Please print out or read all this info.This is some info on parvo, puppy mouthing, pano, food, health and training etc, that I feel is VERY important for our new puppy owners to know about. These are the e-mails that I used to send to all the new clients but here new clients can get the e-mails themselves saving me time and you space in your email.
There is so much important info here and when people dont read it they call us up- which takes alot of time away from my dogs- asking about foods, training etc, ... - ?'s we have already addressed in these articles below.
I certainly dont mind being called upand asked about any ?'s one might have that are not addressed in these articles or if u have ?'s about what is in these articles! :-) Sandy
Please familiarize yourself with my Links Page:Has all kinds of important info about socializing, health, training, locating a dog trainer, books, dog catalogues, etc.
If u are staying in a hotel puppy should only be in the crate or on the bed w/o the bedspread as 100's of dogs have been in the room if they allow pets & read the article on left too. At vets I keep puppy on top of crate for exam or wipe the table myself w/a clorox wipe and I dont let people, there possibly w/sick dogs, pet my pups.
GROOMING:
Some people love to brush their dogs daily. Weekly should be sufficient if you prefer. Long coat gsd's should not ever be shaved!
I clip nails and clean ears monthly. I cut hair on bottoms of feet, and up legs a bit for cleanliness and neat appearance.
I clip hair in between toes so no snow or dirt balls form. I cut what I call 'butt hair' on thighs near tail when it gets 'thick' for ease of brushing.
I trim hair under tail near base.
I brush teeth - and when needed (usually only every 3 or so months I check them for tartar and because I feed some raw meats/bones they usually dont need it anyway) I use a tool like your dentist uses but for dogs- in dog catalogues or pet stores- for just 'gently chipping' off tartar if any has formed on the 2 canines and the 2 rear molars. Your finger nail can also be used. The tooth is notto be scraped but just a little 'tiny' flick movement chips off any tarter. I do not want my dogs to have to be put under sedation for any reason unless absolutely necesary.
Over bathing is not recommended by professionals as it can cause dry skin in GSD's. It is usually recommended 1-2 x's a year. Of course if they get into something a bath can be given. After swimming or if they ever get muddy, spraying them off with the hose is usually sufficient.
I am proud to say that I have never yet had a case of bloat but think this is so important for people to be aware of.
