Big Paws Only Dog Forums

If you want to cut out that middle meal you can add a bit more food for breakfast and dinner.   For lunch you can give him a knuckle bone to occupy him and you won't feel guilty.  There's no harm in eating 3x a day but it can be a pain in the butt on weekends and days you can't be around to give him his lunch.

Around this age poop is novel to a puppy.  You can try feeding a spoonful or two of pineapple with his meals.  It's supposed to make it less palatable.

My 6 month old still munches on my older dog's stools or carries them around.  The old man doesn't like pineapple so I haven't tested out the pineapple theory.

It feels like you're putting too much pressure on yourself.  It's too easy to fixate on the things you see wrong.  Remember that showing is very subjective.  What one judge likes, another may dislike and no dog is perfect.  Giant pups can have loose joints and sloppy movement.  He will get better as he grows but there is no guarantee.  But don't stress about it.  Showing is supposed to be fun for both you and more importantly, Titan.

Who told you to "condition" him?  The handler?  Judge?  Did you ask them to explain?  It seems like he's getting enough physical/mental exercise so I'd just let him do his thing.  I don't think there's anything more you can do but wait and see if his hocks get better.

What the others said!

How many hours a day is he spending in his crate?  I don't crate and I think some are misinformed on proper crating.  It seems you feel uneasy about it so why not babygate off a bathroom or the kitchen so he can stretch out and walk around?  Be sure to puppy proof the room.

The treadmill shouldn't replace being outdoors in the fresh air.  I don't get why treadmills are the fad now, well, okay I do...Cesar.

If he doesn't know how to use the stairs properly you can teach him.  Put his leash on so he isn't tempted to skip steps.  You can put a tasty treat on each step going up as well.  If he doesn't learn to walk up and down them properly he can do damage to himself.  I wouldn't use them to build muscle.  A good half an hour walk twice a day and a 15 minute romp should do fine.

If you are really worried about his development or if you think he is in pain see your vet.  Growing pains are no fun.

It's been a year I think, since I posted pics of my Gunnar who is now 14 months old.  I was hoping to show Gunnar but unfortunately his lower eyelids are very droopy.  This fall I added a third leo to the family.  His name is Bosco and he just turned 6 months old.  They get along so great.  They're just happy guys.  Corben's turning into an old man but once in a while he gets in on the action.  He's a "give it but can't take it" kinda guy and gets grouchy whenever he's not the one doing the bullying.

Enjoy!

G&B:





Gunnar:





Bosco:

It has been my experience that you just have to wait it out. She will calm down eventually when she starts to mature. If you keep working on the sits to greet people and going to many different places and having the bestest most irresistible treats she'll get there.  I have a 14 month old who is the most lovable guy and greets you like you've been gone for days when it's only been 2 minutes. I consider myself so lucky to have him.    

I carried my first pup for two months.  I was very over-protective with just about everything.  Now, two pups later, I don't bother.  Two reasons:  They play with each other much harder and more often then going down the stairs a handful of times each day.  I also find it more dangerous to carry a 30-40 pound puppy down a flight of stairs.  There have been a few times I've almost had a serious accident because I can't see where I'm going or I have a puppy trying to either lick/bite my face off.  SO I only carry when I really need to.
I let them figure the stairs out on their own without pushing them to do something they weren't ready for.  When they went down or up I would be there to help them and give them lots of praise even when they stumbled so they wouldn't be spooked.  My last puppy, I carried him down for about three weeks on and off and helped him up only a few times.  He is a Master of Stairs.
When he's going down just make sure you go down a few steps ahead of him so he knows you're there.  His confidence(along with physical development) will get there eventually as long as he doesn't have a bad experience.  Have fun with your new pup!

He looks fine to me.  I stole this from wikipedia:

"There are currently no size classification s for the Goldendoodle. It is difficult for a hybrid litter to "breed true"; that is, it is difficult to know exactly what size a Goldendoodle will grow to as an adult, regardless of parental size. However, Goldendoodle sizes can vary if they are standard or mini. A standard Goldendoodle is the result of crossbreeding with a standard-sized Poodle. A standard male Goldendoodle can range in height from 21 to 24 inches (54 to 62 cm), and weigh 55 to 85 pounds (25 to 39 kg). A standard female Goldendoodle can range in height from 20 to 22.5 inches (51 to 58 cm), and weigh 45 to 65 pounds (21 to 29 kg). Goldendoodles can also result from a female golden retriever and a male miniature or toy poodle (both via artificial insemination). Such Goldendoodles can range in height from 13 to 21 inches (33 to 53 cm), and weigh 25 to 45 pounds (11 to 20.5 kg). Goldendoodles also have different coat types. They can range from curly, wavy, or straight depending on its genes. Goldendoodles can have different colors, depending on the poodle genes passed onto the pup. However, Goldendoodles can be white, blonde, tan, cafe, chocolate, red, black, silver, parti, phantom, or a mix. A mix of colors can come from the same litter."

Butter looks to have the more slender shape of a poodle than the robust physique of a golden.  He may just have a naturally high metabolism.

If you are sure it's the kibble causing his monthly episode of diarrhea and not treats he may be getting like yogurt/cheese/pigs ears/bones to chew on etc etc I would change.

I feed Canidae Chicken and Rice to 2 of my pups.  I don't really go by the feeding guidelines on the back.  It lists puppies to 6 months then jumps to adults.  Giant/large breeds are still puppies way past 6 months so I don't feed  the adult portions until much later.  So don't stress about that extra cup you're giving him.  Try giving him an extra cup on top of that if you feel he is too ribby.  I would split up the kibble to a breakfast and a dinner though.