My hypothetical dog is becoming a real dog

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Scruff

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We have an adorable mutt puppy coming home in 3 weeks time :) Her mum is a sweet, gentle Springer, and dad may or may not be a collie. So for the next three weeks, I shall be obsessing, planning, shopping and tapping my feet impatiently. And asking lots of questions, because it's been a long time since I had a pup, and life is very different now to when we had the last one.

So, two questions to start with:

First, transporting in the car - we have a big boot, and I don't want a dog rattling around all over it, partly because she'll be all muddy, and I don't want her climbing all over anything I put in there, and partly because we often have assorted pushchairs, bikes, scooters etc in there too, and I don't want her to get hurt by them if anything happens. So I'm thinking of some sort of crate. Does anyone use them, and can you recommend any makes etc? And how do you calculate what size you need?

Also, I've been reading the Raw thread. I'm keen to try it, but everything I've read bases the calculations of how much to feed based on projected adult weight, but being a mongrel, we have no idea what that will be. I've never fed raw before, so I feel a bit apprehensive about it, but I saw the change in condition of a friend's dog when they switched, so I am keen to give it a try. Where do I start?

Just off to phone the local Agility club about their puppy classes.





























You didn't think I'd leave you without a picture did you? :D
DSC_0136-1-1.jpg
 
Id say she would probably be about general springer weight when adult. So would personally feed for a projected weight of around 20kg. Shes VERY cute though!! Cant really help on the crate size as my crate fits the whole of my bute
 
Just be careful-if you've ever seen a bone cause an oesophageal obstruction and serious surgery you might not be so keen to feed raw :/
She is lovely but likely to be very high energy-be prepared!
 
Winston my cocker started off in a cat carrier in the boot. Was quite a good way to start. Progressed to sitting in foot well.
 
I think she'll be coming home in my cat carrier (it was bought for two small cats to travel together, so should be big enough for getting her home safely).

I am prepared (well at least, I know what's coming) for a mental bundle of energy. She's going to be my running buddy I hope, when she's mature enough. I've never done anything like agility before, but am going to have a look at the local club, and I'm around all day, so hopefully I'll be able to keep her occupied.
 
First of all - she is very cute!

Regarding the raw diet, both Springers & Border Collies adult weights are around the 20 kgs mark, so I'd use that as a base & then adjust according to how well she does. I have found that puppies & young dogs take to this diet really easily.

Yes, SusieT, bone can, very rarely, cause an obstruction, but there are risks with anything, including dry kibble causing bloat etc. All you can do as an owner is educate yourself as best you can, weigh up the risks for your circumstances & your individual dog & make an informed decision.

Regarding the crate, I'd personally chose one that is the right size for when she is fully grown, making sure it will fit in your car, & reduce it's size by putting in a partition or filling with pillows etc until she grows into it.

Good luck & enjoy.
 
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