recommendations really on things to protect my furniture, the best cleaning products for her blankets/the carpet etc.

Anything else I should think about getting?

TIA x

 

[Former_Antelopee]

Had my trainer come out today. My puppy isn't food motivated and the trainer had treats he liked so I just went out to buy them. Come back to try some training with them and he doesn't want to eat them