Member Questions 6-27-26

Here are this week's Member Questions:

Zach

Hi Robert! Our 2.5 year old Malinois/Shepherd is settling in nicely after the first two weeks - I appreciate your response regarding treat limitations and crate training from last week! My question this week is about socializing with other dogs and other friends of ours dogs. Our dog, Poppy, is quite calm whenever loud or energetic dogs pass us on our walks or when we're sitting down, she is a bit skittish of most loud noises and at first when people approach her, but she can warm up to family & close friends. If I am talking to someone while walking her and explain to them she is new, we continue our conversation, they will ignore her, and she will just lie down and be completely calm and fine - she's doing great! My question is, when can we begin having her meet other dogs including our friends' dogs? They have a young energetic puppy roughly her size (50 lbs), but they may be too energetic for her. She had a boxer friend with her foster that she LOVED playing and running around with but it's difficult to tell how she will do now because I don't want to test it with random dogs or even some friends dogs who dont train them and also her hair stands up on her neck every time initially when she sees most dogs. She never barks at dogs but can be quite shy and skittish/little afraid when we are close to them on a walk or out. Long winded but I appreciate your help very much!

Bruno

Hi Robert! Besides the bond I'm committed to in educating a self regulated dog. Do you distinguish training and intellectual upbringing? Are you familiar with the work of Chuck Eisenmann, trainer of the TV series "The Littlest Hobo" in the 60s and 70s? Is there an e-mail address one can use to share with you some images? Thank you!

Tommy A

Hello and thank you for the assistance with my account. My kangal is now 13 months old, he has not gotten very big yet, about 110 pounds and almost 30 inches at the shoulder and The strength is becoming ridiculous. He is a very serious dog and I know what I've got. But he is still one of the absolute sweetest and most patient dog i have ever been around, both with humans and dogs. What impresses mi the most is not only the ability to go into beast mode but how he turns it off again. To me this is a sign of good nerves and a balanced dog. the last part is something you can't develop in a dog if it isn't supported by the genetics( my thinking ) What are you thinking about this?

Stefani D

How do I control my eight month old Brittney from barking like crazy in the house? I don’t mind one or two barks but the all day barking is too much.

Kenny

I have a 9 week old boxer puppy, got him a week ago, everything is going great besides one thing and that is his crate training. He absolutely hates it. He barks nonstop and even chews on the bars trying to get out. I’ve done everything I can think of as far as feedings in crate, calm introductions to the crate like tossing treats in and not immediately closing the door etc. sometimes he won’t settle for 45 minutes. What adjustments can I make to help him feel more comfortable in there? He’s always eaten, drank water, exercised, pottied before I crate him and the longest he is ever crated is for 2-3 hours while I’m at work.

Michael

I know you aren’t a Veterinarian but any advice would be appreciated. My 11 month old GSD had a bad case of diarrhea. She also itches a lot and bites herself, not sure if it’s food related. It all started when Origen had changed their formula and I ran out of the previous formula so I couldn’t slowly incorporate the new one. She ended up having a bland diet of chicken and white rice and I didn’t realize that It should only be given for a few days. The Veterinarian put her on Metronidazole for 5 days and Hills Prescription Diet Gastro Biome which I believe doesn’t even have the correct levels of phosphorus that she needs. She doesn’t even care for this food. Would you know till what age a large breed puppy can transition to adult food? I can afford roughly $250 a month for food, not sure if there is a brand that you can recommend in that price point? Best Regards, Michael