Hi all,
Thanks so much for the advice re: the cats. We are home, got in at midnight last night, and Cooper showed just friendly casual interest in the cats despite not having had dinner.
Tonight, different story, he just clearly showed a little more forward-friendly interest in one of the cats who had ventured in. I gently held him back and talked to him and let him and the cat look at each other, then let the cat escape while he watched. The cat was terrified but not hissing, and I didn't want to push him.
So here are my questions:
1- Cooper has had all of his OFA clearances as he is 2 and his breeder was considering using him to breed. Hips, elbows came back excellent. This AM we walked maybe 4 square blocks and then once around one block 2 more times later in the day. Otherwise we stayed inside or on the grass in the backyard. Still, he seems to be "toeing in" on his back feet, and I can't remember if he did this yesterday at the breeder's or not. Is it possible his feet are sore? They look OK to me and he will let me touch them. We see the vet tomorrow but I'd love thoughts from all of you BTDT Newfie parents.
2- Ohhh, the poop. Poor guy is new here, transitioning food (slowly, he's on 75% old food (Exceed), 25% new (Taste of the Wild)) and water (75% Spring, 25% town today) and tonight he had his first poop, which was soft and smelly - and I'm wondering if he's still got some stuck under his tail or to his behind as I can still smell it now over an hour later (and no, I'm not wearing the same clothes, lol). So, uh, do you all regularly clean your Newfie down there when they have a smelly poop, and what method/s do you recommend?
Sorry for the newbie questions. We just ADORE this dog - he is so friendly and perfect for our family. And I want to do my very best to give him the best possible care!
Attaching a few pics...hope this works!
Thanks!
Mary (using real name now that dog is home...and we have 2 cats, not 3. lol)