Yet another puppy question...lol

I know that when you are housebreaking a puppy you are supposed to give them treats when they go outside. Because they will get them a number of times a day, what kind of treats would you guys suggest for a 6 month old puppy? I was in the store tonight and there were too many to choose from! Also, do you give your dogs both canned and dry food or only one or the other? Any food suggestions? Sorry for all of the questions...it's our first dog

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

I would buy small treats, very small for training. I know I had to try a few different kinds before we found one that he liked. As a puppy we just did dry food, and now he is 4 he gets dry and some wet mixed in. Your vet should be able to recommend what food, and how much. Don't hesitate to ask. Also I know we change how much he gets depending on how active he is. In the summer he swims all day and needs more calories. Also if we take him hiking/camping.

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

petco has a big bag of puppy biscuits that i give my puppy when she goes outside

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

There's a mountain of information out there about dog food, too much to list here, but it can be scary picking one. You have to weigh the information against your budget and pick one you're comfortable with. You also may change formulas as a puppy grows since their needs for protein etc. will be different as they get older.

We feed Natural Balance Sweet Potato and Fish because it's limited ingredient since Brinkley may have allergies, extra oil for his dry skin too. He does very well on it, which is the ultimate sign of a good food.

When training, you can use pieces of their dry food and save yourself some money. No reason to buy something extra. You could use vegetables too like carrots, snow peas, green beans. Store bought treats tend to be high in protein which is like a sugar high in a kid.

Before training, form a timeline to wean off the treats as rewards or you'll have a fat puppy on your hands who won't do what you say without food.

Message edited 11/19/2009 8:41:08 AM.

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

Posted by greenfreak

There's a mountain of information out there about dog food, too much to list here, but it can be scary picking one. You have to weigh the information against your budget and pick one you're comfortable with. You also may change formulas as a puppy grows since their needs for protein etc. will be different as they get older.

We feed Natural Balance Sweet Potato and Fish because it's limited ingredient since Brinkley may have allergies, extra oil for his dry skin too. He does very well on it, which is the ultimate sign of a good food.

When training, you can use pieces of their dry food and save yourself some money. No reason to buy something extra. You could use vegetables too like carrots, snow peas, green beans. Store bought treats tend to be high in protein which is like a sugar high in a kid.

Before training, form a timeline to wean off the treats as rewards or you'll have a fat puppy on your hands who won't do what you say without food.

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

Don't be sorry, I love to help, we all do!

It depends on how much he "gets" it. Reward with praise AND the treat, at first. Once he starts doing it with some consistency, I'd only give a treat every other time. And then every third time. And finally, use praise as the reward.

When I say praise, I mean over-the-top praise. I've been known to shout GOODBOYOMGYOURESUCHASMARTBOY while petting him furiously. Even now, when he poops, I say "gooooood pooooop" in a singsong voice while he's doing it. Whatever works! He knows what I want him to do, that's what counts.

Please post pics when you have time, I'm very happy for you both!

Message edited 11/19/2009 5:31:27 PM.

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

Thank you all so much. I will post pics as soon as I can. We are going to pick him up today after work.

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

Love the Old Mother Hubbard treats, little bits, etc. Purple bags.

They have biscuits, puppy biscuits, cookies, bitz, meaties, etc. Love them and the bitz are just the right size for a reward.http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/products_gourmets.html

Petco sells them.

Message edited 11/20/2009 10:18:59 AM.

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

i bought the wellness puppy treats and the old mother hubbard cookies (i still buy old mother hubbard!)

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

Re: Yet another puppy question...lol

Charlee Bear treats-they are bite sized and only 3 calories each. I always carry a couple in my pockets for pup and they don't crumble or anything. A big bag is only $4 or $5 and it last a while.