General Questions

by Chris
(Roanoke VA)

Hello all,

I got a Rottie puppy at 9 weeks old, He is now 16 weeks I just have a few questions for some of the experienced people. I feed him Blue Buffalo Large Puppy Breed food, since he is 16 weeks now can I go to 2 times a day feeding.

Also I am struggling with his “nipping and biting” I could use some suggestions. I have 2 children and I really would like to solve this. He has a Nylabone, Rawhide bone, some rubber chew balls and a Kong ball.

Lastly, I am thinking about buying a “dog safe electric fence” any comments regarding those? I don’t have a fenced in yard and I want him to be able to run more then he does right now. I take him for 2-3 30 minute walks a day and play with him with toy’s another 1-2 hours daily.

Thanks for the help!

Chris

Hi Chris, congrats on your new puppy 🙂 Blue Buffalo is a good food and at 16 weeks you should be able to feed him twice a day without any problems. He may need a bit more per feeding, but you’ll soon figure out what he wants/needs by how much he eats each time. During the first year or so puppies have fluctuations in their appetite, usually corresponding to growth spurts (and the ‘lull’ in between). Just try to keep on top of that and be aware of how much he’s eating, or isn’t at any given time.

I’ve never used an electric fence for my dogs so am not sure which type it is you mean. Invisible fence? I’m sure other visitors can fill you in there.

As for the nipping and biting, this is perfectly normal although it can be frustrating and sometimes painful! Follow the advice on my page that talks about puppy biting and be patient and consistent. He WILL learn but it takes time.

Best of luck ~ Sue

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Sep 14, 2013

food & toys NEW
by: Cheryl & Max

I also use blue dog food, I am hoping rotties are prone to hip problems that if I started him out young with the supplements that are in that food that it will help as he gets old,since I adopted Max at 7months I started him on chix/rice puppy but always had loose stools my trainer suggested that the puppy food was to rich and changed to adult lamb/rice and that was perfect.I also no longer do rawhide anything,Max use to take them in the yard and twice I heard him choaking,he would chew them small enough and try to swallow the rest after reaching in his throat to get it that was enough,kong toys he didn’t like and was smart enough that when I filled them with chopped treats he would bang them on the ground until they feel out game over.try JW toys very durable,great product


Jul 12, 2012

Dog food and chewing NEW
by: Martha

Hi, I heard that Blue Buffalo is good. My rott had a little “poo trouble”, so I she does well on Acana Grasslands, just FYI if your pup has loose stool. For my dog, the Nylabones are great – keep an eye on the rubber stuff, even Kongs, because mine chews through them like crazy! Good luck!


Jul 12, 2012

food NEW
by: Captain Nancy

I had to take my puppy Tugboat off puppy food right away because he was growing too fast. This is a problem with rottweilers and their joints. I was trying to slow down his bone growth. The nipping and biting is a puppy thing but not acceptable. White vinegar in a spray bottle sprayed across the front of the nose, not on the dog, with a stern NO seemed to work.


Jul 12, 2012

food NEW
by: Captain Nancy

I had to take my puppy Tugboat off puppy food right away because he was growing too fast. This is a problem with rottweilers and their joints. I was trying to slow down his bone growth. The nipping and biting is a puppy thing but not acceptable. White vinegar in a spray bottle sprayed across the front of the nose, not on the dog, with a stern NO seemed to work.


Jul 12, 2012

food NEW
by: Captain Nancy

I had to take my puppy Tugboat off puppy food right away because he was growing too fast. This is a problem with rottweilers and their joints. I was trying to slow down his bone growth. The nipping and biting is a puppy thing but not acceptable. White vinegar in a spray bottle sprayed across the front of the nose, not on the dog, with a stern NO seemed to work.


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About The Rotty lover 2159 Articles
My name is Dr. Winnie. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Duke University, a Masters of Science in Biology from St Georges University, and graduated from the University of Pretoria Veterinary School in South Africa. I have been an animal lover and owners all my life having owned a Rottweiler named Duke, a Pekingese named Athena and now a Bull Mastiff named George, also known as big G! I'm also an amateur equestrian and love working with horses. I'm a full-time Veterinarian in South Africa specializing in internal medicine for large breed dogs. I enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 kids and Big G in my free time. Author and Contribturor at SeniorTailWaggers, A Love of Rottweilers, DogsCatsPets and TheDogsBone