Hi I'm new!!!

rdawson8 · 01-09-2008

I'm new here...I have 3 dogs...2 dachshunds who are brothers but one is a long-hair and one a short-hair. The long-hair is named Angus...we call him Gussie. He has an attitude problem and doesn't like to be bothered much. Sir Oscar Mayer Wiener (Oscar) is more laid back and loves to play. He tolerates the grandbabies where Gussie grumps at them more. We have a 5 month old Great Dane named Dora the Explorer. She is very energenic and right now is in training to learn to be a good girl. She finished her first session in puppy school and much to our surprise came in first in all of the contests they had. Now I am training her on my own through a private course and she is doing very well. We've had some backslides but not many. I would like some information though on feeding her as I have had so many different opinions on this...the vet said to keep her on puppy food for a year while breeders are telling me not to because of the protein. I have some breeders telling me to put her on raw and others telling me not to. I would also like some information on how to avoid bloat as I know this is something I need to try to avoid with a dog her size. I do have her food elevated and I try to feed her at quiet times...first thing in the morning and then let her rest in her kennel...then again in the afternoon and again rest time and then again before bedtime...please let me know if this is right. Any other information you can give me about raising this beautiful dog would be greatly appreciated as we have raised dachshunds for years and years and this is a first for Danes.

4dogs2lovers · 01-09-2008

Hello I am very new here myself and wanted to welcome you to the board

I have 4 dogs, 2 pomeranians, 1 Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and 1 Basset Hound.
I have a little information that might help you on avoiding bloating. basset hounds are a deep chested breed it is common for bloat to occur. My basset, Lyle, will eat and drink as much as he can get his face in. I feed him 2 large meals a day. I work full time so I will give him water at 6 am and then feed him just before I leave for work at 7 am. With his routine I know he will sleep for quite some time afterward. It is better that for atleast 2 hours after they eat or drink they do not run or play as it can cause bloat faster. When I return home from work I let him run crazy in the backyard sometimes he feels the need to tear through the house with his bursts of energy. lol. I will give him water again at about 6pm and then food at 6:30. He usually takes another 1-2 hour nap or lays around by me before a walk or more playtime, then bed. I know bassets are alot more lazier then your breed of dog so this may be a difficult thing to do. I just thought I'd offer my 2 cents. I talked about this schedule with my vet and for my basset they both agree it works fine!

Good Luck!

rdawson8 · 01-16-2008

Thanks for your informaton...I heard about feeding my dog and then having her relax for a few hours afterwards...I also have her food and water raised so she doesn't have to bend to eat or drink. I just worry because I know how easy it is for Great Danes to get bloat among other health issues. I just wish I knew what brand of food was best for her. I just read someplace where 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt twice a week is very good for a dog's digestive system...I plan on trying it as it seems Dora eats about anything as it is...she drives me crazy getting into the trash and trying to get things off of the counter and table...thanks again for your information!!!

wishbone · 01-17-2008

Hi and welcome RDawson and your babies! Nice to hear your babies are doing great, I don't have knowledge about your baby girl but I hope this link could help you:

all about feeding Great Danes, premium dog food, important to your dog's health

Good luck.

4dogs2lovers · 01-19-2008

No Problem! Good luck, i hope it all works out!

dancing-jewelry · 01-19-2008

HAHA,Beside arrange the time to raise the cute pet.It is the same important to let him warm in the cold weather.

Or you can select some thick outfits for your pet~~~.It is only my little proposal~!!

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