Two Headed Dragon - Page 2

klmboxer · #13 23rd February 2012, 10:05 AM

Yes, stress is an understatment at this point. We have fed them at the same time in separate crates, but they have more interest in one another than food. We will definitely try to have more patience and understanding. Thank all for the words of encouragement!

Roge · #14 23rd February 2012, 10:40 AM

What Sansal said is a good idea. Move the crates apart a foot or so each day and see how it goes, I would also let the pups play as much as they liked as it will help burn off all that manic energy, the training will come in time I would only concentrate on potty training for now,one thing at a time. As for the feeding I would feed them in their crates and on and off add something intresting in with thei kibble to encourage them to finish their meal.

klmboxer · #15 23rd February 2012, 06:48 PM

We will try moving them a little at a time. We are also going to try not to stress over time spent together so much, either. We are just afraid, that, if they don't pay attention to us because they are more interested in being with each other, that there are plenty of circumstances that could end badly, if we cannot recall. HA!... We'd need to first get their attention in order to recall!LOL. Lots of work ahead, but I am guessing this is going to be more like a marathon than a sprint as far as results, and maturity goes. I am off on Mondays and the playtime now goes like this... Tues.-Fri.= approx. 30 minutes of playtime in mornings, and same in evenings. Sat.+ Sun.= play, power nap, play, power nap, etc., the whole day. Monday(My day alone with them)= Play, power nap, play, power nap,etc., the whole day, but the only difference is, that during the naps, is when I sneak in some good shuteye, too (don't tell the wife)LOL! We all pile on the couch and snooze. So, is 3 full days of being together messing the program up? Who knows, but it sure makes things a lot easier keeping up with them.

klmboxer · #16 23rd February 2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roge

What Sansal said is a good idea. Move the crates apart a foot or so each day and see how it goes, I would also let the pups play as much as they liked as it will help burn off all that manic energy, the training will come in time I would only concentrate on potty training for now,one thing at a time. As for the feeding I would feed them in their crates and on and off add something intresting in with thei kibble to encourage them to finish their meal.

We added chicken breast to their meals for a week, and it was better, but the power of dependence eventually became stronger again as days went on at the end of the week. Looks like variety might be our next try if things don't improve. We feel like we are starving them when they don't eat their food. We feed Pedigree soft puppy, mixed with puppy chow kibble. Thanks.

Sansal · #17 23rd February 2012, 07:18 PM

Pedigree and puppy chow are actually both very low quality. Check out Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of kibble and see if you can maybe find a higher quality food. Many people on BW like TOTW (grain free, all life stages but they also make one for puppies) but there are other great brands out there ( Acana, Orijen, wellness to name a few). They might like it better, you can feed less, there will be less poop and it will be overall better for their health

klmboxer · #18 24th February 2012, 05:48 AM

Thanks, Sansai. I will do some digging on higher quality foods.

klmboxer · #19 24th February 2012, 01:09 PM

I picked up some TOTW high prairie for puppies. I know what the directions say, but just how much daily( spread out in 3 different feedings) should I be giving them? I feel more comfortable with actual owners than I do the manufacturer's suggested portions. FYI, they are now 11 1/2 weeks old, and 17- 18 lbs. each.

Sansal · #20 24th February 2012, 01:17 PM

If I remember correctly I fed Sky somewhere along the line of 3 cups per day. Mayb even a bit more. What do the directions say? Use the directions on the package as a guideline and then adjust up or down according to their needs - which will change while they are still growing.

klmboxer · #21 24th February 2012, 02:53 PM

The directions say 2 1/4-3 cups per day for their weight/age. And as the ages go up, the caloric needs seem to go down, feeding them less? Does this sound right?

Sansal · #22 24th February 2012, 04:05 PM

Yes, that does sound right. They need the most calories while they are still growing a lot and developing. Later on it will also depend on how active they are. Sky still eats about 3 cups per day.

entelekia · #23 24th February 2012, 06:02 PM

Also, make sure you switch the food slowly, over a period of at least a week. You can start by feeding 90% old food and 10% new food, increase percentage of new food and decrease percentage of old food over the course of the week.

Good luck!

klmboxer · #24 25th February 2012, 03:47 AM

Well... we bought a kong wobbler, and put the totw kibbles in it, and every time some fell out, they both scarfed the kibbles up! They are still not sure about the wobbler, but the totw, different story. Now... I did not read the updated posts until after they ate this morning. We gave them a cup of the totw each, by itself, and they ate it all. We did not mix with the old food. Will this sudden change be a digestive problem? Or is mixing recommended for the first week for taste adaptation?