New Dog Questions

[alrich71]

Hi,
We just adopted a new dog from a shelter. He is a 2 year old Labrador/Chow Mix. I have some questions.
I have already read a few things so I would appreciate any more advice I can find.

1.) He doesn't have BAD breath exactly, but kinda icky breath, what is the best thing for that?
2.) Since he's big and fluffy, what would be the best shampoo to use on him that leaves him smelling good instead of "doggy"?
3.) How do I get him to poo in one place designated outside? I have read that leash training to do this works, and I will try it, but will he poo later on without the leash?
4.) How can i keep him out of the cat food? Not the dry, the soft?
5.) How do i get him to stop going after the cat? He's scaring my cat to death!!!
6.) Finally, what's the best kind of schedule to feed a dog like this? I was thinking something yummy in the evenings so I can make sure he eliminates before bedtime and dry in the morning. Since he's a shelter dog, they recommended whenever he wants for the dry, but I'm not too sure about that. Won't he get fat?

Thanks so much for anything you can suggest!

A

[caseysmom]

I also adopted a dog with icky breath...can't wait to hear some advice on that one...I just try to brush often. I have used baby shampoo on my dog and it doesn't cause her any problems...smells good too.

[lou3]

teeth brushing is essential, feeding dry dog food is also essential for sweet smelling breath. Breath Buster biscuits are also great.

I use a hypoallergenic baby shampoo on my dogs.

The best thing to do for poop training is to stand in that place until he goes and then let him off the leash and take him for a walk. He wont take long to get the idea and go there as soon he is let out of the house.

put the cat food on something raised off the ground.

he'll get used to the cat eventually

feed the dry food in two meals as recommended on the bag at first then alter it to adjust to your dogs needs. Put the food down for fifteen minute periods. If he hasnt eaten it by the time the allowed time is up take it away. He'll soon get the idea that he has to eat it when its conveniant for you. Also always feed him after you eat yourself so he knows he is bottom of the pack. DONT feed anything you make up yourself or tinned food. If you want to make the food taste better for the dog then put a little gravy on it.

Hope this helps
Lou

[erdog3]

The best teeth cleaner you can give your dog is a good old fashioned marrowbone, at least once or twice a week, is essential for good dental hygene.
I have always used bubble bath on my dogs, the ones for kids, as it doesn't hurt the eyes, rinses off easily, and cause it's for kids it doesn't irritate the skin, but there are many products around for this purpose.
To teach your dog to go in one spot, always take him to the same spot every time, he will soon choose that spot himself because of the smell.
cheers sue.

[Darth_Vaders_Mom]

I've got it! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Our Great Dane loves peppermint. Buy some starlight mints & give 1 or 2 a day! Worth a try. It helps Vader but wears off quick!

Bow Wow Beds

[dog freak]

When he chaces your cat fuss at him and say things like"Dont chace the cat" it has worked with my dog!Good luck!

[alrich71]

Thanks so much for all the advice! I am taking it all to heart, and will try probably almost everything with him.

I think he got mad at me for telling him to leave the cat alone, he's just been eyeing me and the cat with sad eyes......oh well, better get used to it now huh?

As far as potty training, in the last 2 days every time I let him out, he has only gone 1 time (#1 and #2), and this morning he wouldn't eat his dry food, but he ate quite a bit Sunday evening. I'm kinda worried about this, I thought dogs went quite a bit, and ate quite a bit, but if he's not eating well maybe not. And maybe he isn't comfy enough to eat well yet. We'll see.

He sees the vet Friday morning, so perhaps I will get some more info then.

Thanks again all!

A

[dog freak]

When i fuss at my dog for chacing our cat,trust me he looks at me like i've just rained on his paraide,but he gets over it.Oh... about the eating thing he will eat when he is hungry.I adopted my dog too and, it took him some time to warm-up!!!!

[ March 16, 2004, 01:40 PM: Message edited by: dog freak ]

[carriecrowe]

I have never heard of baby shampoo and stuff like that being used on dogs... my question is this... how do you kill the ticks and fleas that is on their body? I use a flea/tick killer and it makes my pups smell all better, it lasts till precious goes out and gets "attacked" by free and angel then she smells doggy again..

[erdog3]

Carrie, I use advantage on my dogs to kill the fleas, it lasts a long time, In all my dogs lives they have never had a flea.
We are not tick prone here but you can get similar stuff that does ticks and fleas as well.