An interesting article posted by the Barking Lot on Facebook got me thinking more about the subject of feeding Newfoundland puppies. Ultimately, it is your choice what to feed your new pup, but here is the information we have gleaned over the past few months (and links to the sources).
Devon Nutbeem of Homeport Kennels (Newfoundland breeder in Fredericton) recommends feeding a low-protein puppy food. She says that it is also important to minimize the amount of time your Newf spends jumping around on their hind legs, to only exercise a reasonable amount, to avoid stairs as much as possible, and to keep your puppy at a healthy weight. She notes that a Newfoundland's skeleton grows much more quickly than its muscles, giving it a gangly look for the first two years or so. Devon has spent many years showing and breeding Newfoundland dogs. You can read more about Devon's Newf puppy instructions here.
Vicki Leggo of Alegup Kennels (Newfoundland breeder in PEI) recommends not feeding any puppy foods (large breed or otherwise) after the puppy comes home with you (around 9-10 weeks). Instead, she recommends Innova Adult Large Breed, Eukanuba Large Breed Dog Food, or Chicken Soup for the Dog-Lover's Soul Large Breed. She recommends that any wet food not exceed more than 20% of the total volume of food. She recommends Glucosamine & MSM supplements as per her instructions, as well as chew toys (rawhide is not recommended). Vicki's dogs are beautiful and she has over a decade of breeding & showing experience. You can read more about her puppy instructions here.
This article, posted by the Barking Lot (a great locally-owned pet store in Fredericton) recommends feeding a large-breed puppy food (which tend to have less protein, calories, and calcium) or a food that is "approved for all life stages". They do not recommend regular puppy food (too many calories will cause the pup to grow too fast) or many adult foods (some still have too much calcium) and say that the adult dog's size is determined by genetics while the time it takes to reach that size is determined by nutrition. It is best for them not to grow too fast, as their bones outpace their cartilage, which can cause orthopedic problems. They also recommend against free-feeding.
We are currently feeding Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula with Roasted Venison & Bison. It has a minimum analysis of 28% crude protein, which is actually slightly lower than Acana Large Breed. Crude fat is 17% (slightly higher than Acana), and calcium is 1.4% (slightly lower than Acana). The two foods share many of the same ingredients, and the Taste of the Wild has fewer calories per cup. Taste of the Wild is a grain-free premium dog food that retails for about $70 for a 13 kg bag. We feed them three meals daily (2 of them moistened with a little warm water) and make a small amount of dry food available during the day. The 9 pups are fed about 8 cups total at each meal. We leave the food down for 20 min, then remove it. Depending on when they were last fed, there can be about 1 cup of food left over, meaning approximately 3/4 cup per meal per puppy, or 2 1/4 cup daily (plus some extras). This is within (but on the low end) of the feeding guidelines written on the bag.
It is better to feed smaller meals more often than one or two larger meals. Slow-feed bowls are helpful, and you shouldn't exercise your pup an hour before or after a meal to reduce the chance of bloat. I would recommend feeding them first thing in the morning, when you come home from work, and just before bed. A toy that dispenses kibble as the puppy plays with it is a great way for it to alleviate boredom and get some nutrition while you are away at work.
Sam & Kia are fed Acana (various kinds). They eat 3-4 cups daily.
That's all for now! Hope you didn't fall asleep reading this.
Friday 31 May 2013
Wednesday 29 May 2013
Day 51 Videos & Inside Pics
 |
| A great pic of Thorin with his new toy ... taken by his family when they visited him this evening. |
Group Walks - this was a great opportunity for the puppies to get used to walking on-leash while feeding the off the confidence and excitement of their peers. Of course, video widget is down today, so here are the links. They aren't in any particular order ... but enjoy!
The only puppy you might not see here is Vader, as he was walked last with some other puppies who still had energy to go again while I cleaned their room because it looked like it was going to rain.
http://youtu.be/U0n0H2sLpAM - Group #1
http://youtu.be/NcHUT41eA2U - Group #2
http://youtu.be/VU1d_y7JqP0 - Group #2
http://youtu.be/AQfP5QBzNHU - Sport Come
http://youtu.be/9QRFO4Dv2nQ - Sport Outside
http://youtu.be/uDEaUmSxYog - Murphy Comes (After a While)
http://youtu.be/j4Gel5hTTT8 - Murphy Comes
http://youtu.be/gORGPJht8cY - Group #2
http://youtu.be/UvGJnE6S0Xo - Group #1
http://youtu.be/LAPuG0wFFa4 - Group #2
http://youtu.be/O98CEp7mZuo - Group #2
http://youtu.be/oYed6y7Qk6w - Playing tug-of-war inside over their blue squeaky toy.
A big thank you to all of the people who were over today and helped so much! We couldn't do it without you.
 |
| Bella ... inside after a long day! |
 |
| Lucy adores her belly rubs, |
 |
| Good girl, Murphy! |
 |
| Reuben investigating the cat tunnel. |
 |
| Sleepers. |
 |
| Sport chewing on his squeaky toy. |
Day 50 & 51: Pics & Weights
It has been a busy day today for the puppies! In the last 36 hours, everybody got some one-on-one time, including walks in the back & front yard (where they could hear cars & lawnmowers), and on the gravel walkway & paved driveway (different textures). Then this afternoon, everybody got a bath, a few hours in the ex-pen, and some group walks - which were lively & chaotic but fun!
Potty training is also going well ... almost 100% success rate for #2's on the pine shavings, #1's are slightly less reliable. They have no problem going outside when given the opportunity.
8 of the 9 puppies are sold (pending weekend deposits on the last 2), and we may also have a buyer for Padme - application process & Friday's vet results pending.
The puppies were also weighed today, which is an increasingly difficult chore, as they are getting big and lively and very capable of escaping!
We have been weighing them just after meals, since it's easier to weigh full, happy puppies than excited, wriggling puppies, but these weights were taken about 6 hours after their last meal, so they are several ounces less than normal. There has been some shuffling around of the order, but the boys are all within 1/2 a pound @ 18 lbs, and the girls are all within 3/4 a pound @ 15.5 lbs.
Exact weights are below:
Reuben (Brown Boy): 18 lbs 3 oz
Lucy (Red Girl): 15 lbs 10 oz
Xena (Pink Girl - formerly Arwen): 16 lbs 0 oz
Murphy (Yellow Girl - formerly Evey): 15 lbs 4 oz
Sport (Blue Boy - formerly Strider): 18 lbs 5 oz
Bella (Brown Girl - formerly Hermione): 15 lbs 6 oz
Vader (Green Boy): 18 lbs 2 oz
Thorin (Orange Boy): 18 lbs 0 oz
Padme (Purple Girl): 15 lbs 3 oz
Pics from Day 51
You can really tell how the Newfs have a waterproof double-coat ... they dried almost instantly after being rubbed with a towel. Nobody is super keen on the water, but that may be because of the slick pool bottom. No one appears afraid, either. Sport was the most interested in watching everyone get baths.
The group walks, pics below, were fun. The puppies were much more confident with their siblings to back them up.
One-on-one Pics from Day 50 - I only have walk pics for Murphy, Sport, and Xena. Others will follow in the next few days!
Murphy's Walk:
Sport:
Xena:
Potty training is also going well ... almost 100% success rate for #2's on the pine shavings, #1's are slightly less reliable. They have no problem going outside when given the opportunity.
8 of the 9 puppies are sold (pending weekend deposits on the last 2), and we may also have a buyer for Padme - application process & Friday's vet results pending.
The puppies were also weighed today, which is an increasingly difficult chore, as they are getting big and lively and very capable of escaping!
We have been weighing them just after meals, since it's easier to weigh full, happy puppies than excited, wriggling puppies, but these weights were taken about 6 hours after their last meal, so they are several ounces less than normal. There has been some shuffling around of the order, but the boys are all within 1/2 a pound @ 18 lbs, and the girls are all within 3/4 a pound @ 15.5 lbs.
Exact weights are below:
Reuben (Brown Boy): 18 lbs 3 oz
Lucy (Red Girl): 15 lbs 10 oz
Xena (Pink Girl - formerly Arwen): 16 lbs 0 oz
Murphy (Yellow Girl - formerly Evey): 15 lbs 4 oz
Sport (Blue Boy - formerly Strider): 18 lbs 5 oz
Bella (Brown Girl - formerly Hermione): 15 lbs 6 oz
Vader (Green Boy): 18 lbs 2 oz
Thorin (Orange Boy): 18 lbs 0 oz
Padme (Purple Girl): 15 lbs 3 oz
Pics from Day 51
 |
| Padme before her bath. |
 |
| Xena after her bath. |
 |
| Mum (Kia) |
 |
| Dad (Sam) |
 |
| After-bath sad face. |
 |
| Cute puppy ... not sure who you are! |
 |
| Reuben the heartthrob. |
 |
| Pink towel ... very manly. |
 |
| Sport ... it's been a long day already! |
The group walks, pics below, were fun. The puppies were much more confident with their siblings to back them up.
 |
| Hi Lucy! Meet your dad. |
 |
| Padme was soaking up the sunshine ... and the belly rubs. |
 |
| Chaos. |
 |
| Hey, we're getting the hang of this! |
.JPG) |
| Speedy Reuben. |
 |
| Hi kids! |
.JPG) |
| Wow, buddy ... too much personal contact! |
 |
| Either Sport or Murphy with Bella & Reuben in the background. |
 |
| Like father, like son. Reuben & Thorin. |
 |
| Vader being a lazy boy. |
Murphy's Walk:
 |
| Not quite sure about stepping out into the great unknown. |
 |
| Just sitting on my leash, here. |
 |
| Why hello! |
 |
| Hey ... this is kind of fun! |
 |
| Mmmm ... grass. |
 |
| Happy. |
Sport:
 |
| This is my thinking face. |
 |
| Woof! |
 |
| Pulling a Sam ... (Sam likes to bring us his leash when he wants to go on a walk.) |
 |
| Happy. |
 |
| Just chilling... |
 |
| Cute tail. |
Xena:
 |
| Are you sure about this? |
 |
| Sad face. |
 |
| Focus... |
 |
| Hello... will you be my friend? |
Saturday 25 May 2013
Day 47: Puppy Aptitude Test
Puppies who are still available are as follows (list will be updated as puppies are chosen):
(Padme)
Below is a blank copy of the aptitude test & the interpretation of scores. Below that is a list of each of the puppies' scores. If you open this blog post on two separate tabs in your browser, you can compare the scores of each puppy with the test. If you want to see the copy of a particular puppy's test, let us know, and we can email it to you - we'll give you the hard copy for your puppy along with the vet records when you pick your puppy up. You may notice that there is a section on the chart for "stability" - but no test for it. We noticed that too and will ask about that and get back to you.
Our puppy aptitude test was administered by Rebecca Steeves. If you'd like to ask her any questions, she can be reached at (506) 470-2763.
For those of you who are getting a puppy, we'll email you in the next 1-3 days as our puppy homes choose their new fur-friend to let you know when it is your turn to choose! Feel free to call/email us if you have any questions.
Reuben (Brown Boy) - Spoken For
Social Attraction: 3 (came, then left to investigate)
Following: 3
Restraint: 3
Social Dominance: 3
Elevation: 3&4
Retrieving: 3
Touch Sensitivity: not sensitive
Sound Sensitivity: 3&4 (then lost interest)
Sight Sensitivity: 3
Rebecca's comments: Busy, active puppy. The only retriever.
Our comments: Reuben is one of the largest and most dominant puppies with his litter mates.
Lucy (Red Girl)
Social Attraction: 3
Following: 3
Restraint: 4
Social Dominance: 3
Elevation: 3
Retrieving: 4
Touch Sensitivity: 1
Sound Sensitivity: 3
Sight Sensitivity: 3
Rebecca's comments: None
Our comments: Lucy is very people-oriented and loves belly rubs.
Padme (Purple Girl)
Social Attraction: 4
Following: 4
Restraint: 3
Social Dominance: stays with tester, doesn't do anything.
Elevation: 3
Retrieving: 6
Touch Sensitivity: 4
Sound Sensitivity: 4,5,6
Sight Sensitivity: 3
Rebecca's comments: More reserved
Our comments: Padme is calmer than her littermates. She won't be available for selection until after her vet re-check on May 31.
Vader (Green Boy)
Social Attraction: 3&4
Following: 3
Restraint: 3
Social Dominance: tries to hide under tester
Elevation: 3
Retrieving: 5
Touch Sensitivity: 3
Sound Sensitivity: 3
Sight Sensitivity: 3
Rebecca's comments: Submissive. Lazy.
Our comments: Vader is very food-oriented & can be one of the more vocal puppies.
Strider (Blue Boy) - Spoken For
Social Attraction: 3
Following: 3
Restraint: 5
Social Dominance: 3
Elevation: 3
Retrieving: 1
Touch Sensitivity: 5
Sound Sensitivity: 3
Sight Sensitivity: 3
Rebecca's comments: None
Our comments: Strider is playful & curious but also relaxed.
Evey (Yellow Girl)
Social Attraction: 3
Following: 3
Restraint: 3
Social Dominance: 3
Elevation: 3 (tail wag)
Retrieving: 1
Touch Sensitivity: 3
Sound Sensitivity: 4&5 (runs away)
Sight Sensitivity: 3
Rebecca's comments: Very happy, tail wagging, will enjoy a crate as seeking to lay under the chair
Our comments: Evey is a very playful, curious, active puppy.
Thorin (Orange Boy) - Spoken For
Social Attraction: 3
Following: 6
Restraint: 6
Social Dominance: 3
Elevation: 3
Retrieving: 5
Touch Sensitivity: 4
Sound Sensitivity: 3
Sight Sensitivity: 3
Rebecca's comments: None
Our comments: Thorin is a curious, independent puppy.
Arwen (Pink Girl)
Social Attraction: 5
Following: 6
Restraint: 6 (stiff)
Social Dominance: Did nothing, catatonic
Elevation: 6
Retrieving: 6
Touch Sensitivity: No response
Sound Sensitivity: 5
Sight Sensitivity: 4
Rebecca's comments: Very shy. She could be having a bad day/reacting to her vaccines. Offered to do a re-test in several days.
Our comments: Arwen's results are not consistent with the behaviour we have observed over the past few weeks, as she is usually a curious, people-oriented puppy. We will be taking Rebecca up on her offer to do a re-test.
Hermione (Brown Girl) - Spoken For
Social Attraction: 3
Following: 3
Restraint: 3
Social Dominance: 3
Elevation: 3
Retrieving: 1
Touch Sensitivity: 1
Sound Sensitivity: 4
Sight Sensitivity: 3
Rebecca's comments: None
Our comments: Hermione is a playful puppy with lots of spunk.
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Day 44: Vet Vaccinations & Check-Up
Today we took the puppies to the vet (Douglas Animal Hospital). It was a 2 hour visit during which they were vaccinated against distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. They also received a physical exam.
If you are buying a puppy, you will need to book an appointment for their booster during the week of June 10-14. Many vets book a few weeks ahead, so it would be a good idea to call now to let them know you'll be bringing home a new fur-friend.
Your vet will also want to set up an appointment for their rabies vaccination. We highly recommend having your puppy vaccinated against Leptospirosis as well! Your pup won't be immune until all vaccinations are complete.
Physical Exam Results:
Reuben (Brown Boy): Normal
Lucy (Red Girl): Mild puppy vaginitis, otherwise all normal. (Lucy is being treated with probiotics. Because she has a slightly smaller vulva - still within normal range - Lucy may develop urinary tract infections easier than other puppies for the first few months of her life. Her new family will need to be aware of this and make sure she stays clean and healthy.)
Padme (Purple Girl): Has a re-check scheduled for May 31 to rule out the possibility of a heart murmur. Otherwise, all normal. We will not be re-homing Padme until we are sure that her heart is healthy.
Vader (Green Boy): Normal
Strider (Blue Boy): Normal
Evey (Yellow Girl): Normal
Thorin (Orange Boy): Normal
Arwen (Pink Girl): Umbilical hernia, otherwise normal (Umbilical hernias can be caused by mom tugging too roughly on the cord or chewing it off too close to the skin. They are easily fixed during a spay.)
Hermione (Brown Girl): Normal, but recovering from a belly rash (Hermione is being treated with Viaderm and should be cleared up well before she goes to her new home.)
When you take your puppy home, we will give you a copy of their health record. Enjoy the pics! Most were taken while we waited in the car for an exam room to be ready. The puppies were warm and panting even on a cloudy day with the windows down. I never thought I'd say this, but thank goodness it wasn't sunny!
If you are buying a puppy, you will need to book an appointment for their booster during the week of June 10-14. Many vets book a few weeks ahead, so it would be a good idea to call now to let them know you'll be bringing home a new fur-friend.
Your vet will also want to set up an appointment for their rabies vaccination. We highly recommend having your puppy vaccinated against Leptospirosis as well! Your pup won't be immune until all vaccinations are complete.
Physical Exam Results:
Reuben (Brown Boy): Normal
Lucy (Red Girl): Mild puppy vaginitis, otherwise all normal. (Lucy is being treated with probiotics. Because she has a slightly smaller vulva - still within normal range - Lucy may develop urinary tract infections easier than other puppies for the first few months of her life. Her new family will need to be aware of this and make sure she stays clean and healthy.)
Padme (Purple Girl): Has a re-check scheduled for May 31 to rule out the possibility of a heart murmur. Otherwise, all normal. We will not be re-homing Padme until we are sure that her heart is healthy.
Vader (Green Boy): Normal
Strider (Blue Boy): Normal
Evey (Yellow Girl): Normal
Thorin (Orange Boy): Normal
Arwen (Pink Girl): Umbilical hernia, otherwise normal (Umbilical hernias can be caused by mom tugging too roughly on the cord or chewing it off too close to the skin. They are easily fixed during a spay.)
Hermione (Brown Girl): Normal, but recovering from a belly rash (Hermione is being treated with Viaderm and should be cleared up well before she goes to her new home.)
When you take your puppy home, we will give you a copy of their health record. Enjoy the pics! Most were taken while we waited in the car for an exam room to be ready. The puppies were warm and panting even on a cloudy day with the windows down. I never thought I'd say this, but thank goodness it wasn't sunny!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)