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: 6/27/2008 Subject: My puppies weight
Question My puppy is a female German shepherd she is 6 weeks old, I just wanted to know an estimate of how much she should weigh.
Answer It varies too much to say. Her body condition is much more important. Fortunately most Shepherds will just leave part of it if they are over fed. Some of them insist on showing off their ribs. This is much harder on the owners than the dog.
You should be feeding a puppy chow now. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.
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
The dry dog foods are actually better for the dogs. It helps keep the teeth clean, and exercises the jaws and teeth. If you feed a complete dog chow, you shouldn't need to give the dog anything else. Various people foods may only add more calories without providing proper nourishment. Look at how many of us are too fat too. If you don't want to pay name brand prices look for certification of passing the AAFCO tests. Make any changes in diet slowly over about a week.
The premium, concentrated foods give you the assurance of a brand name. They produce a smaller, firmer stool that is easier to clean up. It is easier to maintain weight on a finicky eater. The lower cost foods may actually have lower fat and be better for your dog. Many dogs would enjoy eating the larger portions you have to feed .
