Diet and Shyness - Puppies

by June
(Williamsburg wv 24991)

I just love my new baby Marley and Massie I think they are about 10 weeks old I rescued them they had been running loose with there mom on an old back road . I've had them about 3 weeks now . I feed them pedigree puppy food large breed and keep food and water to them at all times . MARLEY WILL come to me and play but Massie still shys away but once she comes close to you she's ok .how can I get her to come to me without shying away they didn't have any human contact at all until I rescued them .they both have had their 5 way shots and wormed . And are doing great. Even had baths which did great with bath and drying .
But I do need to know how to get Massie to stop shying away and how much to be feeding them.
Thank you

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Dec 13, 2017
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by: Donna

Best of luck with your pups.

First, I just want to suggest you change the pups' diet. The one you feed now is low quality.

Do get them onto higher quality food, however. People have suggested Orijen, Fromms or anything in the higher bracket.

The best diet is raw which is species appropriate. It's slightly more work than pouring the food into the bowl. Here is some information:
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/feeding-fresh-food-to-dogs/

Talk to your vet as to how much you should feed them. If you feed raw, you feed them according to their ultimate weight. If it's 100 lbs, you feed 2% of 100 so 2 pounds a day spread out 3-4 times a day. If you go with kibble, follow the bag's recommendations. Again, talk to your vet as well.

Do bring in a positive-reinforcement trainer to help you with your pups. It's difficult to help you if one doesn't see what is going on. You should also take them to puppy classes (positive-reinforcement) so they become well-socialized to other dogs and people, as well. Trainers will be able to show you how to work with your dogs to gain the best outcome.

Dec 13, 2017
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Be patient!
by: Anonymous

Be patient for next 14 years. Try handfeeding for bonding. Every dog is different. Thanks for rescuing!!!!

Dec 14, 2017
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take your time
by: Anonymous

Thank you for rescuing. They are the lucky ones. Since it's unlikely they are pure-bred, their character is influenced by their genetics. Your pups may even have different dads.
Some dogs are very sensitive their whole life. We think of it as shyness but it probably is something else entirely. It may be a memory of a bad experience, it may be an eyesight issue, or a hearing issue, or a pain issue. We wish to ease them and to comfort them.
The human response to this is, most times, to try to pick the pup up and cuddle them. Shy dogs find this terrifying. They find the hands reaching towards them from over their heads scary. They find being held, confining and without an escape route. Touching the head and making human soothing sounds are often just that bit too much for them to tolerate.
Best thing to do at this point, while this pup is so young, is to spend as much time as you can at their level...on the floor. Sit and wait. Read a book, eat something that you can share with them. Do not pay any attention to your shy pup, do not make eye contact, do not reach for the pup with hands outstretched, be patient, be calm. You are teaching your pup a new skill. For some, it takes time.
As for food, keep the portions small. Feed 4Xs per day. If you feed kibble, feed a high end food that contains protein from wild, add water to it, take the bowl up when they're finished and keep it squeaky clean, discard left over food. Sit with them quietly while they eat and if you can, hand feed the shy pup a bit. Always keep your hand offering the food low down. No eye contact. Stay calm. Breathe.
Your heart is in the right place...you rescued them, and their lives are already so much better because you did this. Pyrs are very sensitive creatures. But unless you know anything about their life before your rescue, all you can teach them now is trust. It takes time.
Good luck! I truly feel your pups will be just fine in your care.

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