Expert: Kaza - 2/5/2012

Question
QUESTION: Hello I just got a new puppy he is a Bichon Frise-Toy poodle mix. He's almost 8 weeks old. I have been having trouble finding things that I need to buy for him as all the other sites have everything but what I'm looking for or are confusing. I was wondering if I put a small amount of sweet potato I've crushed and some chicken for him if that would be ok as a treat for dinner every so often. He is allergic to Lamb so I know he can't have that.
Also I am looking to see what brush I could use when I brush him so that I don't hurt him. What types of shampoo are suggested. Is it ok to reward with treats when he learns a new trick or learns a command or just does something good in general? I'm sorry I know these are a lot of questions. I appreciate your time.

ANSWER: llo giovanna
yes sweet potato is good for fibre and i would give salmon or white fish in place of meat if he atopic. Buy a small slicker brush and a soft comb and brush for face and belly etc. Shampoo I suggest a hypoallergenic baby shampoo for at least 6 months as introducing too many scented products will make the immune system over react. I give johnsons baby shampoo and detangler conditioner to all my new mummies and suggest they use this until pupy is 1 year old.
Give carrot batons as treats, use a good quality protein like duck pork, venison game etc and use mashed potatoes, carrots green beans and pulses like lentil, barley etc for fibre and carbs.
Water is the only drink acceptable, supplements give daily should include salmon oil, 1 tsp, lutein for eyes 6 mg twice er week, glucosamine and chondratin 500mg x 1 per week. Cranberry tablets (extract only) x 3 per week for a good urinary tract system.

Wish you and baby well
kaza

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If he is very vicious with his toys should I stop him? Also by replacing with fish instead of meat will that give him diarrhea? Also does he need to drink bottled water? Are there other ways to teach him not to bite?

Answer
he will play rough occasionally, this is normal and part of growing into a wonderful young male doggy. However it  is not a good idea to play tug with any doggy. so avoid this.
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_134&sName=new-pup-at-home-
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_133&sName=mouthing-biting
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_135&sName=new-pup-part-2
http://www.versailles-kennels.co.uk/?p=p_136&sName=pup-at-home-part-3


good luck kaza