13
June
ryan p asked:
Hi everyone…my girlfriend is about to adopt a pitbull shepard mix puppy. I was just wondering what things we need to do to keep her healthy and safe. She has already had her vaccinations, and we will request those papers for our record, we will also have her fixed. Is their anything else we need to consider?
Hi everyone…my girlfriend is about to adopt a pitbull shepard mix puppy. I was just wondering what things we need to do to keep her healthy and safe. She has already had her vaccinations, and we will request those papers for our record, we will also have her fixed. Is their anything else we need to consider?
June 15th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Hmm that strange. Most animal shelter will already Desex a Puppy prior to sending it home.
Puppy school! Essential for well manner well socialised puppy to ensure appriopiate behaviour.
Lead and collar
Lots and Lots of Walks while young
Jogging can be started at 18month.
Pitbull and Shepherd are NOT for a novice or inexperienced dog owner
June 17th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
++You’ll need to know what type of food they were feeding her, and find a good food you will want to give her if you decide to change it. ~ If you are going to change the food she eats then you have to do it gradually by mixing it in with the old food and slowly cutting the old food out.
++You’ll need the proper dog accessories. ~ Dog toys & treats. Food bowls. Collar/Leash. Crate if you are crate training. Dog bed. (Dog house if the dog is going to be out of doors, but still have a dog bed inside for bad weather days. I still vote just a plain dog bed cuz I prefer my dogs inside, but that’s me personally.)
++You’ll want a regular Vet. ~ Having a regular (one that you go to most every time you go unless you are out of town with your dog) Vet helps them keep records straight, and know your dog and you in general. A lot of people don’t realize that this goes a LONG way to helping both you and your dog in an emergency. Having a report is always a good thing. He can help you figure out what sort of flea/tick stuff to give him. Counsel you on what sorts of foods to use etc etc.
++Obedience/Training courses ~ Since you are getting a puppy this is a GREAT time to set down good habits and standards with your dog. The longer you wait to get started on this the more difficult it can become; especially if you have certain things like not wanting the dog on the couch. If he’s been getting on the couch for years it’s going to be a lot harder to convince him it’s not okay. 6 months is a great time to start, and old dogs CAN learn new tricks it just takes longer.
June 19th, 2011 at 1:00 am
hi!
I thought that i would add to the great post above mine…
Make sure that you get your gorgeous lil puppy microchipped so that if she runs off and is found by the rangers or pound, then they can return her to you.
Also, if your council requires it, you may have to get her registered with your local authority. Just check your council for details.
There are also some national websites that allow you to register your pets details in case she is lost or stolen. If someone finds her, they can track her back to you. Im not sure what country youre in, but just google it and you should find something…
Have fun with her!
June 19th, 2011 at 8:36 am
With this breed mix, the big things to consider really come down to you and your styles.
You are adopting a very smart dog who will be testing you constantly. And a dog who may not be reliable with other animals and dogs (pit side). You really need to consider this. You can not, ever, ever, ever leave a pit or it’s mixes unattended with other animals. When you are not present to supervise, that dog NEEDS to be crated. Always. If you aren’t OK with that, this dog is not for you.
If you can’t draw a firm line in the sand, this dog is totally not for you. The pit will test you because it’s a terrier, and the GSD will as well because it is smarter than you are. These are pushy, intelligent breeds. Not a problem as long as you are totally comfortable being consistent and drawing the line. You HAVE to with these breeds. Otherwise, they will be training you.
Again, it comes down to your personal style. Are you an assertive sort who feels AOK saying NO, not over my dead body several times a day in the early going? Or would that be uncomfortable for you? If it’s uncomfortable, then this is not the dog for you. If there is any disagreement between you and the GF, this is not the dog for you.
Pit and GSD mixes can be great dogs with the right style of owner., Not a slight on you or the dog–just make sure you understand what this dog needs and that you are comfortable providing it so that everyone is thrilled with the pairing. You want a dog who complements your style, not one who asks you to try to be a different person from the one you are.
If you are feeling unsure about being a drill sergeant and crating, then maybe look at something in the Sporting Group.
ETA; I went of on my own tangent and didn’t really answer you r q.
You should bring the pup to your own vet, with her records, within 48 hours of bringing her home.
Start her off at your home on the food she was eating previously and if you want to change it, change it over about a week’s time.
You’ll need a crate. Either one that fits her now,. with the plan to buy larger as she grows, or her adult sized crate with a divider for now.
Find a training class NOW. She can’t go until she is fully vaccinated, but this is NOT a dog that you can train on your own as a first-timer. You will need guidance and a very thorough socialization program.
Be prepared, and I know this smarts, to spend over $1,500 this first year, because you will. You’ll average $1,000 per year after that for a pet.
Check your local laws, and your insurance on your home. Pits and GSDs are banned many places and by many insurance carriers. Fact of life.
Be prepared to work toward your Canine Good Citizen Certificate. You have a very smart, physically powerful and somewhat aggressive mix. You NEED to work for your CGCC. You have a huge responsibility because of the breeds that you have chosen. Don’t fail your responsibility there.
June 22nd, 2011 at 4:59 am
You’ll need to account for the cost of yearly check up visits and vaccinations. You’ll want to get her started on a good quality dog food. Get her checked by the vet as soon as you can after getting her so that the vet can get a general idea of her health and can help you set up a good diet and exercise plan for her. Talk to your vet about training and research dominance training techniques so that you become the pack leader not her. Other than that just make sure to set her up a little space in the house, either with a crate or a bed. Get her some toys and give her lots of love and consistent training.
June 25th, 2011 at 8:43 am
Woah – what a mix, especially for a novice owner! ? Yes, get a crate, for starters. And plan on taking her to training classes for sure. You will need to establish who is boss in your place from day one as she’s going to be one smart puppy I’d think.
Keep her on the diet she’s currently on, at least to begin with – an abrupt switch could well upset her tummy. And just as you’d do buying a puppy from anybody, get her in for a health check within the first 48 hours, taking her vac.card with you – and be advised about worming.
June 27th, 2011 at 2:58 am
Hi,
Your dog’s first few weeks home will likely be a period of huge adjustment, for both of you. You can make the transition much easier all around if you prepare your home in advance, gather a team like vets, dog walkers, and doggie day care and set up a routine right away. Here are more tips: