Dog help needed

[lord1234]

Ok,
so my boss is giving me his dog. Its a 5 year old dog. I haven't ever owned a dog before so I would like to know what I should look forward to in terms of money spent. Also, he currently feeds him "Old Roy" which he buys at Walmart...it doesn't seem like one of the PREMIUM brands of dog food. Should I spend the money to get premuum brands or just keep going with the cheaper stuff?

Any other advice would be good.


As per the poll...i look forward to seeing lots of no's Just so you know, I love dogs and have wanted one my entire life....so its more a poll for me to see what people think of ME. I KNOW that i would be a good dog owner.
--Lord1234

[ShooterJM]

Quick rule of thumb. If you can buy the dog food at a supermarket, it's not good for the dog.

[desslock]

dont feed him table scraps, no matter how much he begs. NEVER NEVER give the dog chocolate, very bad for doggies! Just walk him or if you have a fenced in back yard let em run dogs need exercise as they get older more activity will help out with hip problems. Make sure he has all vacanation(sp) shots. Ask your boss for any past vet papers when was the last time the dog went to the vet, when its time to go to the vet again try and take him back to the same vet, the dog will probally remember the surrondings and feel more comfortable. Having a dog is like having a hairy kid that cant speak. medical bills, food, toys. Keep this in mind you will have to spend some cash for your new friend.

[Crighton]

Quick rule of thumb. If you can buy the dog food at a supermarket, it's not good for the dog.

Yeah if your going to feed the dog "filler" food, you should suppliment it with something actually healthy. I usually feed my dog a combination of "filler" and a mix of vegies and beef, or rice and beef. Costs more but you can totally see the difference in his coat and energy/attention levels.

Some of the premium dog foods have a tendancy to be really rough on different dogs digestive tracks. When you switch keep an eye on the pooch for a while. You may have to try 2-3 brands before you find one it can handle.

[lord1234]

good dog food brands

The brands i keep hearing are

Iams
Eukanuba(i think thats how u spell it)


any others I should look into? also crighton...when you say keeping an eye on the dog...how should i monitor him? Watch how much he is going during a week long period? then try another food to see if it changes?

JM: How do you feed him the veggies and meat, just some raw steak or do u grill it up? and veggies? raw/boiled/ what?

[Crighton]

The brands i keep hearing are

Iams
Eukanuba(i think thats how u spell it)


any others I should look into? also crighton...when you say keeping an eye on the dog...how should i monitor him? Watch how much he is going during a week long period? then try another food to see if it changes?

JM: How do you feed him the veggies and meat, just some raw steak or do u grill it up? and veggies? raw/boiled/ what?

If it's not settling right the dogs either going to be barfing all over your house or having the hershey squirts something terrible. Trust me you'll know.

Veggies are usually boiled with a couple beef bullion cubes, Beef is either boiled or browned. Usually make a couple pounds at a time and freeze part of it. Only raw beef I give my dogs is in the form of cow leg bones w marrow. Purchased from a reputable local butcher I know.

[lord1234]

regarding beef: just buy the cheap stuff at a good supermarket? i figure the dog doesn't need filet mignon(maybe as a rare treat though i doubt it.

[Crighton]

regarding beef: just buy the cheap stuff at a good supermarket? i figure the dog doesn't need filet mignon(maybe as a rare treat though i doubt it.

Yeah, you can just buy the "jumbo family packs" or I'll buy a side of beef. Keep the good cuts for myself, Feed the dog all the ground beef/crap cuts.

Though any of the premium brands would be fine as well. I feed my dogs like this because I require the coats to be in excellent shape and I need that extra edge in attention and energy for the training and competions I do.

Though if the dogs going from Filler to this he'll probably think you're a god.

[ShooterJM]

Personally I'd go with like a Science Diet type of brand and then add in some veggies and meat like was mentioned. Even a little alge supplement is good too. It'll cost more, but you don't have to give nearly as much to the dog. Cuts down on the amount of crap you have to clean in the yard too.

[lord1234]

ok. I am thinking grab a couple of pounds of the filler stuff and slowly mix the good stuff in that way his system has a chance to adjust...do you agree that that is the best solution? Also, how much do you feed a dog? Just fill the bowl to the brim every meal or what?

[LittlePaintballBoy]

Though if the dogs going from Filler to this he'll probably think you're a god.

LMAO.

[ShooterJM]

What kind of dog is it?

[SlipknotX556]

First rule, is never feed the dog anything from the table, if you do that, he will learn, its ok to take food from the table, take my beagle as an example. I used to throw her Wendy's french fries, whenever I got Wendys, now whenever I do bring home Wendys, she actually jumps on top of the table and eats all my fries, only the fries though, never the sandwhich or the chicken nuggets.

[lord1234]

First rule, is never feed the dog anything from the table, if you do that, he will learn, its ok to take food from the table, take my beagle as an example. I used to throw her Wendy's french fries, whenever I got Wendys, now whenever I do bring home Wendys, she actually jumps on top of the table and eats all my fries, only the fries though, never the sandwhich or the chicken nuggets.

thats hilarious


yeah i know never to feed from the table, and don't plan to...

Also, has anyone bought dog food from any online places like www.petfooddirect.com or any such places? Are they worth it or does it kill you on shipping?
Also if anyone could list a list of supplies that i will need for my first dog(dog is 5 years old so no puppy stuff), taht would be appreciated. Also what can I use to quickly acclimate the dog to a new environment, and new owners?

The dog is a Spring Spaniel/Border Collie + something unknown:0

[lord1234]

also...i know that I am asking a lot of questions..but i wanna be a good pet owner and keep this dog happy.