Puppy Advice (merged)

bertiebots

mojy wrote: »

Just to let you all know that Alfie has been better behaved today. He has been mouthing a lot but I decided not to crate him every time. Instead I brought his puppy pen into the kitchen to put him into if he becomes too rough as he was starting to resist going into his crate and I don't want him to hate it.
I think he is a domineering dog and is going to be very big so I'll need to learn how to handle him when he is still small. I don't want to lable him an agressive dog or anything until I know for sure what I'm dealing with.The puppy trainer has agreed to come to the house to view his behaviour(and mine) and give me a few tips.
Can't really think of anything else that I could do at the moment apart from persevere.

My collie x is called alfie..! just wanted to say this sounds like a really good idea. Its always better to see how a dog behaves on his own turf so to speak.
Dont know what your situation is regarding garden etc and I know you have to be aware of not over exercising a pup but have you started taking him for walks yet (taken hes had all jabs by now?)..this is a great stress releaver for dogs and can help stop the build up of tension/aggresive energy in your dog. I take mine out at least twice a day and its a really important part of your relationship with your dog. A short walk round the block 3 times a day may help?
You sound like a great owner for sorting this out which I am sure you will! Good luck with alfie

kink

quick one as at work, 4month labrador puppy is not eating as normal-usually wolfs his meals down but yesterday and this morn, was a bit take it or leave it. seems fine otherwise, ran round park this morning, and pooing fine.
his stomach does seem slighty fuller than normal, what would happen if had eaten something he shouldnt (only thing i can think of is a sock maybe as nothing missing in house)

any advice welcome.
k

proudmum_3

Might be worth getting him checked at the vets. Labradors are like dustbins! I have one myself, and i know if mine didn't do his usual 'wolfing down' of food there would be a problem!
Have you changed his food and is he drinking?
If he has eaten something he shouldn't have, then the longer you leave it the worse it can become. Sorry, don't want to alarm you.
Good luck & let us know how he goes.
P.S You'll have a great time together. x

kink

thanks for that. he is drinking fine, and is still eating but not wolfing down ie put him some out when got in from walk had a bit then walked away, so still half a bowl left when i came to work. will see how is when i get in.

already having a fab time with him

will let you know how we get on.

proudmum_3

Me again - sorry!
Just had a thought. If you said he is still eating but not 'wolfing down', have you thought to check his mouth? (sorry, don't mean to sound detremental)He may have scratched his throat on a stick or something which could irritate when he eats quickly.

kink

hadnt thought of that will check when i get in

k

mandy_moo_1

you mentioned his tummy seems "full"....have you wormed him recently?

i have 4 dogs, and i've always found that even if one is off their food, if they're otherwise active, then it usually means they're ok, and thye just don't feel like food

LoopyLinz

Hi Guys

Just looking for some advice really, hubby and I are thinking of getting a puppy. We have been offered one and know a lot of thought must go into it before we reach our final decision. The puppy we have been offered is a mongreal but totally adorable, it is a cross between a springer spaniel and a corgi. Neither of us have ever had a dog before so not really too sure how expensive they can be.

Can anyone point us in the right direction? How much is required initially for supplies, etc. And thinking longer term how much weekly/monthly should we allow for its care?

Any advice appreciated!

Thanks
Linz xoxox

sparkle03

Hey Hun, well done on taking the time to really consider all the aspects of taking on a puppy!

I have two dogs, both of them bought as puppies and they are hard work but so sulfilling, your never on your own with a dog! Both of my dogs are very loyal and I dont know how we lived without them before.

Im not sure if I will cover everything here but here goes;

Initial outlay - vet check inc first two vacs and worming - Vacs usually about £19.00 and worming meds less than £5.00 There is also microchipping to consider which I got for both my pups and it cost approx £20.00
Then after that there is the booster vac once a year

Other initial outlays include feeding and water dishes, bedding or blankets, collar or harness and lead None of these need to be expensive and online stores or ebay have some great bargains a few toys and puppy chews will stop you pup from getting bored. Your pup will grow out of the first collar you buy them and ideally it should be a soft one, so really no need to spend alot.

You also need to consider if your pup will need a crate?

Other costs include insurance, You can usually get a discount if you already have a policy but it usually no more than £10 per month probably less as it will be a pup. Again this is optional.

Then food, I know some dogs have allergies and need a special diet and this can be expensive, not likely to happen but needs to be taken into consideration. I can easily feed my two dogs inc treats and bones (which mine need and go through as they are staffys) for £10 a week. Thats tinned wet food and dry food. You can choose just dry which is slightly cheaper.

The only other thing that comes to mind are kennel fees if you travel alot or go out weekends and have nights away from home, We had to pay out £300 for ours to stay in the kennels for a week.

Hope this helps and if theres anything I else I can help you with just PM me

foreign_correspondent

do you work full time? If you do then a puppy is not for you sadly, although an older dog may be ok.