I raised GSD's for nearly 3 decades.
my pups got the following.
puppy chow with milk, eggs fried but not oxidized in olive oil and canned mackerel packed in oil (not brine)
They grew into tree trunks by 10 weeks. As far as I know most if not all of the dozens of pups I homed lived 14 years. No hip issues but bloat got 3 of them and 2 survived as we were not home when Gracie bloated.
Those that were given pups were told these things:
No people food except as a flavoring using Iams Lamb and rice as a base. A gently fried egg in olive oil. Treats will create bad habits. Once a habit is formed, it is permanent. They cannot quantify, big or small amounts of food are the same.
Never teach tricks. Allow built in instincts to come to surface.
Talk to them in question form. You want outside, You hungry, WHAT DID YOU DO?, etc. Then praise for the simple things.
from pups play with them, pick them up, dance a bit and share the couch.
when danger is perceived, they will do what they know to do.
acclimate to neighbors and socialize whenever possible.
You can teach them nasty stuff if you need to. I would in today's environment.
Between ages 2 and 3 they will test pack hierarchy. They must know you are alpha.
Free feed should be always available even after you have made a breakfast or dinner. Don't allow play after bulk feeding.
If they want on the bed, provide a space for them with their personal pad. Otherwise, they will sleep between you and your sig/other.
Shootie |
