AboutLabman Expertise housebreaking, feeding, training, grooming
PLEASE DON'T SEND ME MEDICAL OR BREEDING QUESTIONS. An internet forum is not the appropriate place for them. Even if I could tell what was wrong from a handful of symptoms, you would still need to get the medications from your local vet.
Breeding should be left to those not needing to ask simple, basic questions. Books have been written about it. Rather than ask me a question, start reading. Those unwilling to do the work it takes to produce quality puppies should spay/neuter their pets at 6 months. I will not answer questions that sound like a poorly prepared breeder.
Experience
Past/Present clients I have been around the net a long time answering questions including the general dog area of All Experts. I recently discovered a lack of good experts under many specific breeds. I don't have as extensive experience with the GSD as Labs, but still can give good answers to most questions.
I try to base my answers on carefully proven methods confirmed by my own experience. Much of what I know about dogs, I have learned raising a puppy every year since 1991 for a large dog guide school. I am familiar with several similar programs. Nobody is in a better position to know dogs, need ones with long, active life, and share what they know, than the service dog schools. In addition I have done extensive reading. My answers have much more to back them than the limited experience any one dog owner can have.
Expert: Labman Date: 6/18/2008 Subject: Food Food Food and how much
Question After reading your website now I am really confused. My 4 month old GSD is on Wellness Puppy mix. I am feeding her according to her weight and age on the packaging (she is 40 pounds)She gets 3.5 cups per day. Based on some of your other responses should she be getting more than that. Please advise.
Answer I can't say, and neither should anybody else that hasn't felt her ribs. If you have read my answers, you should be familiar with ''Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx''
It is well established that keeping large breed puppies lean and making an early switch to adult chow reduces hip and other joint problems. You are more likely to have trouble getting a Shepherd to eat enough to hid its ribs than for it to get fat. It never hurts to have a vet confirm your evaluation of your dog's body condition.
