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by Mask8 on 02 November 2011 - 14:11
My German Shephered is now 13 months old and weighs about 40 kg.He gets 2walks a day and also off lead exercise.His 2 walks lastr about 30 -40 mins.Would anyone give me advice as if this is ok or too much.Also as im new to GS im wondering if his weight is accurate for a dog of this age?.I take it he is still growing and is still on junior dog food (royal canin).I feel he needs to slightly bulk up but hes a bit fussy with his food.He will eat RC with some chicken and we also put rice in with this but i can sense hes not over keen on this.Sometimes he doesnt eat at all on certain days.Im wondering if any breeders can enlighten me on any of the above questions.I have tried contacting the breeder,but to no avail...
by jdiaz1791 on 02 November 2011 - 14:11
What type is he? If DDR, and or Show line 28-30" high then weight might be ok...for a standard show line,he's overweight, but depends on his height and bone mass...try raw feeding if not Orijen..post a photo sideways or from the top,he should be tucked in from the ribs to hip bones ..you may contact me directly for guidance www.vomkirsys.com since you lost contact with your breeder, Good luck
by Mask8 on 02 November 2011 - 15:11
Thankyou.I will try and post a picture.Im not sure what DDR is.I still think he is slightly on the skinny side but i guess its best not to overfeed him.I have heard of orijen.Would you say its better than royal canin.I do use the breed specific for the German Shepherd,but am due to go on to the Adult formula in the new year.Hes always been fussy with his food.What formula of Orijen would you recommend.Puppy,Junior or Adult?
by jdiaz1791 on 02 November 2011 - 15:11
DDR is a type of shepherd,which is usually bigger bone and size. The right weight depends on his size,there is a standard,but if he is bigger then he could be heavier. The long walks are great. He should be in large breed puppy. Till he is 18 months. Orijen is the best commercial food,but if you overfeeding,he will have diarrhea. He is not fussy, but when you give in and add chicken and rice,then he will be. Put the food down and let him eat when he wants;he will eat. Also,make sure he doesn't have any parasites.Good Luck
by noddi on 02 November 2011 - 16:11
Mask 8,IMO.your boy sounds fine at 40kg.Gsd dont mature till they reach approx3/4 yrs n he is now at that teenage stage where some do appear gangly.No doubt he will fill out as he matures n yes you,re right it is better to be on the leaner side than overweight as this doesnt put undue wear n tear on his growing joints.Your excercise regime sounds fine to me.My excercise regime would be 2 walks of say 40 mins each plus play time which would include ball throwing,maybe trying a little tracking,keeping his mind occupied.I raw feed my 2 females ,which i consider to be the best method of feeding but i know its not for everyone.Where do yu hail from.Maybe you would prefer to enrol in a dog club to learn obedience,sports work,ie working trials/schutzhund/agility,which is a fun way to excercise both body n mind of both you n your dog.Carole S.
by Mask8 on 02 November 2011 - 16:11
Thankyou all for the advice.Im glad im not over doing it on the exercise front.As i live in the uk in the country there are plenty of places to walk and off lead play which is good for my dog.I guess i am guilty of giving in to him regarding food,but as i thought he was on the slim side a few months back i didnt want to keep taking the food away as it sounds cruel.Although most people i have spoken to say this is the best method and they will learn.I thought perhaps my dog was getting bored with the same old food and i just wanted to add a bit of variety.Im sure chicken doesnt do him any harm.When you feed a raw diet does this mean you can give uncooked chicken breast as well.Would this upset the stoamach?,as i know GS have a tendency to have sensitive tummies.
by Two Moons on 02 November 2011 - 16:11
Mask8,
A GSD is very hardy and I do not think you could give one too much activity as long as there is variety, not one task only.
Some activities need to be worked up to gradually like anything else, conditioning.
As for weight do not depend on a scale or look for a norm, instead be aware of muscle and tone, energy levels and behavior.
Also observe scat, it should be firm, not runny and the dog should not struggle to have a movement because it is too hard.
What you feed is important, as well as when you feed, add or subtract moisture, adjust feed, if needed.
Exercise before meals and rest afterward.
A working dog has a long day.
Moons.
P.S.
Consistancy is important, and no GSD's should not have sensitive tummies.
A GSD is very hardy and I do not think you could give one too much activity as long as there is variety, not one task only.
Some activities need to be worked up to gradually like anything else, conditioning.
As for weight do not depend on a scale or look for a norm, instead be aware of muscle and tone, energy levels and behavior.
Also observe scat, it should be firm, not runny and the dog should not struggle to have a movement because it is too hard.
What you feed is important, as well as when you feed, add or subtract moisture, adjust feed, if needed.
Exercise before meals and rest afterward.
A working dog has a long day.
Moons.
P.S.
Consistancy is important, and no GSD's should not have sensitive tummies.
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