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A dog that won't eat my kids.







etienne
Novice

Nov 14, 2008, 11:16 PM

Post #1 of 25 (2378 views)
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A dog that won't eat my kids. Can't Post

Hi all,

This is a great site populated by great people. Anybody who loves dogs are great people in my books. So, a short introduction on myself. My name is etienne(really) and have loved dogs for a long time. However, I've been without my favorite companion for the past 13 years simply because:

1) I moved to a smaller house.

2) Got married to someone who hates having dog fur all over the place.

However, I am shifting into a house with a rather large compound hence my research now into the subject. Plus, over the past 10 years, I think I've managed to convince my wife that "People bad. Doggies good." Just kidding.Sly

I actually need some help from the experts here. I would greatly appreciate any advice and also to correct my thinking if needed. So here's my story.

Other than companionship and that I just simply love dogs, my other purpose is to get one that would act as a deterrent to intruders. Yes I know, you would immediately point me to a GSD. And a GSD would be my first preference.

However, I have 3 young children, the youngest of which is only 1 year old. At this point of time, I'd rather my pet GSD didn't eat him if I so happen to make a mistake and choose one with a bad temprement. Maybe later, when he's teenager. Maybe.

So, my second choice would be a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever. But i hear they don't guard so well and probably end up wagging their tail at intruders.

Whatever my final choice may be, I am hoping that you could help me answer some questions.

a) Am I wrong about GSD's and children.

b) Could you point me toward good and reputable breeders for both GSD's and Lab/Retrievers

c) Am I wrong about Lab Retrievers being unable to guard the home and my family?

I also understand that both breeds need lots of excersise and mental stimulation. So, in addition to them having a large compound for their new habitat, I plan to take my pet cycling with me in the plantations. Which I do often.

Thanks all and it's great to be here.

E


Ho Lee Mee
Novice

Nov 15, 2008, 5:55 PM

Post #2 of 25 (2359 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Welcome
Glad your better half finally agreed to having a dog. They are really good companions. Why limit your choice to GSDs only? Having fostered 2 b4 let me tell you that they shed 365 days a year - 2 seasons - more shedding and even more shedding!!! They have to be groomed at the very least once if not twice a day. If not you can really see fur fly - literally! Baths are an absolute must at least once a week in our hot weather. Exercise definitely if possible everyday as a happy dog is a well walked one. Some dogs get bored so will do distractive behavoiur. Better choice yet why not get a mongrel. In terms of grooming not much shedding and they are good companions and guard dogs. Even better adopt a full grown one so you know exactly what his/her temperament is like. All the best.


etienne
Novice

Nov 15, 2008, 11:31 PM

Post #3 of 25 (2343 views)
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Re: [Ho Lee Mee] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Hola,

Thanks for the advice. So, you're sayin' that a better bet would be a Retriever?

Not to keen on mongrels this time round. I've lived with them all my life. One of them was cracked and mauled me when I was a kid. Ended up in the hospital with stitches to boot! Not saying they're bad. I last owned 3 dogs. 2 of them were mongrels. They were the joy of my life.

This time 'round I'm just thinking of trying out a different breed.


Ho Lee Mee
Novice

Nov 16, 2008, 2:29 PM

Post #4 of 25 (2328 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Ahh, understand your sentiments. As per your 1st post you mentioned your better half not liking fur all over the place so if you would get a breed that sheds constantly she might not be too happy. If she's not happy, not too sure you would be happy too. Can't say exactly what particular breed is best for you. Contra to popular belief some rotties are very good nature/friendly and good with kids BUT only if you can pick the right one. Different dogs different temperament like humans. Not all cut from the same cloth. Looks the same, makeup different. So do your research and all the best.


OmgPuppy!
Member


Nov 18, 2008, 12:10 AM

Post #5 of 25 (2293 views)
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Re: [Ho Lee Mee] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi there, I'm Jason. Glad to have u to join us here. I think every dog is being breed for human passive. So any dog will be a good family companion believe it or not, even an APBT. All dogs can hurt babies and can also protect babies just the way to introduce the dog to your babies will make the difference. Dog always has a special affinity for children, seeming to relish their comical antics and feel protective of them. Always remind your child to be gentle to ur dogs and to offer the dog a treat. Do not allow ur children to sit on a dog or fall on dog or pull its ears, or tail. Instruct children that they should never to run from a dog, scream shrilly around dog, nvr stare or have eye contact with ur dog when u 1st introduce ur child to her, its because staring directly at a dog is interpreted by the dog as a threat and it can cause dominant dog to bite,even a puppy has teeth too. Just a advice that never take chances with a child's safety. but do give your dog a chance-----safely !! My 2 cents



Dead Game and Tryin' to Scratch...
Give me victory or give me death,
I will make history and gain your respect.
Take my lesson, or take my life,
Triumph is blemished in the absence of strife.
I have great pride, for I am unequaled.
Win, lose, or tie, there won't be a sequal.
Its unexplainable and seldom viable,
but I am dead game and thats undeniable...





(This post was edited by OmgPuppy! on Nov 18, 2008, 12:14 AM)


etienne
Novice

Nov 20, 2008, 8:04 PM

Post #6 of 25 (2226 views)
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Re: [OmgPuppy!] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi Jason,

Thanks for all your comments. Yup, it ain't easy making decisions when there are other important factors to consider. But thanks for all the pointers on this thread and I will be taking all points into consideration. Will post the pups picture here when I finally make a decision.



regards all,

E


etienne
Novice

Jan 16, 2009, 11:56 PM

Post #7 of 25 (2039 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Ok. Finally plonked down some money and got ourselves Golden Retriever puppy. What a cutie.

The family is ecstatic, especially the kids and the wife went "aawwwww." Even gave me her blender to make the dogs food.

Now to see what kind of potential this puppy has.


hapy
Dog Kichi


Jan 17, 2009, 12:13 AM

Post #8 of 25 (2033 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Great to hear that you your last choise is Golden Retriever. GR is a friendly & playable dog and u dun need to worry he/she will eat ur's kids.

Can share the pic with us?

Thanks.
hapy


(This post was edited by hapy on Jan 17, 2009, 12:20 AM)


khengteik
ALPHA


Jan 17, 2009, 6:34 PM

Post #9 of 25 (2024 views)
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Re: [OmgPuppy!] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

hello there.... actually i agree as well as disagree with Ho.... whatever it is... it is the job of the owner to introduce the dog with his family and kids.... as in a proper introduction... especially with an adult dog.... if it is a puppy..... then its easier... just have to let the kids play around with it.... however, during the first few days/weeks its better to minimize the contact between the children and the dog... this is because the dog is still stressed out and accidents might happen...

i would agree with Ho as dogs especially females tend to be very protective with babies... i have seen a shih tzu letting a 1 year old baby treat it as a toy.. pulling the fur... tail... ear.... whacking it.... but the dog will just ignore it... and when the baby cries and the parents takes too long of a time to look at the baby... the shih tzu will nip their ankles.... bark at them... etc...

anyways.... all the best for you and the dog... and hope that everything will go well....

cheers...




A dog is a man's most loyal friend.


etienne
Novice

Jan 17, 2009, 8:09 PM

Post #10 of 25 (2018 views)
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Re: [hapy] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To
Great to hear that you your last choise is Golden Retriever. GR is a friendly & playable dog and u dun need to worry he/she will eat ur's kids.

Can share the pic with us?

Thanks.
hapy

Lol! I finally figured out how to do this.

here ya go.

[url= www.freeimagehosting.net/]


lcly.my
Member


Jan 18, 2009, 3:29 AM

Post #11 of 25 (2005 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Wao!

your dog is adorable and sweet.;-)

congratulation!!

pls share with us more on his/her picture from time to time...

but, again, on guarding house..GR is not that good (maybe just bark one or two, then, wagging tail to the stranger later..;-)....hope u can accept it...)


hapy
Dog Kichi


Jan 18, 2009, 6:56 AM

Post #12 of 25 (1995 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Thanks.

Very cute and beautiful.... please keep us update.....




etienne
Novice

Jan 19, 2009, 3:59 PM

Post #13 of 25 (1963 views)
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Re: [hapy] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Thanks for all your kind words and advice.

Q.D (her name) is doing great. She's 8 weeks old and I've just put her on a balance of home cooked meals and commercial dogfood and she likes it better than than just commercials alone. Was worried there for a while as she was leaving much of her food uneaten.

She's now been with us for about a week and already understands the concept of:

'no'

'good'

'come' (works better with treats)

'go crate' (grudgingly)

'sit' - (works 100% with treats, works 80% without)

'outside'

now working on walking on a leash, 'lie down' and 'stay'


acsyen
Ultra ALPHA


Jan 19, 2009, 4:25 PM

Post #14 of 25 (1958 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi,

Nice pup you have there but soon there will be lotsa hair flying everywhere.. GR sheds as much as GSD. Anyway since you have a blender I would advise you to consider raw feeding. It is the best way to feed dogs in my opinion. You can read more about it at www.barfworld.com

~Nature's Way: Raw Food for Health ~

~ Pet ID Tags: A MUST For Every Pet! ~



hapy
Dog Kichi


Jan 19, 2009, 6:42 PM

Post #15 of 25 (1949 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

wow, great to hear that Q.D understood lot of 'wording'. One thing important is to have toilet training. Regarding the fur, one of my friend told me can add some sugar (for cooking) into the food. But dunno work or not.


etienne
Novice

Jan 19, 2009, 10:56 PM

Post #16 of 25 (1939 views)
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Re: [acsyen] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To
Hi,

Nice pup you have there but soon there will be lotsa hair flying everywhere.. GR sheds as much as GSD. Anyway since you have a blender I would advise you to consider raw feeding. It is the best way to feed dogs in my opinion. You can read more about it at www.barfworld.com



Hi Acsyen,

Thanks for the pointer on BARF. Actually, I've been doing some reading on the subject and is one of the reasons I'm progressing my dog to non-commercialised food. At the risk of offending someone here(if I do, I deeply apologise), it just takes a little common sense to know that food in its natural form is infinitely better than anything processed. Especially something as highly processed as dog food, no matter how 'scientific' it might be. Imagine yourself eating instant noodles everyday. Choose your flavour, 'beef,' 'chicken' or 'tom yam'

Come to think about it, maybe processed foods are the root cause of a host of human ailments today, since we consume so much of it.

Remember the melamine thingy? If they can put this in HUMAN food, god only knows what goes into pet food. And they were only the ones who were caught. How many have gotten away with smaller dosages?

Right now I'm using the kibble as a base. I then add cooked brown rice, mashed boiled carrots, potatoes and some leafy veggies to it and slightly cooked meat. (chicken and beef)

The percentages are roughly (in weight) kibble(20%) brown rice(40%) potatoes, veggie, carrots(10%) and meat(30%)

The only thing is that this diet is harder on the pocket and takes more time/effort. But what the heck, anything for your dog, eh?

Please do let me know if I'm getting this right or wrong...I'd really appreciate it.

Another thing, I can't seem to easily find offal, tripe and ground bones. Any pointers? Or better yet, does Malaysia have BARF distributors?

Hapy, thanks for the advice on suger. I'll be sure to look it up.

Best to all.


acsyen
Ultra ALPHA


Jan 19, 2009, 11:05 PM

Post #17 of 25 (1935 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Let's talk through email.. I have books to guide you.. Full BARF is even cheaper than kibbles if you prepare yourself. My email is acs_yen@h.o.t.m.a.i.l.c.o.m.

~Nature's Way: Raw Food for Health ~

~ Pet ID Tags: A MUST For Every Pet! ~



Ho Lee Mee
Novice

Jan 20, 2009, 1:49 PM

Post #18 of 25 (1914 views)
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Re: [etienne] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Congrats!! What a fantastic way to start off the new year.
She is simply adorable. Let's have FUN!!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR.


acsyen
Ultra ALPHA


Jan 20, 2009, 3:06 PM

Post #19 of 25 (1912 views)
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Re: [Ho Lee Mee] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Happy CNY... How's the book reading going? More books on the way.. Haha.. Good news here too.. Judah has been adopted to a nice home. Am praying he gets along with their 12 yr old rottie. They actually planned to buy a GSD pup but their friend(my friend) recommended them to adopt a GSD instead. Retired uncle and has lots of time for him. And since he has rottys all his life Judah is not a problem for him. Just pray that all goes well for him there.

~Nature's Way: Raw Food for Health ~

~ Pet ID Tags: A MUST For Every Pet! ~



Ho Lee Mee
Novice

Jan 20, 2009, 7:07 PM

Post #20 of 25 (1892 views)
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Re: [acsyen] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi Yen
You have just given me the best new year gift ever!!!!!!! So very, very happy that at last Judah has finally found a good home. Melody would be so happy. Knew my prayers are not in vain. Where is he rehomed to?
As for the book reading, have finish and rereading - so more books would always be more than welcome. Just tinker me whenever you have them.
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!


acsyen
Ultra ALPHA


Jan 20, 2009, 7:48 PM

Post #21 of 25 (1888 views)
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Re: [Ho Lee Mee] A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi,

He's rehomed to Kepong. I will update his adoption status when i go visit him after cny just to make sure all is ok. They did update me sayinghe's good with the kids and is adapting well. Did not bother the old dog there..

~Nature's Way: Raw Food for Health ~

~ Pet ID Tags: A MUST For Every Pet! ~



etienne
Novice

Apr 9, 2009, 10:50 PM

Post #22 of 25 (1683 views)
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Re:A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi all,

Just thought I'd update on my doggy's progress. Below are 2 pix, one when I got her at 7 weeks and the next is the most current one at 20 weeks. The second pix shows her laying her head on her bowl, which is her way of saying "I want to eat! "

Wow. This breed grows really fast. She weighed only 2.5kg and could sit on my open palm when she first came to stay with us and is now 15kgs and I need both arms to carry her! Thats about a 500% weight increase in about 3 months! Maybe its the diet that Acsyen advised me on. Its great Yen. She's really healthy, great coat and no serious vet visits yet (keeping fingers crossed)

She's also very smart, easily trainable and eager to please. Only thing is she's lazy as heck and hardly barks at anything. You name it, dogs, cats, people, my mother-in-law, postman, robbers, zip. Hmmm...any of you think some schutzhund training is in order? Anyway below are the pix.

[url= www.imagehosting.com/]


Ho Lee Mee
Novice

Apr 10, 2009, 1:42 AM

Post #23 of 25 (1673 views)
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Re: [etienne] Re:A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Aiyoo... She is so adorable and beautiful. What a lovely coat she has.
Barf is really doing a good job. Well done.
All the best.


acsyen
Ultra ALPHA


Apr 15, 2009, 6:00 PM

Post #24 of 25 (1617 views)
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Re: [etienne] Re:A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi,

QD is looking so good and the colour is so nice. Well GR's are large breed and her growth is not suprising. A GSD pup at 6mths old can weigh 20kg and above. Good for your dog and also your friend's dogs as well. I think you should start out with a basic obedience training before considering any other types. GR's can be trained in any dog sport but be sure you look for a good trainer or it will be tough for you to handle your dog in future. I can recommend some trainers to you if you are keen. At this age I am not suprised that she doesn't bark at anything. Too young to know the difference between strangers or prey.

~Nature's Way: Raw Food for Health ~

~ Pet ID Tags: A MUST For Every Pet! ~



etienne
Novice

Apr 17, 2009, 11:36 PM

Post #25 of 25 (1592 views)
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Re: [acsyen] Re:A dog that won't eat my kids. [In reply to] Can't Post

Hi Yen,

Thanks. Those books were an excellent resource to jump from. Gave me a lot of insight to feeding dogs and cats. As a result, and IMO, QD is a pretty healthy pup. Tell you something else, she doesn't have ticks or fleas! I don't know if thats a result of BARF or not, but she rolls in the park grass everyday and I've not detected any as yet! (keeping fingers crossed). The last time I found ticks on her, she was being kibble fed at about 8 weeks. And that was the only time I ever used the tick spray.

Am also using to info from the books to nurture an abandoned kitten back to life. My daughter brought home 2 a couple of days ago. Someone had put them in a paper bag and dumped them at the playground. Unfortunately the vet had to euthnise one of the kittens. They are only about one or two weeks old. You know anyone who wants to adopt and nurture her back to life? Here's a pix:

[url= www.freeimagehosting.net/]

Anyway, back to QD. I initially started training her myself from a book I bought and she's really intelligent. Got most of the commands quickly. However, I thought that I'd better get a professional in case I was doing something wrong. So, recently engaged Cheng See. And QD's already had her first lesson.

 
 




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