Big Paws Only Dog Forums

  Well it is like someone said, "that's what they are bred for". Carrying lines in to shore in their mouths and rescuing people from drowning by grabbing a hold of their arm. It is very cute...and I don't want to break him of this just control it more. I think the insstinct will work to my advantage when I start training him for Water Work competition.

Iz is 11 weeks old (24 pounds). He is doing "okay" with housetraining. He asks to go outside sometimes, (never while he is on carpet of course ). At night, he sleeps in a crate in our bedroom. He enters the crate fine -  and goes to sleep. He wakes about 4 hours later and needs to go out. All of this is fine...so far. After I take him out that first time during the night (normally around 2 ish)  he wants to go out every hour. He generally pees each time, but he also grabs the leash, rolls in the snow and romps around. I sternly correct and immediately bring him back inside while he tries to play. We go back in the crate - and we start over again in an hour. How do I teach him he can hold it? How do I get him to not play too? His max in the crate seems to be 4 hours. He on occassion will pee in the crate while we are out. (but generally at the 4 hour mark). I don't mind getting up once - but this 4 and 5 times has got to go.....

It's the new member again, IZ, and thanks to all for the suggestions so far. This forum is very helpful. I have read from several of you to not let them grow too fast. What is too fast? We have had IZ now for 12 days. He has gained 7.5 pounds since we brought him home. That seems A LOT to us, but this is our first Newf and we don't really know if this is common or not. He is 11 weeks old (12 on Monday). We've been feeding Pro-Plan LArge Breed puppy - but will start our home-cooked diet this weekend. Thoughts?

Hi,

Winslow is on Science Diet large breed puppy and we add some fish mostly canned sardines, salmon or Mackeral, occasional tuna. He is doing great on this gaining and growing as he should and is full of spunk!!

You can also look in over at www.newf.net  they are all about the newf and have dedicted forums to diet and health stuff. You might find more people familiar with the program you are looking at.

Rich

PS IZ is adorable and Great name!!

Thanks Rich - Winslow is also ADORABLE! I checked out Newf.Net as well - thanks for the suggestion

I am new to Big Paws - love it!!! We just brought home our first Newfie - named IZ - he's 10 weeks old. We are stumped on what to feed. We are totally against the commercial/grocery store foods. We think the Raw diet too dangerous; the "organic foods" still have chemicals. We found a book by William Cusick with a specifc diet you cook at home for a Newfoundland. (He also writes books for other breeds - he has a website). Has anyone tried this diet? Any thoughts? Our last dog (Golden retriever) died of cancer - and we will do ANYTHING to keep our new boy healthy!