Poop-to pick it up or not

[Lauren0319]

Originally Posted by SanAntoQT

Why was it that back in the day, you could pick up a Heinz 57 pup from a neighbor and feed it scraps and it was healthy as a horse? Nowadays, you have to feed a purebred dog some specially manufactured dog food and still end up having some sort of health issues.

Oh, you can feed your dog whatever you would like- heck, my pound puppy loves table scraps!!!

However, I have found that the high quality food improves his coat, which means he sheds less. And that is priceless to me (he's a lab so he is a shedder.) The difference was amazing and VERY noticable when I switched foods. My parents did the same for their shepard/lab mix... it was totally worth the research. (Just to reduce shedding.)

[shenane]

I totally agree. Un-vaccinated dogs can easily pick up Parvo or distemper. And your puppy is too young to get the full series of shots yet (which takes about 4 months) Those are horrible diseases. If not treated, the animal dies slowly and painfully. Treatment is very expensive and the dog can wind up "not right" afterwards even with treatment.
Other less harmful things that can be picked up on walks - hookworms, etc..

When the puppy is old enough to go for walks, you can put newspaper under his/her body when the pup squats. Or do like I do, how the plastic bag open in one hand under the butt while she goes then just close the bad when he is done.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Lauren0319

6 weeks old is really, really young. She should still be with her mom. (I hope you didn't buy her... it's illegal in most states to sell/take away a puppy from it's mother before they are 8 weeks old.) So I would keep her away from all other dogs & yards until she has had her shots... please DON"T feed Purina puppy chow- it's awful, awful food. Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of kibble However, I have no idea what a 6 wk old puppy should be eating.

Onto the poo question- always pick it up. ALWAYS. Don't give dog owners a bad rap by not picking it up...

[SanAntoQT]

Originally Posted by Lauren0319

Oh, you can feed your dog whatever you would like- heck, my pound puppy loves table scraps!!!

However, I have found that the high quality food improves his coat, which means he sheds less. And that is priceless to me (he's a lab so he is a shedder.) The difference was amazing and VERY noticable when I switched foods. My parents did the same for their shepard/lab mix... it was totally worth the research. (Just to reduce shedding.)

Yeah, ok. I guess, fortunately for some unsuspecting dog out there, I don't have one because I'll be damned if I'm going to feed it better than I feed myself. Any dog that comes my way is going to be hard pressed to get fed more than Purina or Pedigree. Of course, he may be treated to an occasional steak now and then.

[DigginHouseVibez]

I give you props for ASKING! That shows that you care and have some desire to do the right thing! My neighbors just got a boxer puppy. So far we've seen it outside ONCE. . it was chained with a foot of leeway in the front of the house. The rest of the time we just hear it (non stop yipping.. it doesn't sound happy) and my other neighbors have seen it more often than not - chained with no excess chain to allow for movement in the backyard in the HEAT with NO shade and no water! They shouldn't even own the dog. Their backyard isn't even large enough for a medium sized dog let alone a boxer and my neighbors did send a compliant. Nothing happened.

You got some good advice here so seriously, high five for asking!