How to do be the best father to my baby?

[Shsm]

Here is my 4 month old female Black Lab/Pitbull mix baby, Macy.



She is currently 27 pounds as of today, in perfect health (just got back from the vet), and is up to date on all of her shots.

I love her to death. She sleeps with me in my bed at night, she is 100% potty trained (has not had an accident inside in over 2 weeks), loves to play fetch, and is extremely energetic. I play with her for at least an hour a day either by mild tug of war, fetch in my backyard or at a huge park nearby with tennis balls, or letting her swim and fetch the tennis ball in a nearby lake.

I feed her every single time she runs out of food (I use Blue Buffalo Wilderness puppy food), she always has plenty of fresh water, and I give her treats every time she does tricks (already taught her how to sit on command and shake) or does her business outside.

Am I doing everything right? This is my first time raising a dog by myself. Any tips or recommendations from you guys would be great. Thanks!

[Times Roman]

I thought we were talking about a child................

[Shsm]

I thought we were talking about a child................

Not anytime soon... Lol

[lovbyts]

Only of mpst people put this much tbought into a real child

Dont over feed your dog.

[kitstreasure]

SHSM, as a BBer you know the importance of the right diet. If money isn't a concern, I'd put her on a raw food diet. Most metro areas have a dog food store that offers these foods in any form you prefer. At her age, she'll need 3% of her body weight as food. It's an all meat/meat product diet and is MUCH better for them than any of the dry foods. It actually sounds like you're slightly over-feeding her. Feed her once or twice a day (whichever is better for your schedule). On demand feeding can lead to obesity and other health issues, especially in larger dogs.

[gearbox]

Morals/values
Unconditional love/support
Discipline
Consistency

Its about them not you!!!

[Shsm]

SHSM, as a BBer you know the importance of the right diet. If money isn't a concern, I'd put her on a raw food diet. Most metro areas have a dog food store that offers these foods in any form you prefer. At her age, she'll need 3% of her body weight as food. It's an all meat/meat product diet and is MUCH better for them than any of the dry foods. It actually sounds like you're slightly over-feeding her. Feed her once or twice a day (whichever is better for your schedule). On demand feeding can lead to obesity and other health issues, especially in larger dogs.

I've heard a lot about raw food diets and I'm definitely considering it. Do you have any links I can check out? Thank you very much for your detailed response

[Shsm]

Morals/values
Unconditional love/support
Discipline
Consistency

Its about them not you!!!

Yes sir!

[Lunk1]

As someone who has raised, breed and been around alot of dugs...including working dogs! Feed them on a schedule and stick to it...most dog food is waste and you will cut down on bowel movements and digestion issues by keeping them on a feeding schedule.

I would advise against tug of war..it can create dental issues and also breaks the dominance understanding...they are being allowed to and even reinforced for what may turn into bad behavior. Some day it may be tug o war with your new shoes and to them it's OK because you have led them to believe it's good behavior!

I like treats given for positive reinforcement...it's sooo much more effective than negetive reinforcement training!

[Shsm]

As someone who has raised, breed and been around alot of dugs...including working dogs! Feed them on a schedule and stick to it...most dog food is waste and you will cut down on bowel movements and digestion issues by keeping them on a feeding schedule.

I would advise against tug of war..it can create dental issues and also breaks the dominance understanding...they are being allowed to and even reinforced for what may turn into bad behavior. Some day it may be tug o war with your new shoes and to them it's OK because you have led them to believe it's good behavior!

I like treats given for positive reinforcement...it's sooo much more effective than negetive reinforcement training!

Thanks man, I will feed her twice a day from now on. Once at 6 AM, and once at 6 PM.

I will also stop the tug of war.

What are your thoughts on a raw food diet?

[Lunk1]

Thanks man, I will feed her twice a day from now on. Once at 6 AM, and once at 6 PM.

I will also stop the tug of war.

What are your thoughts on a raw food diet?

Dogs have been raised for many years on good ole dry dog food and been fine. There are some very goodones on the market. Just like ppl food..high protein, good carbs and low fat! The key is not to change their diet...it can be very disruptive after they get accustomed to one thing! Raw food diets are like vegan diets for ppl...just yuppy BS!

[kitstreasure]

Lunk, I have to respectfully disagree with you. A raw food diet is closer to what a dog would eat in the wild and is based on the premise of giving their body what it needs and only what it needs. A dog would not on its own eat corn or most of the other ingredients in a dry dog food.

SHSM, this lady (Tracy Rentcome) is one of the best resources I know. She works with all kinds of dogs and owners.

[Papa Smurf]

Thanks man, I will feed her twice a day from now on. Once at 6 AM, and once at 6 PM.

I will also stop the tug of war.

What are your thoughts on a raw food diet?

Stick with a dry dog food like Lunk suggested. Pick one without corn. Corn is VERY hard on a dogs system. Nutro has a Lamb and rice that is good. Tractor Supply carries it. Blackwood Brand is another good choice. They have a Catfish and sweetpotato flavor that my German Shepards love. It also keeps them slick and shinny

[Lunk1]

Lunk, I have to respectfully disagree with you. A raw food diet is closer to what a dog would eat in the wild and is based on the premise of giving their body what it needs and only what it needs. A dog would not on its own eat corn or most of the other ingredients in a dry dog food.

SHSM, this lady (Tracy Rentcome) is one of the best resources I know. She works with all kinds of dogs and owners.

I understand what your saying kit but..like humans, dogs learn to adapt! I agree that a good quality dry food is important but I dont believe spending thousands of dollars a year is neccessary to feed your dog steak and eggs every day! PPL have been feeding dogs dry food since before the days of Rin Tin Tin and they have lived wonderful lives! We tend to get to Holistic sometimes!

[Shsm]

Lunk, I have to respectfully disagree with you. A raw food diet is closer to what a dog would eat in the wild and is based on the premise of giving their body what it needs and only what it needs. A dog would not on its own eat corn or most of the other ingredients in a dry dog food.

SHSM, this lady (Tracy Rentcome) is one of the best resources I know. She works with all kinds of dogs and owners.

Here is the dog food I use currently

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-fo...ilderness-dry/

[kitstreasure]

Guys, I can't say I understand your thoughts on this. To me, what you're saying would be the same thing as someone telling you that it's okay to eat fatty protein, white starches, and processed foods and that you only need to eat twice a day cause breakfast is a waste of time. Why is that not true for the human body? Because that's less than optimum nutrients/nutrition that will eventually make you fat and sick. Dry dog food is very similar. Can most dogs do okay on it and remain fairly healthy? Yes. Is it the OPTIMUM choice? No. It's not any more the best option than getting your "nutrition" from processed foods and only shakes and supplements is.

Dry dog food can be an acceptable option for many reasons, but it's not the BEST choice. Which was what SHSM asked. For my money, the BEST choice is a raw food diet.

SHSM, it's your choice, and there's not really anything wrong with either choice if you're careful with the dry food you choose. I stand by my earlier statement/suggestion. My dogs have always leaned out and gotten healthier once put on a raw food diet. (I tend to take in/foster a lot of rescues.)

Just my .02
-Treasure.

[kitstreasure]

Lunk, I actually spend LESS per month on a raw food diet for my large dogs than I do on dry. For my small dog (an 8lb Papillion) I spend more than her dry would cost, but she's healthier for it. I'm not talking steak and eggs. I'm talking hearts, livers, necks, things that are normally considered "waste" foods when butchered out for human consumption.

[Lunk1]

Guys, I can't say I understand your thoughts on this. To me, what you're saying would be the same thing as someone telling you that it's okay to eat fatty protein, white starches, and processed foods and that you only need to eat twice a day cause breakfast is a waste of time. Why is that not true for the human body? Because that's less than optimum nutrients/nutrition that will eventually make you fat and sick. Dry dog food is very similar. Can most dogs do okay on it and remain fairly healthy? Yes. Is it the OPTIMUM choice? No. It's not any more the best option than getting your "nutrition" from processed foods and only shakes and supplements is.

Dry dog food can be an acceptable option for many reasons, but it's not the BEST choice. Which was what SHSM asked. For my money, the BEST choice is a raw food diet.

SHSM, it's your choice, and there's not really anything wrong with either choice if you're careful with the dry food you choose. I stand by my earlier statement/suggestion. My dogs have always leaned out and gotten healthier once put on a raw food diet. (I tend to take in/foster a lot of rescues.)

Just my .02
-Treasure.

I can't disagree with your logic Kit!

[kitstreasure]

SHSM, that is one of the better dry food options out there. But, tell me, if those ingredients were sitting on a table in front of you as individual items how many of them would you actually pick up and feed to your pup?

[twitz]

shsm - it sounds like you're going to be a fantastic dog father! Macy is beautiful!!

[The Bear 79]

God looking pup. What training are you planning to implement? Just ths basics, sit, stay, rollover, or something more intricate liked defense training?

[Lunk1]

God looking pup. What training are you planning to implement? Just ths basics, sit, stay, rollover, or something more intricate liked defense training?

Or Bear hunting

[The Bear 79]

Or Bear hunting

Don't make me step on you.........

[Armykid93]

Or Bear hunting

Lol hopefully its not bears running 5g of gear per week.

[< <Samson> >]

It's a dog, feed it and pet it. . . . I guess

[lovbyts]

It's a dog, feed it and pet it. . . . I guess

And remember to pick up it's poop for the next 15 years.... At least a child usually learns to use the toilet by the age of 3 or 4. lol

[Shsm]

SHSM, that is one of the better dry food options out there. But, tell me, if those ingredients were sitting on a table in front of you as individual items how many of them would you actually pick up and feed to your pup?

I love duck and white potatoes lol

shsm - it sounds like you're going to be a fantastic dog father! Macy is beautiful!!

Thank you very much

God looking pup. What training are you planning to implement? Just ths basics, sit, stay, rollover, or something more intricate liked defense training?

Haven't decided yet, she'll probably just be my baby and I'll teach her as many tricks as possible. I plan on getting a pure bred male GSD later down the road and getting him thoroughly trained in protection

[TxIslandBum]

Beautiful gal!!! You're doing awesome with all the attention, loving, and affection!!! she's a lucky dog. I know here, fleas and ticks are a HUGE problem and if you have similar environment then definitely talk to your vet about the right preventative treatment. Our dog came inside while under cheap walmart flea/tick treatment. Fleas were NOT dead, they laid eggs, and house became infested. Even after several foggings, we were constantly bit and I actually contracted Typhus from an infected flea. long story short...started her on the damn expensive meds and don't cut the pennies like I did. Stay away from Hartz products, and just give her LOVE. If she's got any bad habits squash them now before they become permanent habits.