About Ken Humphries Expertise I have only four geat danes now, all fawn, although I have had brindles in the past. I have had them for 34 years and am an international judge of danes, I breed them occasionally and show them most weekends. I also organise seminars and lecture on Kennel Club regulations, how to judge dogs, canine anatomy, movement and stewarding at shows. I am on the committees of National Working & Pastoral Breeds, Midland & West of England Great Dane Club organising shows and I was chairman of Stratford Canine Society.
Experience I have had up to 20 great danes at any one time, fawn, brindle and blue,in the past. I have had them for 34 years and am an international judge of danes, I have judged the championship show of the Great Dane Club of South Australia. I breed them occasionally and show them most weekends. I also organise seminars for novice judges and instruct them on Kennel Club regulations and construction and movement.
A dane we bred and that I showed took the best dog award at Crufts.
Expert: Ken Humphries Date: 4/30/2008 Subject: 2weeks6day old puppies[10]
Question im trying to wean them the vet said to wet dry food and there milk mix together they seem to lap it up .but i see on here they tell people to feed raw meat can you please help me to do the right thing for them ?and how much sleep should they be getting?thank you for your time every thing i read on here has been very helpful.
Answer Do not take the vets advice on feeding. In the main they are not nutritionists and have never reared a litter of danes.
The way we wean our pups is to get your local butcher to bone-out brisket of beef and breasts of lamb and mince them finely. You then give them walnut sized balls for the first few days, three times a day.
Get lamb or calf rearing milk replacer from your local agricultural supplier. Mix this thickly with warm water and give each of them a little in a bowl. Dip your finger in the liquid and offer it to them in turn to encourage them to suck your finger. Then get you finger closer to the milk each time, do this three times a day. They soon get the idea of feeding themselves.
After a week mix this with a little raw, minced tripe and gradually change them over. Tripe is cheaper and just as good for them. By about five weeks they will be eating 2 - 3 oz each meal mixed with wetted dry food.
You will see we recommend TPMS, Wafcol or Go Dog for the dried foods. Not puppy but adult, 18-20% protein, they need the extra carbohydrate for energy and muscle building. TPMS supply foods in the Midlands, S Wales and SW England.
Don't let them over eat for the first few days in case the change of diet upsets them but they will love this diet and grow quickly and strongly on it.
If you go to our website
www.bengraftongreatdanes.me.uk
you will find a diet sheet, under puppy notes, which is designed for eight weeks on but adapt it to suit by reducing the amounts.
If you need any more info my email is bengraftondanes@aol.com