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I think you have to be careful with calcium....and it depends on the age of the dog.  You don't want to build bone too fast and if you add too much calcium, the dog will become constipated.  Does the food you are using have calcium already in the food? 

I cook for my dogs so I add a level teaspoon of calcium in their food with each meal because all they get is meat, veg and rice.

Others here know far more about the pros and cons, but asking your vet is also a really good idea!

OMG!!!  They are SO cute together!  I love them!

It so interesting to watch how they communicate... even squabble!  Last weekend when we had Chester's brother Paco in for the weekend, Paco watched as Chester wrestled with Cowboy and then jumped in to the fray.  It's the first (and ONLY time!!) I've seen Cowboy bare his teeth and snarl.  I think he was saying, "Okay, Chester is my adopted brother and I'm used to him.  You, big fella, are an uncouth, unneutered pain in the pattooie!  GET OUTTA HERE!!"  Paco didn't go near Cowboy again!!

Keep posting those pictures!   They are adorable together!

It is so hard to watch them ice-skating on lino or wood floors.  At home, use rubber backed area rugs in the places he walks so you can 1) protect his joints...slipp ing and sliding isn't at all good for him and 2) allow him to gain trust again in surfaces.  As he gets stronger in his joints and muscles, he'll be better able to control his feet and won't slide so much.  Also, make sure that you regularly clip the fur between his pads so that the pad surface can remain in contact with the floor.  Just like with humans, the pads can get sweaty and are better able to grasp the surface of slippery floors.

The more sure of himself he is at home, the more likely he'll be able to adapt when you take him out.  Lots of treats are great with lots and lots of positive encouragement.

Good luck and I hope to see LOTS of pictures of Oscar!

LOL!!!  Maybe it would help! 

It's hard enough to control a giant breed puppy with out having to put up with the antics of other dogs!  Maybe keep him out of the dog park until a couple of months after his snip.  It takes a while for the hormones to get out of his system.  I HATE it that you have to worry about these big guys getting hurt!!

I think having an intact giant breed is tough because most smaller dogs with 'attitude' see him as a challenge.  Before I had my first Newf, Otis, neutered, he was attacked all the time by other dogs.  Once the deed was done, things were much calmer.  There would still be the odd problem but it was much, much less!!!

Quote from: newflvr on December 04, 2006, 02:23:30 am

Quote from: Dahlie on December 04, 2006, 02:03:25 am

Mari,

They are stunning. 

I want to move to your house. I'm such a gardening fan and you have the most beautiful yard. I'm also open to moving in with Lisa (Dixie Darlin's mom), who also has a lovely looking property...And we can't count out Anita in NJ.
I love all of your yards...

Anyone want to adopt a really nice 28 year old and her fabulous 29 year old hubby, 3 dogs and a cat?  Rob's an amazing chef (classically trained) and I'm a really good, fun girl who doesn't mind cleaning up poop.   We excel at belly rubs (dogs only, please  ), making martinis and good conversation and relaxing.

Julie

You're on, Julie!!  I'm tired of cooking, LOVE martinis and good conversation and the dogs and cats love playmates!  When should I expect you??

Ummm, how about New Year's?  And then we can drink martini's all night long, have good conversation until the 5th martini and then have stupid, loud, exhuberant conversation then and eat after that? I always get the munchies after drinks and chatting!  Don't worry, if we spill any crumbs on the floor, Jackie, Charge and Chammie will pick them up for us!

Fabulous!

Julie

DEAL!!!  Cowboy and Chester will help out with the "hoovering' as well!  I think we have it all covered!!

Newfs are individuals and some will adore swimming and some can't stand it.  My Landseer, Cowboy will do just what Buddy does....stands in the water and just cruises the shore line.  He is epileptic and had his first couple of seizures in the water and almost drowned, so it's understandable . 

There's a couple of things you can do.  First, you could contact your local Newf Club and they have water training classes every summer.  Or, go slowly...and make it fun.  There's a wonderful book by a woman named Judy Adler who is an expert in water training.  Here's the info:

"Newfoundland Puppy: Early Care, Training", by Judy Adler
Judy Adler
12320 S. W. Malloy Way,
Sherwood, Oregon 97140
Cost: $26.00 (including shipping)
(503)682-0604
sweetbay@teleport.com

Good luck!!

Mari,

They are stunning. 

I want to move to your house. I'm such a gardening fan and you have the most beautiful yard. I'm also open to moving in with Lisa (Dixie Darlin's mom), who also has a lovely looking property...And we can't count out Anita in NJ.
I love all of your yards...

Anyone want to adopt a really nice 28 year old and her fabulous 29 year old hubby, 3 dogs and a cat?  Rob's an amazing chef (classically trained) and I'm a really good, fun girl who doesn't mind cleaning up poop.   We excel at belly rubs (dogs only, please  ), making martinis and good conversation and relaxing.

Julie

You're on, Julie!!  I'm tired of cooking, LOVE martinis and good conversation and the dogs and cats love playmates!  When should I expect you??