New puppy owner needing some advice.

[Chipsmum]

So after 2 years of thinking carefully we finally made the decision to get our pup. We have named him Chip. He is a lovely dog. He seems very loving and friendly and playful. First of all he is six weeks. How long does it usually take for a pup to recognise his name? Also I was advised to feed him on a good dry dog food. The breeder had him on waggs puppy food which I would like to change but I am unsure what to change it to. What age is the best to start lead training and basic training ie sit down ect. Any advice would be great I have read so many different things that I feel getting advice on here might be better.
Thanks
Michelle

[Jude]

Six weeks is very young to be taken away from his litter-mates. He will need a good quality dry puppy food - we have raised several litters (rottweilers not GSDs) on Beta puppy and they have all done very well. You can put a soft collar on him and attach a lightweight lead and let him drag it around indoors and once he knows his name and is used to the lead you can encourage him to walk with you indoors and in the garden. Of course he will not be able to walk outside the garden until he has completed his vaccinations but you could carry him outside so that he gets used to the outside world while he is small enough to carry without breaking your back. Training starts from the moment you get your puppy home - generally the first thing is to teach him his name and the second is "no". You can also teach him to sit by holding a food treat above his head - he will automatically put his bum to the floor so there is no need to manhandle him. You can progress from this to "down" using your food lure. The main thing is to be consistent with the commands/words that you use and he will soon get the idea.

[Chipsmum]

We have a completely enclosed garden so we have been taking him out for the toilet which he seems to get very well only had 2 accidents in the house so far. We are putting him in a crate at night and leaving a radio on at night he does cry a little when you put him in but he has been settling quite well at night. I know it is quite young for him to be away from his mum and brothers and sisters so if we are going out he has been coming with us to my who has no pets and have not left him for more than half an hour on his own. I am very commited to him and so are the rest of the family. Also any advice on when to start grooming him I know that he will need to be groomed daily when he is older but I am unsure when to start this.

Thanks very much for the advice I have been looking on the pets at home website and they have their own food which has a 42% min meat content does anyone know if this will be any good for Chip.

[Bonniesmummy]

Originally Posted by Chipsmum;

Thanks very much for the advice I have been looking on the pets at home website and they have their own food which has a 42% min meat content does anyone know if this will be any good for Chip.

Bonnie has been on this since 6wks old and is a happy healthy girl (1yr old on Tuesday) her coat is lovely and shiney and she has healthy poops lol

I'd groom as soon as poss with a soft brush to get him used to it and it also helps you bond with him xx

Welcome to the forum by the way xxxx

[jokersmum]

Just avoid wagg it's then worst there is, can't believe a breeder had a pup on it - terrible stuff. I use a mix of chudleys classic (cheapy) with Arden grange prestige (so not cheapy) and it seems to suit mine but everyone is different. As long as he looks nice and healthy and doesn't get yukky dull fur and his poop is ok. When they are very youngnitsnreally important to give them good quality food so that there bones form well and string and they build a good healthy gut system. I always start off really expensive and then as they get older I drop the mix so that it's less of the expensive stuff.

6 weeks is young. Joker learned his name in about a week and strangely he still struggles with 'no'! He's now nearly two! This forum is a great place for him, just make sure you give him the correct vaccinations and get a good vet who can help you with this.

Good luck and keep us informed on chips progress.

[zetstaff]

Welcome Michelle + Chip xxx

The sooner you get your bubba used to everything ie grooming/'NO'/name etc the easier it should be later

You've joined the right forum here trust me, I only popped in to see if it would be ok for my sister + now these people are my extended family

Anything AT ALL you're unsure about, ASK, someone will always be here to help you

xxx

[Chipsmum]

Thanks Audrey that is very helpful. From what I was reading it seemed like a good food I think I will try it see if Chip likes it. I did buy a soft brush so I will give him a brush tonight before he goes to bed might as well start as I meann to go on. Also I know you are only supposed to bath a dog like 2 or 3 times a year but is there anything else I could do to keep him fresh and how often? Sorry about all the questions but getting answers from other owners is more helpful then just reading standard advice.

thanks

michelle

[Tedsmum]

Yep start everything now but make is a short and pleasant experience. Touch his paws, ears and eyes etc and give him a treat as soon as you have done so.
My dog was able to sit on command by 8 weeks and knew his name after about a week. Concentrate on the house training first though and don't do more than just 5 mins of training at any one time.
What you put in now will pay off in the long run so start as you mean to go on and don't let him develop any habits that will be difficulty when he is a huge hulking monster.
Above all enjoy him, they are pups for such a short time and he will be a big boy before you know it.
Oh and take loads of photos and post them on here for us sad and broody owners please. x

[zetstaff]

Originally Posted by Tedsmum

Yep start everything now but make is a short and pleasant experience. Touch his paws, ears and eyes etc and give him a treat as soon as you have done so.
My dog was able to sit on command by 8 weeks and knew his name after about a week. Concentrate on the house training first though and don't do more than just 5 mins of training at any one time.
What you put in now will pay off in the long run so start as you mean to go on and don't let him develop any habits that will be difficulty when he is a huge hulking monster.
Above all enjoy him, they are pups for such a short time and he will be a big boy before you know it.
Oh and take loads of photos and post them on here for us sad and broody owners please. x

Top advice as usual Gill xxx ( apart from the sad owners bit how on earth can you be sad with the gorgeous Ted ????????)

Welcome Michelle and Chip