need advice with new puppy - Page 2

I had a puppy that didn't eat really well either when we brought her home.  We found some food combos that worked so they may work for you.

First of all, I hope you have kept the puppy on the food that it is used to.  Most breeders will send home some food so that you can use that and then mix it with a good quality food if you want to switch brands.   We've had good luck with Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy.  I also like the Blue Buffalo brand.  Be sure you read labels because ingredients do matter.

Combo #1.  Natural Balance makes a dog food roll in various flavors.  You can cut a slice of the food, then break it up and mix it with their food.  You can also slice it up, then add a bit of water  along with their regular dry puppy food and puree to make more of a canned food.  This allows you to mix it in the food rather than the puppy just picking up the slices.  If you're puppy just isn't eating at all you can give this alone for a few days as it already has their puppy food in it. 

Combo #2.   All my dogs are in love with liver.  You can cook up a few slices, then puree them with some water a mix in a bit with their food.

Combo #3.  Liver sausage is also a crowd favorite.  You can mix a little bit in the food and that really peaks their interest.

Combo #4.  A homemade beef stew.  I pick up a package of stew meat, put some cooking oil in a large pan, cook up the meat, then add a few cut white and sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, etc., one can of chicken broth and enough water to cover all the veggies.  Cook until veggies are soft, then scoop out the meat and veggies with a little broth, and blend them in a food processor.  Essentially, you're making your own canned version of food.  Remember to keep the broth.  You can then add a dollop of stew and mix in with their dry food.  You can also pour a bit of the broth on the dry food.

I always add a bit of water with my dry food as GSD's have sensitive stomachs and dry food is a "hot" food in terms of digestion.  I also add a tablespoon of cottage cheese for calcium (which is good for their ears) and a few times a week add a teaspoon of yogurt for digestion.

In respect to the biting, a gentle shake by the scruff of the neck and a stern "no," has always working for me.  You can also say "Ouch" kinda loud and startle the dog a bit, then say "no bite."  Puppies will always nip so make sure you have plenty of toys around.  When the puppy bites, say "no" then redirect behavior by showing an appropriate toy they can bite and chew on.  You might want to get a marrow bone as puppies love them.  My dogs also love Kong toys stuffed with treats, peanut butter, cheese, cooked meat, etc. 

MomofBeckett

 Thanks for the input.  The breeder was feeding her Eukanuba (sp) lamb and rice puppy.  He sent a bag home with us.  I mixed it with Royal Canine large breed puppy.  She is a grazer, but since I have other dogs, I pick it up after 15 minutes if she doesn't eat it.  She is an inside dog, but we give her plenty of excercise about twice a day.  She also gets a good work out by chasing my other dogs around the house.  I have 2 children.  One is 11 and the other is 14.  They are a great help.  She does not like the crate during the day.  She wants to be with us, so this has been a challenge.  She has no problem with the crate at night.  

We want her to be a family pet, but possibly do some Schutzhund work.  I am not a fan of the bite work, though.

Margarita - it sounds like you are doing the right things with your puppy.

Most puppy's dont want to be in their crates during the day as they feel they are missing out.  My Mother in Laws new puppy (not GSD) screams like some one is killing it if its shut away during the day - we have a good knack at getting him with a small amount of water and a very firm NO.  He is doing much better for the consistency and he's upped his eating now he's not so over tired.