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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Thanks Julie, I’ve only got the one dog, Champagne, a Maltese; then there’s Fadiese, a dwarf angora rabbit; Machou and Pichou, the chinchillas; and Mr Poisson, an 11-year-old goldfish. I’d love to get another little dog, but I’m waiting for the warmer weather, we’ll see!!!!
It’s so frustrating – Sarada, who’s apparently never had a dog before, has ended up with a Malinois puppy as her first dog. It’s not easy, especially if she hasn’t done her research on the breed. Picking him up by the scruff of the neck and shaking him?????????????????? That’s just appalling!!! How awful. In my opinion, she hasn’t even taken him to the vet yet. Personally, that’s the first thing I do when I get a dog, to check their general health and get some proper advice. Finding a good vet is a total nightmare as it is. Mine is the one where my daughter did her work experience; she loved it because he taught her so much.
And on top of that, this puppy is eating other animals' poo – if he doesn’t catch anything, he’ll be very lucky. You shouldn't be walking a puppy that hasn't had all its jabs in a place where there's that sort of thing. That’s just my opinion anyway. Big hugs to Julie-Cocker and Tania, and a big SLURP to your four-legged and two-legged ones from the six of us. gigi
Hi Gigi, yes, I'm doing really well, how about you and your pups? The main thing is that the dogs are being fed properly, and that’s even more true when they’re still tiny. I hope she comes back and gives us a bit more detail because we’re just speculating at the moment. I really hope he’s in the best of health.
Sending lots of love Tania, @Julie-Cocker,
We don’t even know if this little one is getting enough calcium in his meals or everything else he needs to grow up properly. I’m not a fan of the scales myself, but I’m forced to weigh myself once a month. So, I weigh Champagne and Fadiese as well and keep a weight chart for them, now that they’re adults.
It can always come in handy. How are you girls doing? See you later! xx
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.
