Appetite concern - GSD - pics added!

[gritsar]

That GSD is beautiful Brindle. I don't like deep-sloping rearend of the american lines, but that's just me.
I wish I could show you the pics of Jax's sire and dam, but they belong to the kennel owner.

How's Bill doing Brindle?


Jax is so full of p**s and vinegar this morning. DH says we're too old for this.

ETA: Jax's sire is Ziggy: http://germanshepherdexpress.com/page8.php His Dam is Babette: http://germanshepherdexpress.com/page6.php

We'd like our second pup to come from Joanne and Kaese

 

[Brindlebtch]

Thank you Gritsar! I always wanted a sable but then was given a saddle back. Loved her anyway! She was a pistol.



Bill is such a baby but he is doing OK. He is needing lots of cuddles and sympathy right now. Thank you for asking.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Wow, gorgeous dogs!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I think so too, although some of the females faces don't suit me. Personal preference.
We've been in touch with the breeder and they are very kind, very caring people.
We were concerned about Ziggy's funky ear, although Jax's are fine.
Really nice people to work with and they do love their dogs.

 

[walkswithdog]

Quote:
Ummm not accurate. For one - the Germans have kept, in general a more compact fast moving dog. They've been used there as working dogs for far longer than here and more of them are working there than here.

In general, whether East German, West German - working or show, or Czech - those dogs are smaller, faster and more correct to type and far more capable of a full day of work - including herding than US dogs, whether from German lines or not.

Some of the East German dogs do tend oversized but they're still very agile and not over angulated.

East German and Czech dogs are not from show lines. Since they're from lines maintained at the time of solely working dogs, and why I prefer them.

In the US dogs got longer, in general taller, and lost the working standard. Which in AKC dogs especially meant loss of agility and proper size, and loss of working and herding ability in many cases. In US SV dogs - dogs still bred to the German Standard, that is not the case. While I'm not fond of pure WG show lines, they are at least closer to type and function than strictly AKC show dogs.

Not to say that I don't know AKC show dogs that do work, I do. There are not many and few breeders hold themselves to that high a standard.

I prefer sables, black, red or gray to black and tan, for my own dogs, and Czech or East German lines. Not simple easy dogs but I like that.

 

[Xival Knievel]

If you haven't already figured out the situation, here's my opinion/suggestions.

His weight in the photos you posted looks just right. I wouldn't want to see him any thicker or thinner honestly.

I won't turn it into a food conversation but.. I would strongly recommend that you switch foods.


To help him eat better,heres a few things:
- I recommend at his age it's a good time to switch to just 2 feedings per day- morning/night.

- Try adding a bit or warm/hot water to the food/gravy mixture.

- Put the food down for no longer than 5 minutes, then pick it up and he will have to wait until the next feeding time.

-Be careful not to give to many treats or snacks during the day, and consider using pieces of his kibble as training rewards instead of special treats (if he is willing to work for it)

- Another idea that commonly works and that we use with GSD pups here if they aren't super into their food: Put down the bowl of food, when he starts eating, slide it slightly away from him a short distance on the ground. You can even sometimes hold him back just a bit from it and let him pull forward to get the food. Continue to slide it, let him get to it again and wait for 20 or so seconds while he eats, then repeat for the duration of the meal. It is a good way to build drive for the food. If you know anything about building drive for a toy or something it's the same principal more or less. He wants what he can't have. (You have to be careful to not take this too far and create food aggression but it is unlikely that you would create that problem)

- Lastly, if he isn't eating it all consider that 5 3/4 cups of food may also be a bit more than he needs per day. Most of our puppies at that age eat more like 4 cups per day (but dietary needs differ for each dog and each type of food so use your best judgement)



GOOD LUCK! He's very cute by the way

 

[Brindlebtch]

Quote:
Ummm not accurate. For one - the Germans have kept, in general a more compact fast moving dog. They've been used there as working dogs for far longer than here and more of them are working there than here.

In general, whether East German, West German - working or show, or Czech - those dogs are smaller, faster and more correct to type and far more capable of a full day of work - including herding than US dogs, whether from German lines or not.

Some of the East German dogs do tend oversized but they're still very agile and not over angulated.

East German and Czech dogs are not from show lines. Since they're from lines maintained at the time of solely working dogs, and why I prefer them.

In the US dogs got longer, in general taller, and lost the working standard. Which in AKC dogs especially meant loss of agility and proper size, and loss of working and herding ability in many cases. In US SV dogs - dogs still bred to the German Standard, that is not the case. While I'm not fond of pure WG show lines, they are at least closer to type and function than strictly AKC show dogs.

Not to say that I don't know AKC show dogs that do work, I do. There are not many and few breeders hold themselves to that high a standard.

I prefer sables, black, red or gray to black and tan, for my own dogs, and Czech or East German lines. Not simple easy dogs but I like that.

I have met several Czech GSDs and Boxers I really liked. Never met an East German I was fond of. The E. German GSDs I met didn't have reliable temperments and you really had to keep an eye on them. But then, I didn't meet that many.

 

[gritsar]

Well, I'm of a mind that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Apparently his lack of appetite had more to do with my cooking than anything else. He loves my cookies and liver baits, hates my gravy...go figure?

Saves me work to just food processor the chicken without making the gravy.
I was s'pose to make him some Frosty Paws this week, but never got around to it. Have to use up the yogurt before it expires, so Jax got some, the cats got a little and the chickens got the majority.

 

[ranchhand]

My dogs seem to be nonchalant about food until about two years- they're all large breeds- and then LOOK OUT! Don't get between those boys and their bowls!

One GS mix, one B & T Hound and one Lab.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Quote:
Who da thought? He IS a genius puppy but clearly no gourmet!