DSworkingdad wrote: ↑Thu Nov 01, 2018 4:24 am
I'm at the 9-week stage now and the best advice I can give you is some told me 2 feedings per day, others said 3. I stuck to twice a day and feed about a cup per feeding. Set their feeding times, give them a reasonable amount of time to eat. Once they are done, they are done, pick up the bowl no matter how much is left and carry on. They will not starve, don't worry, if anything it will make the next meal enticing for training. For my dutchie, she eats better after exercise, so I usually do a 20-minute mixed exercise/walk with her before meal time. Also, after the final meal, she gets water to help digest it down, but after she goes out for her last potty break before going in the crate, I cut off her water. Helps with keeping midnight potty breaks to a minimum, you are welcome to do what you like.
Also when feeding, watch for more than usual itching and or swelling. I just had mine on ACANA Heritage Free-Run Poultry which is a top-rated food and an Orijen product. I noticed a lot more itching and "believe" it to be an allergy. That is why I'm getting ready to try the Zignature Trout and Salmon blend, I hear great things about the fish diets including better, shinier coats. One other I'm investigating is American Journey. Can't go wrong with any, I just like to switch up foods for a few reasons:
1.) Brings out any potential food allergies
2.) Allows you to shop around for a food that might cost less, be just as healthy, and be something your dog loves
3.) As with #2, allows you to find a food for the picky eaters
4.) Helps switch things up, I mean would you like to eat nothing but chicken for the rest of your life?
5.) May or may not have a sensitive stomach, I swapped foods at different rates and never had digestion or diarrhea issues for mine
In the past, I made my working dog "work" for some or most of their kibble. I wanted them to view me as their "meal ticket" and would use the opportunity for training/bonding (kinda like a mama feeding their young). I would start by "targeting", just getting puppy to follow my hand and rewarding for behaviors I would like to see again or things that make me happy. For instance, an unintended stay, hanging out with me, anytime they look directly at you, follow you, lie down. These are all building blocks for when you bring in the verbal commands and/or use of a clicker for precise feedback. You don't want to go yelling out commands and not feeding when they don't do what you want. Up to you whether you want to feed by bowl or hand. Note: Using their kibble also makes for a cheaper training reward, especially if it's a food they love.
Just my two cents... I'm probably missing something or don't conform with someone's thoughts, but heh, vet says she healthy, coat looks beautiful and she loves everything so far.
Facebook page.
A quick pic of mine not even five months and a good pup. Very healthy in my opinion on her diet.