Hi, we just got an AB pup. I am NO stranger to dogs however in my time of working with and owning dogs I have never started a large breed puppy. All my large breed dogs have been rescues that had aggression/socialization issues I worked them through. I have had several toy breeds as pups. I am just wondering if any seasoned bully owners out there would have any great advice for a novice owner? Anything you wish you knew or should have done differently with your pup?
Here is a little background for you. Gemini is a 7wk old pup (female) and I have had her for a week. (she is all white with black specks on her ears
just had to throw that in there lol) I have 4 young children who are all awesome with dogs. I also have 8 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. (just got out of showing and breeding them) We live on a farm and have pigs and horses along with barn cats.
Gemini was chosen carefully from her litter as i had pick of females. Looks wise she would not have been my first choice, however her personality was awesome. She had this confidence that shone and just seemed to really internalize and think when I scolded her (for being a GATOR) Her tail was never tucked and she greeted me enthusiastically. She had good prey drive and seemed pretty solid as far as nerves. Loud noises etc she simply stopped and looked with an inquisitive expression then carried on.
Ok some questions! I have 1 indoor cat and several outdoor cats. I do not want a cat killer and cat chaser. Understanding prey drive and the fun it is to chase things...I imagine this will become an issue at some point. How do I or when do I get after her for that? Her first day here our cat was drinking some water and Gem ran over to check her out. The cat hissed and batted. Gem sat down with ears perked and watched her. Now after a week, she tries to play with the cats. Should I not allow this? (further history, we had a standard poodle that started out like this but would kill wild kittens in play later on and eventually took to hunting them) For the most part the cats continue on walking and I distract her away from them with a tug toy etc.
Diet is my next question. My Cavs eat TOTW. I actually got Gem Diamond Naturals large breed puppy as I was a little worried about the high protein in TOTW and proper joint development. Any insight?
She is white...now I worked as a vet tech for 7yrs prior to starting a family. There seemed to be a strange correlation between white dogs and skin/allergy issues...does this hold true with AB's?
So far, she is a real mellow easy to get along with pup. I am kinda excited for her to wake up a bit as she has only been here for a week. She is a pure gator when she plays but is getting along real well. I keep a rope toy in my pocket to distract her when she is going for pant legs etc. During play she will "miss" the toy and chomp arms, legs etc. She is already responding to Aaaiy...when she nips and will back off and lick where she nipped LOL. Such a darling! She did get my daughter in the rib cage (she is 7) She swooped and grabbed Gem by the scruff and pulled her front legs off the ground and said NO. Gem has not "accidentally" nipped her since haha.
For the most part things are going really good. But if you could offer some further advice of things you wished you knew or learned along the way that would be great! Thanks in advance. Oh we are crate training and using the teether/umbilical method during the "awake" part of the day.
Here is a little background for you. Gemini is a 7wk old pup (female) and I have had her for a week. (she is all white with black specks on her ears
just had to throw that in there lol) I have 4 young children who are all awesome with dogs. I also have 8 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. (just got out of showing and breeding them) We live on a farm and have pigs and horses along with barn cats.Gemini was chosen carefully from her litter as i had pick of females. Looks wise she would not have been my first choice, however her personality was awesome. She had this confidence that shone and just seemed to really internalize and think when I scolded her (for being a GATOR) Her tail was never tucked and she greeted me enthusiastically. She had good prey drive and seemed pretty solid as far as nerves. Loud noises etc she simply stopped and looked with an inquisitive expression then carried on.
Ok some questions! I have 1 indoor cat and several outdoor cats. I do not want a cat killer and cat chaser. Understanding prey drive and the fun it is to chase things...I imagine this will become an issue at some point. How do I or when do I get after her for that? Her first day here our cat was drinking some water and Gem ran over to check her out. The cat hissed and batted. Gem sat down with ears perked and watched her. Now after a week, she tries to play with the cats. Should I not allow this? (further history, we had a standard poodle that started out like this but would kill wild kittens in play later on and eventually took to hunting them) For the most part the cats continue on walking and I distract her away from them with a tug toy etc.
Diet is my next question. My Cavs eat TOTW. I actually got Gem Diamond Naturals large breed puppy as I was a little worried about the high protein in TOTW and proper joint development. Any insight?
She is white...now I worked as a vet tech for 7yrs prior to starting a family. There seemed to be a strange correlation between white dogs and skin/allergy issues...does this hold true with AB's?
So far, she is a real mellow easy to get along with pup. I am kinda excited for her to wake up a bit as she has only been here for a week. She is a pure gator when she plays but is getting along real well. I keep a rope toy in my pocket to distract her when she is going for pant legs etc. During play she will "miss" the toy and chomp arms, legs etc. She is already responding to Aaaiy...when she nips and will back off and lick where she nipped LOL. Such a darling! She did get my daughter in the rib cage (she is 7) She swooped and grabbed Gem by the scruff and pulled her front legs off the ground and said NO. Gem has not "accidentally" nipped her since haha.
For the most part things are going really good. But if you could offer some further advice of things you wished you knew or learned along the way that would be great! Thanks in advance. Oh we are crate training and using the teether/umbilical method during the "awake" part of the day.
