Just acquired a new puppy, updated with pics and new Qs!

jackieglasgow

Hi,

We have been discussing getting a dog for the last six months or so, and by some coincidence circumstances have led to us taking ownership of a wee 4 or 5 month old staffie today. My husband is away collecting her just now and I am in a tither! It's like having a baby all over again.

Now, whilst I don't have any qualms about the breed as my sister has had Staffies all her adult life, and I think they are lovely (wouldn't be my first choice I think, but couldn't bear to see this one abandoned), and have a good idea of what they need - but I haven't raised a puppy for about fifteen years. So what do I need to do?

I have booked a vets appt for tonight to get her checked.
She will need a bed.
What should I feed her? At that age it should be 3 meals a day is that right?
What do people think about training pads?

I'm sure it will all be fine, but I want her to be happy here, and want her o feel comfortable as soon as she arrives.

Advice please!!

Jackie X

Kimberley

What should I feed her? At that age it should be 3 meals a day is that right?
Well thats what it is said to be but mine only eats when she wants. You can offer her the three meals a day but she may not eat it. sometimes I have to wrap our pups food bowl in foil to save until her next meal. You will get to know her from day one and you will know how much and what to feed her.
What do people think about training pads?
I tried them once with a foster dog but I find that they more prolong the house training. Don't worry as long as you have her bed, food and give your love and attention all the other will fit in. There is no right way or wrong way and even though others will give their advice it is best that you do things the way that suits you and your pup. Photos please

jackieglasgow

Thanks Kimberly, you're right. I wouldn't really ask for advice on raising my kids, I would do it by feel so this shouldn't be any different. I suppose it's just the responsibilty that's scaring me for some strange reason!

As for pictures, I will do, as soon as we get her, I haven't even seen her myself, yet! (Is that a bit crazy?) I figure that even if she's only got a face a mother could love, I'll be that mother!

Proc

Toys and chews. Gives them something to do when there is nobody around and diverts their attention from your nice new sofa.

Don't forget a good lead. Staffies are strong dogs so you need a good quality rope or chain lead.

Don't forget to consider pet insurance. I personally don't have any, but some people would prefer to have it.

Maybe get him chipped also? The vet will explain this process. Quite cheap, and it means that if he goes for a wander, you can easily be tracked down.

Depending on what you want to do with training, get either a clicker or a whistle. I can't remember the brand of whistle, but there is one where you choose a tone, and that tone matches a serial number. If you ever lose the whistle you can ask for a new one of the same number and it will be the same tone.

A collar with 2 contact numbers is good.

Hope this kind of helps.

bramble1

Feed her a good quality puppy food, if you've any idea what she was feed before you got her get that and change it gradually if it's not great. NOT BAKERS!!!

Training pads will prolong her toilet training in my opinion, take her out side after every meal, every nap and every 20 mins and praise her when she goes to the loo ,

most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!

jackieglasgow

Update, she will be here in about half an hour an OH thinks she is probably about 7 months old! Think the vet will be earning his fee tonight! LOL Thanks everyone, just going to run round with the hoover again in anticipation of her arrival.

One last thing - food. We know nothing about her previous life as she was dumped by the previous owner who just wanted rid (I suspect she was a Christmas pressie which lost her appeal). The vet will no doubt advise me to use whatever food he is commisioned on, but what would you lot advise? (No meat I have to cook preferrably as I am veggie!)

bramble1

Nature diet is a good wet food, but rather pricey.

I know alot of people swear by orijen as a dry but again pricey.

Our dog is fed butchers wet food with a mixer and he thrives on it, not THE best quality around but he looks great on it and really enjoys it.

I would assume your vet will recommend Hills

Proc

So then where are the pictures?

foreign_correspondent

Hiya, good luck with the pup - is she not house trained at all yet? It may be a little harder to house train her if she is in the habit of weeing in the house, so you may need to start from scratch, taking her out after every meal and every 30 minutes, rewarding her for weeing outside etc, but you will get there with consistency and kindness!

As for food, most health dogs will do ok on most foods, but do avoid Bakers, its full of colourings and can make dogs hyper, and some foods are better quality/value for money than others. Staffies are known for their killer wind though, and you may find that some foods minimise this!

I think it is wise to ask for advice, and research things - though I am sure you will find your way, we are all always learning!

Mumof4

Congrats on the new puppy Jackie!
You might also want to consider a crate, i know some people don't like them, i didn't with my previous dogs, but we have 2 labrador pups and both sleep in a crate (soon to go in seperate ones). Its down to personal choice, but will stop her chewing your house to bits.

jackieglasgow

OK. So Coco is now safely at home with us. When I think of the fate which may have befallen her today I am quite mad! She is probably between eight and ten months old (I would think nearer the top end) and a delightful little thing. She is house trained as far as we can tell, and very loving. She has fallen for my OH in a big way, and my boys are besotted! The vet reckons she is probably just under a year, in fair health but needs to put on a bit of weight. She will go for her injections next week as we don't know what kind of life she's had.

Someone has kindly offered me the loan of a cage so we'll try that but she will live in the hall when we're out, and we got a guard for the bottom of the stairs to keep her contained. The vet, surprisingly, did not recommend a particular brand, and actually gave us the visit free of charge because of the circumstances of her adoption, and clipped her foreclaws for me! So she had pedigree puppy sachets for dinner, enjoyed them, and is looking for more, but we will under feed her for a day or two to make sure she's OK. OH is sorting out the piccies which will be on display ASAP!