Hi everyone, so I got a Belgian Malinois puppy a week ago. But when she starts chewing the sofa or taking things she shouldn't... I tell her off, then she growls at me and lunges. But if I just leave her to it, she destroys everything.
I've tried scruffing her, giving her a bit of a shake, or even putting my hand in her mouth, but nothing works—she's back at it again two seconds later.
Also, she eats her own poo in the morning and evening; I'm guessing she must be hungry, but I'm giving her the amount of dry food recommended on the bag (56g across 3 meals). The brand of kibble is a natural, grain-free one.
I would also like to know when the puppy nipping phase usually ends?
Thanks for any advice, she's lovely otherwise.
Translated from French
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Oh definitely, I’ve got a real greedy guts on Genesis; she’d scoff all day long if she could! Jyrkhos knows when to stop, though... goes to show, it’s not a breed thing, but down to the individual 'character' if you see what I mean lol
I understand you, but what about the original poster? She hasn't been back, which seems to be happening a lot lately. Anyway, as for me (Tania), I used to let my puppy (Baloo, my dog's son) free-feed until he was 6 months old, and after that, I moved him to two meals a day. I think it also depends on the breed, how active they are, and the owner, who should know their own dog well. Personally, I’ve never weighed out their food and my dogs aren't overweight.
Look, I wouldn't go as far as saying "free-feeding", but that really isn’t enough for his growth and long-term health. I think the poster has misunderstood the packet; the feeding guide is based on the dog's expected adult weight, not his current weight. (Er, am I making sense? I’m sure you’ll follow me, but I’m not so sure about the OP??)
Oops, yeah, sorry! That’s actually what I’d seen too, but in the heat of the moment I completely blanked on the three (gargantuan) meals! No, that wouldn't be possible anyway. Thanks for catching my mistake 👌
No worries :) lol. Even 150g a day for a Malinois is tiny. At that age they're growing so much, they should be able to eat as much as they want. It’s like weighing out a three-year-old’s food to the nearest gram—it’s just nonsense.
Oops, yeah, sorry, that’s what I’d seen as well, but in the heat of the moment I completely blanked on the 3 (gargantuan) meals! No, that can’t be right, surely.
"Yes, it’s 2 oz per meal. She doesn't know how to walk on a lead yet. She has three toys, including a Kong that I put some cream cheese in."
"Hang on a minute, your puppy is going to die!! 2 oz a day is completely impossible and unthinkable! 😈"
Tania, it’s 2 oz x 3, if I’ve understood correctly.
I agree with Misanthrope—you need a dog behaviourist.
Also, have a look at the thread "my dog is trying to get the upper hand"; that’s the kind of confrontational relationship you're heading for if you carry on like this.
You need to strip things back to basics and get off on the right foot!
Sarada, I hope you’re weighing your Malinois every now and then; you haven't exactly picked a small dog. He needs to be eating the right amount in grams based on his weight!!
No animal likes being grabbed by the scruff of the neck; try to build a rapport with him using simple words. This puppy seems a bit lost and disorientated in your home. That’s why he’s nipping at you; he doesn’t yet know who he should be listening to or who to trust. They’re magnificent dogs when they’re happy and settled. And please, don’t shout at him—quite the opposite, in fact. You’re going to need a lot of patience and a gentle touch. Keep your cool and get in touch with a good behaviourist. Does he have any bones or chews for teething? Best of luck and stay positive. gigi397
is this a troll???? she only eats 2oz of food 🤪 otherwise i think you need to start from scratch.... 3 toys is nowhere near enough for a puppy, you need to go for much longer walks, Malinois are very active.... and as for scruffing her.... no, there’s no point in punishing her and even less in hurting her, otherwise i think you need to see a behaviourist as soon as possible....
