New pup - advice please :)

[kizzyjerry]

Hi all

Just got a shepherd pup and wanted some advice on a couple of issues.

She was fed puppy biscuits and tinned food by her breeder - we've continued this but my 2 year old has the mince packs with biscuits (the frozen ones - name escapes me!) can we gradually change her over to the mince or is it best to keep her on the tinned stuff? (both are on the relevant science plan biscuits)

Also any tips re keeping the two together - the 2 year old is fantastic with the pup, we want to make sure that we treat them correctly and not inadvertently cause any issues (not sure what the term would be!?! like the pecking order in horses - sorry )

for example asha (the 2 year old) will back off straight away if the puppy comes over to her feed bowl so we ensure that asha has her bowl first and the puppy is then taken away and given hers and not allowed to bother Asha whilst she is eating.

Asha is very gentle and patient with the pup and lets her get away with lots - I think that I need to be abit more aware of how I deal with them and encourage the correct behavior so the pup doesn't walk all over asha when she's bigger and perhaps create issues between them

Anyone able to give me the term so I can search on Google (pack something or other I assume!)

probably common sense but I've picked up loads of little tips I'd never of thought of browsing through here so wanted to make sure we don't set ourselves up for issues later

 

[CorvusCorax]

I feed the frozen tripe mince at the mo and I would move the pup over to that too, much better than tinned food IMO.
I actually feed the mince seperate, so mince at meal times and then the biscuits I would measure in with the food, I put those in my pocket and feed by hand through the day just to get bonded, basic manners, getting the pup to follow me and pay attention etc.
But it's up to you, just an idea.

I would keep them separate unsupervised until she is a good bit older - the big dog does have the potential to do damage if she is provoked by an annoying puppy - well done for giving them space at meal times as you say, do step in if you think the pup is pushing her luck, made a sharp loud noise to get her attention or distract her with food or a toy.

I've got a new 3 month old at the minute, we can make all our mistakes together

Get the pup nice and interested in food, ball, etc, so that when it comes to proper training the dog will associate you with fun stuff and be more likely to focus on you instead of other dogs, people, cars etc

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Definitely don't leave them together unsupervised yet, heard an horrific tale last week of a GSD killing a terrier pup, 2 bitches left together and owners were convinced the were fine.

I'd be looking at changing the pup to what you want, but maybe look at the ingredients of Science Plan; recommended by the vet because he's sponsored to sell it, but it's not necessarily the best. However, if the dogs do well on it, then do whatever suits them and you.

I think pics are pretty essential as you have a pup!

 

[kizzyjerry]

Thanks

Will have a look at the science plan - thanks for the tip, i spend ages researching the horse stuff and did'nt think twice when the vet recommended this (they're very clever and give you a free pack on registering the pup!)