Spoiling our Dogs and Puppies

[girl_dee]

The chihuaha is very pissed off

1) it's winter

2) great dane puppy

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by girl_dee

The chihuaha is very pissed off

1) it's winter

2) great dane puppy

that new puppy is GORGEOUS! We have a puppy here now that is making everyone crazy. thats what puppies do!

[Jesse]

I'm a bit quirky about my dog(s) and their health too and one thing I do is to always clip the production code which is located by the scan bar usually. This way if they do a recall, you will know if your bag is a part of that recall. This way you'll know to watch your dog for changes and/or have them vetted. I just keep it clipped to the front of the fridge and change it out with each new bag. I also keep a watch for the recalls.

[Metro]

There are a few things I am a stickler about regarding my dogs in order that they remain happy and friendly:

1. Refrain from using dog's name when using corrections (so they do not associate their name with negative feedback). Example: I say "Drop it!" instead of "Drop it, _______!"

2. Refrain from any random teasing whatsoever -- I don't like to make my dogs nervous or manic without reason. Example: I never hype up my dogs with words or physical contact just to get them excited. This doesn't mean I won't engage in playtime... I will squeek their toys or toss their tennis ball to see if they are interested in play, and will always respond positively to their invitation to play if they present me with a toy. My dogs tease and seem to have a sense of humor too, imho, but during playtime is the appropriate time.

3. Refrain from encouraging barking. They bark or "huff" to alert me... that's their "job" -- but are not permitted to bark on and on or when greeting visitors.

Over the years these behavioral "rules" have worked well for me in that all 3 dogs brought into my home have been sweet, friendly, and calm companions -- even though they are a breed some mistakenly assume are hard to control. I feel that dog behavior can often be influenced greatly by how well (or not) they are treated by their human companion(s) in everyday life. They need to feel secure and have consistent and fair rules.

I love my dog and like to believe she loves me too!

[Blade]

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

[Novelafemme]

I have three pups and feed them a mixture of dry and wet food that I make myself. When it was just Olive (Aussie mix) I let her free-feed. She always did great and never had any issues with her weight.

Then along came Ellie (Shih Tzu) and Rue (Schnoodle) and Olive became food aggressive (and fat).

When I prepare their food I use organic meat from Trader Joe's, organic veggies (carrots, greens, beets) and free-range chicken or beef broth minus the sodium. I also buy them free-range beef bones from the local farmer's market. So far their teeth look great with all that chewing!

It may seem excessive to some, but to me our pets are members of our family...not just animals.

[Talon]

Originally Posted by Blade

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

Nah...human's suck.

*kidding*

I'm a general variety spoiler....therefore, I generally enjoy spoiling whomever I love.

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Blade

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

My granddaughter.

[Sachita]

There is also a brand called The Honest Kitchen. It's dehydrated and has fresh free range meats, veggies, fruits and everything is human grade AND made in a human grade inspected kitchen. 10 pounds turns into 40 pounds at around 70 something which is very affordable if you're making dog food. 40 pounds will feed my boxer and two small dogs

[Blade]

Originally Posted by Blade

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

Guess I should have said Does anyone spoil any other type of pets, instead of saying anything else.......cats, horses, frogs, lizards, snakes, birds etc.....

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Blade

Guess I should have said Does anyone spoil any other type of pets, instead of saying anything else.......cats, horses, frogs, lizards, snakes, birds etc.....

I spoil all of my animals, however I don't cuddle, pet or name animals that may become dinner.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Blade

Guess I should have said Does anyone spoil any other type of pets, instead of saying anything else.......cats, horses, frogs, lizards, snakes, birds etc.....

My dog is my only pet. He's a jack russell...I don't have time for another pet!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Sachita

Orijen (what I'll be switch to soon) 29 pounds- $2.30 per day for a medium size dog @ 2 cups. There is one less pound.

Ok, so the biggest reason I have been using Newman's organic is because I wanted to make sure I had a product where the meat was free of antibiotics and growth hormones. I couldn't find a food outside of this one where this was clearly stated ("fresh" ingredients is meaningless, and free range doesn't mean free of hormones either, in all cases). Also, I do like plant based protein and Newman's met this, as well. However, I found on the Orijen website that their meat is antibiotic/growth hormone free and they have a a product with fish as their base meat (6 Fish Dog). I think I am going to switch.

Sachita, I am curious to know why Orijen is your new choice?

Originally Posted by Blade

I think in my next life I want to be one of yalls dog. I can't believe all we've seen so far is dog spoilage LOL. Does anyone spoil anything else?

I have to tell you Blade, I really paused when I read this. I had this serious moment...lol Really, the only other thing I spoil is my car. I spoil it by using high end products on the car itself (the cleaning and protection of the interior and exterior), and also high end mechanical parts/fluids. So, yes, I spoil my car.

<-------maybe needs to look at what (who) is being left out on the spoiling list

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Ok, so the biggest reason I have been using Newman's organic is because I wanted to make sure I had a product where the meat was free of antibiotics and growth hormones. I couldn't find a food outside of this one where this was clearly stated ("fresh" ingredients is meaningless, and free range doesn't mean free of hormones either, in all cases). Also, I do like plant based protein and Newman's met this, as well. However, I found on the Orijen website that their meat is antibiotic/growth hormone free and they have a a product with fish as their base meat (6 Fish Dog). I think I am going to switch.

Sachita, I am curious to know why Orijen is your new choice?



I have to tell you Blade, I really paused when I read this. I had this serious moment...lol Really, the only other thing I spoil is my car. I spoil it by using high end products on the car itself (the cleaning and protection of the interior and exterior), and also high end mechanical parts/fluids. So, yes, I spoil my car.

<-------maybe needs to look at what (who) is being left out on the spoiling list

I'm always going to support organic because it's one of my huge agendas. I think Newman's it a great company that has wonderfully marketed products commercially. I don't really have anything bad to say. I wish they used less chemicals and more berries and veggies.

I am impressed with Orijen meat sources and they use regional farms for produce. I'm all about supporting local farms. But like any successful company once the numbers climb they are often sold to even larger companies that keep the brand but change the formula. I suspect this will start happening with Taste of The Wild.

My long term goal is to grow food for my dogs. I'm pretty close to this goal. I am raising large (Jersey Giants) meat chickens now which i will start hatching. I'm also looking into raising Emu for meat and oil which I feel will be excellent for dogs, especially dogs with health issues. I'm still research this and seeing if it's feasible. I'm just now able to wrap my head around processing my own chicken and turkey. I want that animal to have the best life possible and although I could take it to a processor many people believe its best to do this at the farm. I agree because there is no fear or stress. lol- omg I could go on and on about this. If you are lucky enough to have a local family farm near you consider supporting them by buying from them. Yes, it cost a bit more but at least you really know where your food comes from.

[Novelafemme]

Originally Posted by Metro

There are a few things I am a stickler about regarding my dogs in order that they remain happy and friendly:

1. Refrain from using dog's name when using corrections (so they do not associate their name with negative feedback). Example: I say "Drop it!" instead of "Drop it, _______!"

2. Refrain from any random teasing whatsoever -- I don't like to make my dogs nervous or manic without reason. Example: I never hype up my dogs with words or physical contact just to get them excited. This doesn't mean I won't engage in playtime... I will squeek their toys or toss their tennis ball to see if they are interested in play, and will always respond positively to their invitation to play if they present me with a toy. My dogs tease and seem to have a sense of humor too, imho, but during playtime is the appropriate time.

3. Refrain from encouraging barking. They bark or "huff" to alert me... that's their "job" -- but are not permitted to bark on and on or when greeting visitors.

Over the years these behavioral "rules" have worked well for me in that all 3 dogs brought into my home have been sweet, friendly, and calm companions -- even though they are a breed some mistakenly assume are hard to control. I feel that dog behavior can often be influenced greatly by how well (or not) they are treated by their human companion(s) in everyday life. They need to feel secure and have consistent and fair rules.

I love my dog and like to believe she loves me too!

I need to pick your brain about potty training since you live with a pack as well.

[Metro]

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

I need to pick your brain about potty training since you live with a pack as well.

Hi Novela,

I have only lived w/ 2 dogs, at most, fulltime -- now only one. I do not like to be dogless so my technique is to get next pup when first dog is 10 y/o. This way the older one knows the rules while I train the pup -- and they have a couple years to play together full-on before one gets elderly. This has helped me maintain sanity when bringing a pup into the pack.

Feel free to PM if you wish.