Update on transition issues to Orijen

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I just thought I would update you since I posted that Riley was having problems adjusting to the new food and had runny poops for days.  It is now a full two and half weeks since we made the change and I am now delighted that all is normal in the poop department.  I cut out all treats and additions only giving kibble for training treats and for the past two days everything is fine.  I can only say that it did take a while and patience has won out. It can be tempting to think it's the food but in such a young puppy it does seem to take a while to adjust and due to all your good advice we have a good result.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

YAY!

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

Great to hear!!! What a load off, huh???

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Hooray!

[Gayle Miller]

Glad the Orijen has worked for Riley!!! Are you putting any toppings whatsoever on top of the kibble or is he eating just kibble!  That's great!  Jackson has been getting a white rice/boiled chicked topping on his kibble and chows down each of his 3 meals.  But there is a part of me that wonders if within the next couple of weeks I can gradually get back to just kibble.  Just easier! 

 

Little Riley is growing up!  Do I see some fur lightening around his nose??  My husband and I are certain Jackson is going to end up cream-colored like his Mama rather than carmel like his Daddy.  His nose is getting lighter and lighter.  I love his carmel color but we'll love  him to pieces no matter what!

 

At 10 weeks old, he's gaines 1-1/2 pounds in a week and weighs in at 10.5  (What is Riley weighing in at these days?).  I continue to spend most of my days taking him outside to potty but I am seeing that I can go longer between potty breaks.  I don't think he at all yet gets telling me he has to go.  I just continue to time it right!  I think I read somewhere that they begin to show they "get it" around 12 weeks.  Does that sound right to you?  Not to say they'll be completelly fool proof but hopefully, they begin to indicate they have to go out. I'm hoping!

 

With his 2nd round of vaccines yesterday, I've been given the go-ahead to socialize everywhere except parks, pet stores, etc., where a lot of dogs are taken.  But the vet assured me if I have in downtown on the sidewalk that a dog may have walked down, not to fret!  I can't wait to get him in the care and take him places next week during his 11th week.  I am introducing sounds to him; the vaccum cleaner, U-tube thunderstorms, etc.  He show curiosity but not fear initially...and then all is well.  He LOVES people....no matter who comes to our home.

 

Ouch...but the biting!!  And it's no where near where it's going to be when the baby teeth begin to fall out!  Just today I've had to spray some chair legs with the bitter appble to get him not to chew things he shouldn't!

 

Have you begun "training" yet?  Last week, the first week home, I just wanted him to bond and get used to his new surroundings.  What a difference a week makes!  I think he's very attached to me (and husband) and confident in his home (the kitchen where we have him confined other than his crate in our bedroom for sleeping!).  My sons want me to begin the sit command and the "wait" before he eats.  I still think he's too young.

 

What are your thoughts?

Gayle