New Puppy!
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| As I was reading the board I have come up with more questions. I'm so glad I found this site..I have learned so much. But anyway, I read somewhere that they don't really need to be groomed much when they are young. When do you think I should start grooming him? And do you take your dogs to groomers? or do it yourself. I wouldn't have a clue. Also I heard you're not supposed to have them nueterd till 6 months..is that right? And since we just got him we are trying to limit his outside time so it doesn't interfer with potty training..is that something I should continue doing? And I feed him a cup twice a day and try to take him out ever 1/2 hour..is that good timing? He seems to be learning quickly..Sorry im completly clueless. |
| Hi Elisa! Welcome to the forum and we can't wait to hear all about your new puppy. Potty training time really varies by dog, some "get it" pretty quickly and others take a long time. Do you have a very young puppy? Even after he or she is house trained you'll have to expect some accidents here and there for a while. Sheepdogs do love to stay right by your side, but you shouldn't let any dog off leash until they are older and fully trained. Even though sheepdogs are "velcro dogs" they will run like the wind if something catches their interest. Keep in mind that your little sheepie puppy is going to grow really quickly and will be able to run far and fast really soon. Once your puppy has had all of its puppy shots you can feel safe taking him/her to a dog park and going off leash, but please don't take that chance in an area that's not fenced in.
Sue |
| Elisa, tell us more about you and your puppy!
I was completely clueless when I got Bailey too, so don't feel bad. Start grooming a little bit at a time right away to get your puppy used to being groomed. Handle him all over - paws, face, neck - so that he gets comfortable with being touched. It will make grooming and visits to the vet much easier. You'll find people here who do their own grooming and others who use professional groomers. You'll need to decide whether you want to learn to care for a dog in full coat, which is a commitment!, or keep your dog in a shorter style. Your vet will be the best one to advise you on neutering, but six months is about average. It sounds like you're doing well with potty training, just make sure that your puppy "takes care of business" first when you go out. It's helpful to have a word that you use consistently while potty training (ours is "potty", so original) so that later on you can use that word to prompt the dog to get it done. It's also helpful to decide on a spot in the yard and always use the same spot - wish I had been more consistent about that! Bailey uses the entire yard and it makes clean-up a huge hassle, not to mention being really unattractive! |
| Thanks for the advice! Our new puupy's name is Ben (for Big Ben cause he's English-we thought it was funny) He seems to be doing rather well. We got him from a pet store which I wasn't sure about but it turned out it was from the same breeder that we got reccomended. One problem we have with him is he doesn't seem to like treats. We are trying to teach him basics like sit and lay down but hes never intrested because he doesnt like any kinds of treats. He eats fine, but we have tried just about every puppy treat and even carrots and vegtables (which our other dog loves) but he is just not intrested. Any special treats that work for you? Also what kind of dog food do you guys use? I've heard its best to mix in chicken and vegtables with dog food? I don't know.... |
| Elisa-
Try the tiny liver treats from Petsmart, they're called training treats. I've never known a dog who did not like liver....yeck! |
| I would also recommend in the wasy of grooming to start getting your pup used to being brushed. Just start off with a few minutes a day. That way when you want to brush s/he when s/he is older they wont mind and it will be easy. Aslo I suggest you getting s/he used to having their paws and face and ears touched which helps with the vet and you yourself having to pluck the ears. If they dont get used to it as a pup it is difficult to get them to be ok with it when they are older. Just play with the paws and touch the nails and then just give em back. Also I recommend filing the nails down like you would your nails. Less likely to hit the quik of the nail and cause an ouchie and it isnt as uncomfortable either. Just suggestions but I hope its something. |
| Congratulations on your new puppy, Ben!!!!!!!!!
To answer your question, I would strongly recommend keeping your puppy on a leash , or in a fenced in area. As a herding breed, they love to chase-so cars are a distraction. I was out for a ride with Bogart the other day. Pulled into a local restaurant parking lot . A small Toyota went by with a sheepie running down the street in hot pursuit after the car. He was an older sheepie, but boy could he run!! My friend lost two sheepies years ago on his farm because they raced out into the street. When they hit adolescence, they can have a mind of their own and staying close to you is not on their mind!! (at least the two I have owned!  ) |
| I also recommend touching the paws most often with a brush...the more you do it, the less likely they will put away...trust me I know...Panda pulls when her feet touch. |
| Congratulations on your new puppy Elisa.
Tanya  |
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