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Puppy at the training class from Brenda at Lancing Canine Obedience |
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Here are Brenda dogs Lily, Zeta and Cody |
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| click here to visit Lancing Canine Obedience Group website | |
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We find that most puppies at our training classes can be very hyper on wet or tinned foods so advise using dry complete foods of high quality but low protein i.e.: no more than 24% and not less than 20% for growing pups. In case you wonder, we use Chudleys Choice, that is 22% protein. This is fine for pups and adults. For puppies soak it in warm water so that they can eat it easily especially when they are teething. Unless the pup/dog is going to be doing strenuous exercise i.e.: agility or obedience shows at weekends and needs extra stamina, the food fed during the week is fine, pups and dogs can be given a little extra protein when they do this extra exercise the day before to give them an extra boost and then drop back down to the normal food for the week. If a pup is a giant or large breed then lower protein is best as this prevents sudden growth spurts which can cause bones to grow to quickly and if given too much exercise can also cause problems. This is the same for all working breeds and medium to large breed dogs. This can cause joint stress and problems. So, limited exercise on lead is best until they learn to walk properly without pulling and can be controlled off the lead safely i.e. good recall and instant down for emergencies. Owners think that if a dog is hyper then more exercise is needed, in my opinion it is best to do more brain work to give the dog something to do i.e.: training exercises or scent work. Unlimited exercise in the garden and house is fine but pups need to know when to rest just like children and need to be persuaded to do this. Hope this helps. When you are thinking of going to a training class, be sure that you can go along and watch first, so that you can make your mind up as to whether it is suitable for you and your pup/dog. All trainers are different in their approach to training and personalities do clash. Make sure you put your name down early as good training classes do get full very quickly. |