Very new dog owner, what the hell do I do?

astonsmummy

What do you feed yours on?
I got some dry food from the pet shop as a freebie but she doesn't like it.

candygirl

Mine are on WAGG working, dry dog food, but have lots if little treats too.A bag lasts a month for 2 of them and costs around a tenner from Tesco or Pets at Home What food was she on before? I'd stick to that for now till she settles in hun:)
I also give them evening primrose tablets for their coats, and garlic tabs to ward off fleas.So far so good;)

foreign_correspondent

she is lovely - I feed Wagg working dog too -might be worth putting some hot water on the dry food then letting it cool, as if she is used to tinned food she might not be keen at first.

Also don't worry - lots of dogs dont eat well for a day or two in a new home. My mums dog hardly ate for three days and she was really thin so we were worried! If you take her bowl away after about 20 minutes if she has eaten or not she will soon realise she needs to eat her dinner up when she is given it.

astonsmummy

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

she is lovely - I feed Wagg working dog too -might be worth putting some hot water on the dry food then letting it cool, as if she is used to tinned food she might not be keen at first.

Also don't worry - lots of dogs dont eat well for a day or two in a new home. My mums dog hardly ate for three days and she was really thin so we were worried! If you take her bowl away after about 20 minutes if she has eaten or not she will soon realise she needs to eat her dinner up when she is given it.

Blimey, it's like having another child :rotfl:

getcarter

I'm so pleased you started this thread, we're thinking of getting another dog and my OH wants a staffie, seen one we like at dogs trust.............still debating though..................aarrghhhh!

candygirl

getcarter wrote: »

I'm so pleased you started this thread, we're thinking of getting another dog and my OH wants a staffie, seen one we like at dogs trust.............still debating though..................aarrghhhh!

Awwww go for it, we used to have labs which were great, but the staffies are soooo much easier and cleverer;) They've trained me:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Shambler

nice dogs.

From my experience of doggies I offer to the point advice...

Get them insured.

Feed them dry food twice a day.

Walks 2-3 times a day to avoid accidents

Praise them when they are good, ignore when bad

Hawthorn

http://www.companyofanimals.co.uk/boomer.php

I can highly recommend this ball.

I have a bull terrier, and she ADORES her boomer! She also likes the kong toys, and the thick heavy ropes with knots on.... that said, she also has a leather ball from which all of the leather has been removed. She only has it outside when I'm watching, but she's very gentle with it. Tennis balls, not so much!
You can train a dog to walk alongside quite easily without the need for a harness. You'll need one of these

http://www.collarsandtags.co.uk/blue-nylon-chain-check-collar-p-480.html

When they get ahead, you gain some slack on the lead, then pull it sharply across your body - this doesn't hurt the dog if you have the right size collar, as it can't tighten around the neck. It's the noise you're aiming for rather than dragging the dog back (though you may have to do this from time to time in the early days). When you do this issue a command. We use close, my parents used heel. Whatever works for you!

astonsmummy

She wont chew anything lol
Bought her a rawhide bone thingy, she aint interested.

Hawthorn

Aaaargh, send it back! It's a freak! A terrier that doesn't chew??? Is that even a species???