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Hi New Puppy Owners. I have decided to start
a new page on this web site specific to New Puppies and their owners. I will
cover most frequently asked questions I receive from New Puppy Owners as well as
all the information I supply new owners with in their "Puppy Packets."
This is a work in progress that I will hopefully complete soon.
Thanks,
Virginia Warden
Note: I am posting the current weeks of age of
our pups here so you do not need to scroll all the way to the bottom of the
page.
***UPDATE***
Today is March 27, 2010
It is now a little over a year since our pups were born, they have become
mature (well almost) adults. It is evident that each pup is very individualized,
shaped by the owners, their environment, and interaction with other dogs.
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Handsome Count "Izzy" at 10 months
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It is hard to believe the pups were just born a little over
a year ago. Each pup has been molded into a mature adult by outside
influences. There are times when our dogs (I can't call them pups much
longer) will act like they are younger than their actual age, this is
okay, they all mature at different times. They are getting larger
and know it. There may be some trying times when they still want to test
you...You must at this point not let them be boss. You are king from here
on out. Continue your obedience classes, from beginner to advanced - good
for you if you "Stick with it." |
Feeding the dogs the proper foods/nutrition continues to be
important for their proper body functioning and metabolism. It is not a
good idea to give them food that contains too much fat. I feed
"Orijen" which contains a fair amount of protein, little fat,
and no grains. None of the products in Orijen are processed or frozen, it
is all fresh. I highly recommend it. |
"C" Litter Puppies are now 10 months of age! Unbelievable! They are
growing even more, becoming adults very soon.
Baroness "Cleo" Vom Haus Warden |
Now that it is winter time it is becoming more difficult to
get outside to train our dogs. You must make a point of it to get out
every day, rain or shine, and train. Dogs need to be familiar with
training / trialing in all sorts of conditions. I am not suggesting you go
out in a thunder storm, but do go out in the rain, wind, etc. |
*A note on feeding. I have found that our dogs get bored on
one type of food / kibble for months at a time. It is good to switch to a
different type of food. I have found an excellent web site on dog foods.
Please check it out:
www.dogfoodanalysis.com
I have just switched our dogs off of Solid Gold "Wolf" Adult
food, and I am now feeding "Orijen" Adult food. (all natural
ingredients, very good quality food). I still do supplement the kibble
every so often with fresh meat. |
| Puppies 8 months through adult (1 year)
Keith having "Coda" pup "Platz" |
Our puppies are now maturing into adult dogs. This is also a
very important stage in their upbringing. Some dogs may go through an
additional sensitive period around this time, during which they are
especially sensitive to environmental and social stimuli. Do not worry and
don't make a big deal about it, it is just a phase the dog is going
through. Be cautious though and carefully control social situations to
prevent problems, bolster confidence and maintain acceptable social
behavior. |
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Weeks 26 through 8 months
Picture of Puppy "Casso's Ears
glued together in middle looking like a "Ti-Pi" - Carries lazy ear (on
right) up to proper position |
It is amazing that our puppies are now 6 months, going on 7
to eight months of age. They are getting big very fast! By this time they
should have received their first Rabies shot. Their ears need to be coming
up straight or need desperate help from this time on or they may never
come up. I have added additional glucosamine and Knox Gelatin to my
puppy's food. He gets knuckle bones to munch on working those facial and
ear muscles during the day (under close supervision of course :-)) All
these little things help make the ears come up and build cartilage. |
With the Seasonal weather and cooler temperatures Puppies
nutritional requirements are changing again. I now add a few more
carbohydrates in the form of rice (white or brown), and slightly a bit
more fat (chicken skin, chicken broth or cream of chicken mixed with a
little water and added to rice). I say this because my dogs spend most of
the time outdoors, including sleeping at night. Therefore they require a
little bit higher caloric foods for fuel to stay warm and grow those
healthy coats. |
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| Weeks 24 - 26
(September 1 through 24)
"Casso"
Pup cooling off in the kiddie pool
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The puppies are going on to their 6th month of life...It is
amazing how fast they grow. Their bodies are growing at an extremely fast
rate, and metabolism is increasing.
Their permanent "adult" teeth are coming in and therefore
they may need to chew on things as this is their "teething
equivalent" to us humans. It is important that they not injure the
newly forming delicate teeth that are beginning to erupt. The pup's ears
may go up and down during the teething period. If ears are not staying up
a fair amount of time, they may need a little help in the form of
"Breathe Right Strips" glued to the inside of the ear, or bird
feathers, or half of a foam roller to keep them erect.
It is important to increase the protein a bit, in the form of some red
meats, and organ meat. Diet should not be too high in carbohydrate content
but just enough for quick energy during the day (brown rice added to food,
or vegetables is good).
If you have Sardines now is a good time to give them to your pup.
Cottage cheese and yogurt are an alternative to Sardines since they
contain a fair amount of calcium. I do not give more than 2 - 3
times a week.
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Our puppies require more socialization during this period.
It is not uncommon to see them going through another "fear
period" during the next few months. Do not worry this too will pass.
It is reassuring to your pup that you are there for him/her. Your presence
is important during this time. The bond between you and your pup will grow
tremendously during this period.
Now is a good time for your pup to enroll in an Obedience class. This
is one of my favorite periods in the puppy's life in that they're little
brains are taking in so much like little "sponges." They can
learn a tremendous amount during this time. They need the obedience and
seem to look forward to it...:-)))
This is the beginning of the "pubescence" period. Our puppies
are developing their secondary sex characteristics and hormonal changes.
They may sniff and investigate where other dogs have been more than in
previous months.
Our puppies will be receiving their first Rabies vaccine soon. 6 months
of age or a little older is about the time it will be due. They will get
another Rabies vaccine at about 1-1 1/2 year of age.... |
| Weeks 20 - 24 |
It is hard to believe our puppies are 4 months going on 5
now...
They are becoming a little more independent and may want to test you.
This is okay because now is a good opportunity to show the pup you are the
boss. Don't let the pup push through the gate or a door - you must be in
control, make pup sit and give "okay" command when you are ready
too.
Jumping up can be more of an issue now so I would suggest you put a
small leather tab on the pup's collar and correct him when he jumps up -
Saying "no jump, no jump." |
The puppy's dietary requirements are increasing. There are
more activities and their energy level is increasing. It is a good idea to
cook for your puppy like recipe below and add it to his kibble. You can
remove some kibble in lieu of additional food. I try to feed the puppy
fresh carrot or other ingredients high in beta - Carotene. (eg., small
bits cantaloupe)
Continue the sardines once or twice a week, or you can add 1 - 2 tsp of
salmon oil over a week period. (not too much salmon oil it can cause
diarrhea) |
| Weeks 16 - 20 |
By now your pup would have received his / her 4th
series of vaccine (5 way combo vaccine).
He or she can go different places to experience many things. I
will take my puppy to the outdoor shopping Mall, parks, schools, dog
clubs, the beach...the list goes on..This will give the puppy a well
rounded experience and make him more confident. |
Puppies are eating twice a day..I try to feed them
early in the Am and no later than 5 PM for the afternoon meal. You
can give your pup an "in between snack" between 11 AM- 2
PM of 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 2 tablespoons of yogurt. I will
sometimes add fresh shredded carrots or "Olewo" (you can
find "Olewo" online it is concentrated dehydrated carrots)
Or just give the pup a fresh whole sardine. They love them. |
| Weeks 14 - 16 |
Pups will respond to your praise and follow
commands very well. Keep up the obedience with treats. (Dried liver,
small pieces of hot dogs, etc)..Puppy socialization/ play with other
pups of same age is very important. Or older dogs if the older dog
is calm and stable. |
I am now introducing fresh whole sardines - I actually
start around 12 - 14 weeks. These are extremely high in calcium and
Omega fatty acids which the pups need for their joints, cartilage
and bone formation. If you do not have the fresh whole sardines you
can purchase canned sardines in water. |
Recipe of the week Aug 3 -
9
Beef Short Ribs
Recipe of the week. Beef short ribs (all meat cut off bone of course - no
cooked bones for dogs) mixed with kashi (cooked oats), fresh parsley*, couple of bay
leaf** for flavor, and dill. (Braise short ribs in olive oil prior to
adding 2 cups of water and other ingredients) You can always add other
vegetables like carrot, or broccoli or bok choy.
*Parsley is good for the pup's coat.
**Although bay leaves are only used a few at a time and are not actually
consumed themselves, they still provide a number of vitamins and minerals to a
dish through cooking.
Bay leaves are a good source of Vitamins A and C and also contain
significant amounts of iron and manganese in particular, as well as smaller
amounts of calcium, potassium and magnesium. It has also been noted that Bay
Leaf aids in digestion of proteins.
I just cooked this for my dogs - I add 3 - 4 tablespoonful to their
kibble ration (if you add some cooked ingredients as I have, you can cut back on
the amount of kibble.
Rationale: the above meal provides a good amount of protein, calcium and
nutrients that our growing pups and dogs of older age need. They love it too!
Recipe of the Week
August 10 - 15
Chicken Gizzards, hearts, par- boiled with
"Bells' Seasoning with carrot and fresh parsley added - Shown in picture
with addition of plain yogurt and blueberries added to Solid Gold "Wolf
Cub" kibble.
The organ meats are high in protein. The
parsley is good for the skin and coat. The yogurt is high in calcium and
protein. The blueberries are excellent antioxidants and the carrot is high in
beta- carotene (cancer fighter/preventative).
I made up a batch of the chicken gizzards and hearts this week. It is very
simple and cheap and the dogs love 'em...You can purchase the yogurt and
blueberries in bulk at local wholesale warehouse stores (Costco, etc).
Give the dogs a sardine or two during the week...Here is an excellent
reference regarding Sardines,
"A
Super Hero Food for Dogs" by Diane Jansey a canine nutritionist.
Recipe of the Week
August 16 - 22
This week the dogs have enjoyed Beef Stew
Meat with vegetables and brown rice. Stew meat is lightly browned in olive
oil. 2 cups of water added. Meat allowed to simmer at low to medium heat for 3 -
5 minutes (l like to see the meat medium rare if possible). Brown rice (fully
cooked) is added to the meat water mix. Vegetables including broccoli, zucchini,
and carrot are then added. Simmer all ingredients a few more minutes. Add bay
leaf and fresh parsley, a few sprinkles of salt and a dash of pepper.
My 4 year old male dog "Ando"
absolutely loves this dish. He waits at the door outside knowing something great
is being prepared on the stove!
Ando taking a nap in the backyard. :-))
Important Timeline to Follow: (this
is a brief overview)
| April 20 -26 |
Puppies are 6 weeks of age by the end of this week |
Second to the last Deworming will be given and at 6
1/2 weeks pups are given their first Combo 5 -way vaccine |
Introduction to new noises and places around the house and
outside - Obedience and tracking imprinting continues |
Puppies are relying on us for 80 - 90% of their food
ration |
| April 27 - May 3 |
Puppies are 7 weeks of age by the end of this week and will
be going to their new homes by next weekend |
More obedience and tracking imprinting. Crate training
continues |
Now is a good time for having visitors - Pups are
increasingly more social |
By the end of this week puppies will receive their tattooing
in the right ear |
| May 4 - 10 |
Puppies are 8 weeks of age by the end of this week and will
be going to their homes any time between the 8th - 10th |
Puppy owners will receive all necessary paperwork including
pup's Heath Record Pamphlet and "Puppy Packet" which will
contain important information |
Puppies will have received 2 - 3 car rides in their
crates |
Puppy Kits (Including Royal Canin 10 oz. Baby Dog Food
Sample) - Owners should be advised to purchase "Royal Canin
"Baby Dog" Formula to feed puppy until 5 months of Age
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| May 12 - 18 |
Puppies are 9 weeks of Age |
Obedience imprinting continues, play with
different toys/objects (builds play drive) |
Puppies continue to be very curious about their
new environments they want to explore everything - Watch them
cautiously
9 Week "5 Way combo Vaccine should be administered by your
veterinarian
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Continue "Royal Canin" Baby Dog
Formula |
Listed below are just some suggestions that new Puppy
Owners may want to follow. Hopefully this will help the pup as he/she is acclimating
to their new home environment.
The Car Ride Home
Puppies will be crate trained so they should be fairly familiar with
riding in a car inside a crate. It is a good idea to have someone sitting right
next to the crate in the car in case the pup is stressed and wants to come out
for a bit. Have pieces of kibble handy to feed pup in the crate. You may also
want to have pup's favorite chew toy in the crate. It is
imperative that the pup have a towel or soft cloth to lie on in the crate. If
you are traveling a fairly long distance be sure to have water available for the
pup.
Other Dogs
Please, Please DO NOT have any other dogs interact with the puppy....They
are stressed to begin with just getting accustomed to their new environments. If
a dog is older and bigger it is very intimidating to a pup. YOU MUST HAVE THE
OLDER DOG STAY AWAY FROM THE PUP UNTIL THE PUP IS MATURE AND OLDER.
Sometimes people ignore this and think oh my older dog is sweet and it will get
along fine with the puppy....I repeat DO NOT DO this to a puppy unless you want
a nervous potentially "fear biting" dog in the future. Besides if an
older dog plays with a puppy it will get too rough and cause irreversible damage
to its musculoskeletal structure. German Shepherds are very sensitive and need
to bond with their new family so YOU MUST KEEP THEM SEPARATE from OTHER DOGS
during their growth phase. Introduction to other dogs is more appropriate in the
form of a "Puppy Socialization" Class. All dogs (Puppies) in the class
are of similar ages (i.e., 12 - 14 weeks). It is essential that your pup is not
the youngest in the class. I have a great trainer that is very good if you want
a recommendation.
Your First Few Hours with Your Puppy
When you get your puppy home let him/her get used to the new surroundings by
smell. Stay close to the pup at all times. The pup will naturally want to stay
by you - This is good. Be cautious though - Pups have a habit of getting right
under your feet and switch directions quickly so WATCH YOUR STEP... You may want
to pick the pup up if it looks stressed (i.e, walking down a long hall, meeting
up with stairs etc.).
The pups have all learned that newspaper is a place to eliminate. If you have
to keep the pup inside (kitchen, pantry etc) have a corner reserved with
newspaper for that purpose if necessary. Other wise you can kennel the pup
outside and use newspaper or shredded "Pine Shavings' for the elimination
area as pups already know this. Pups know how to drink from a water bowl. We
always have fresh water available.
Puppies love all types of different toys. We will be sending a familiar toy
home with the pup. :-)
More thoughts, suggestions coming....
Supplies
You may want to have some of these supplies
handy for your puppy when he comes home:
 | Royal Canin "Baby Dog" Pet Food for Puppies up to 5 months
of Age |
| Lots of toys that will keep pup busy.(Also see Document in Puppy
Packet Titled: "Obedience Crate Training") Suggestions like
"purchasing a Puppy Kong' and filling it with a "little
kibble" is a great tactic for relieving boredom. |
| Small Collar and leash |
| If you have an outside area or dog run obtain some pine shavings,
pups are accustomed to having this in their run. |
| Puppy "Pee Pee Pads" or
Newspaper. |
The timeline below is not "etched in stone." You can vary it a bit.
If you had not introduced a certain item into the pups diet at the exact area
indicated on the timeline...Do not worry...you can start it later.
| Weeks 10 - 12 |
Puppies are continuing to develop at a Rapid
Rate...Puppies may go through a "Fear Period" where they
may be afraid in approaching new things in their environment. Do not
rush the pup into any situation that they appear fearful of. Slowly
acclimate them to new places and items they are unfamiliar with...Do
not let them have any bad experiences especially with other dogs or
animals during this period. |
You may want to try introducing new things into the
puppies dietary repertoire. I begin to add "Solid Gold"
Wolf Cub" kibble to the "Royal Canin" Kibble - With
in the next few weeks I implement what I call the "Modified
Raw" diet into the puppies daily diet |
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| Weeks 12 - 14 |
Again a very social period in the pups life. Try to
expose the pup to new things and people and places.This is an
important social period and Enrolling the puppy in a "Puppy
Socialization Class" is a good idea. ..If pup has not received
his/her 4th set of shots (usually not until 15 -16 weeks) be very
cautious about the ground/area that the pup walks on...Do not bring
pup to dog parks or areas where there may be other dogs' excrement
or urine. (Pup could be exposed to Parvo Virus or other communicable
disease) |
Puppy's diet is now 3/4 "Solid Gold Wolf
Cub" formula, and 1/3 Royal Canin....I sometimes cook up a
handful of chicken organ meats (Gizzards, liver, and hearts) Par
boil with a pinch of "Bells' Seasoning" adding fresh
parsley to the cooled meats. Chop this up into the pups food. Also
add some shredded Carrots.
Add carbohydrates in the form of Brown rice or Kashi (rolled
oats) Mix these with the cooked organ meats.
Supervised chewing of knuckle bones, or meat off beef rib bones.
Using caution not to allow pieces to break off that are too large
for pup to swallow. |
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