I can't be of much help with your questions, but I will say that unless you have a specific problem that needs attention, The best way I have found to get info on his forum, especially with raw feeding, is to use the search engine. Every question I've had about diet and raw feeding has been answered by reading old posts. I believe there are even exact instructions for what to include, age specific and amount to feed by weight of the dog. (I have some of these printed out and hanging on my frig at home.)

It's instant info at your fingertips and saves the experts from posting the same things over and over.

(I don't mean to say they'd mind, but I've found it so much faster and easier this way for myself.)

BAMF?

So just buy and freeze a bunch of chicken and when your read to use I assume cut it up and let the dog eat it raw. Surprises salmonella doesn't come into play for the dog.. I'll have to look at it more I guess


I understand about search. I've been on internet gun forums for YEARS.

 Quote: John Caven

So just buy and freeze a bunch of chicken and when your read to use I assume cut it up and let the dog eat it raw. Surprises salmonella doesn't come into play for the dog.. I'll have to look at it more I guess

Well, there is a little more to is than just feeding a bunch of chicken or steak, but it is really easy to do, just a few more details.

Here is a great place to start:
http://leerburg.com/feedingdogs.htm

Once you have read through all of that a few times, then consider getting a few books to help you if you want to do raw.
JMHO, feeding raw is one of the best things you can do for your dog.

http://leerburg.com/9000.htm

http://leerburg.com/935.htm

http://leerburg.com/970.htm

Lots to read, but once get the general concept, it is nearly as easy as feeding kibble. A little more work, but if you plan it out well and search for bulk sources, feeding raw can be cheaper than the super premium kibbles.
Just want to add that it is really important with a young dog, to make sure the raw meals have adequate RMB's for a growing puppy.

Happy Reading!

and if you scroll down on the forum list page there's a Forum dedicated specifically to Raw Feeding.
Lots of questions answered there too:

http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/postlist/Board/12/page/1

 Quote: john caven

BAMF?

Bad-ass mothaf.....

 Quote: john caven

Since I've never been to a breeder before. What should I ask while there. Is there a list of specific things I should ask them before buying dog?

I'm not a breeder, but I am a first-time Mal owner. My puppy was essentially picked out for me based on criteria my wife and I laid out to the breeder ahead of time; all I had to do was go see for myself and it turned out the breeder's recommendation was spot-on. If he'd have just let me walk out with any one of them I could have had a totally different experience than the one I'm having--which is still stressful and noisy at times, and I don't have small kids.

Having gone through it that way, I'm not sure that I would be enthused if I went to a breeder who said "oh, any one of these will do just fine."

On the kids note--my little guy has handled exposure to small toddlers quite well, has never mouthed any of them and barely pays attention to them at all.

Are you after a M or F?

 Quote: John Caven

Since I've never been to a breeder before. What should I ask while there. Is there a list of specific things I should ask them before buying dog?

If you can think of any post them as I will print them out and take them with me. Please be a breeder if your going to post on this subject.

There are many non-breeders here who can give you excellent information on how to select a breeder and what questions to ask. In fact, I'd rather ask an experienced buyer what questions to ask (since you are a buyer) vs. an experienced seller. I posted some questions for you earlier in this thread.

When thinking of questions to ask, remember that you want this dog to be part of your family for the duration of its life. The more research you do now, the more you will be able to stack the deck in favor of what you want. Since finances are a concern (as they are for almost all of us), you want to make sure you make the best decision for your $. Cheaper now isn't always cheaper later. Assume that what you see in front of you will be what you will get (sire and dam's temperaments and physical condition, puppy's temperament and physical condition). You will need a social and stable dog. Any shyness or sharpness in the parents or the pup should make you walk away from that particular litter.

I think you should pre-plan what answers to your questions will make you walk away from this breeder and seek another. Knowing exactly where you will draw the line will help you draw it when you're looking at a bunch of cute and fuzzy puppies.

Also, this breeder should grill you with questions, especially since you are new to the breed and have young children. If he doesn't, then I would wonder whose interests he has at heart - yours, the puppy's, the breed's, or his own?

Here are some links to a sampling of reputable breeders with very informative websites for comparison:
http://www.dantero.com
http://www.pawsnclaws.us
http://www.kaiserhaus.com (not breeding at this time, but great website)

Also, here's an example of a health guarantee for you to review and compare:
http://www.kaiserhaus.com/guarantee.htm

And here's a sample questionaire from a breeder:
http://www.dantero.com/pupquest.txt

Again, I want to mention that the Malinois is the Ferrari of the working dog world. We all love the sleek, sexy look of a Ferrari, and we all admire the speed and handling. However, it won't make the best family car, nor does everybody and anybody have the training to be capable of driving one.

 Quote: Konnie Hein

Again, I want to mention that the Malinois is the Ferrari of the working dog world. We all love the sleek, sexy look of a Ferrari, and we all admire the speed and handling. However, it won't make the best family car, nor does everybody and anybody have the training to be capable of driving one.

Konnie, this has to be the best analogy I have ever heard when describing a Malinois! So perfectly said.

 Quote: Joyce Salazar

Konnie, this has to be the best analogy I have ever heard when describing a Malinois! So perfectly said.

Yeah, well said.

I like that questionaire.

More important than what you ask the breeder is what the breeder asks you. If the breeder doesn't ask questions about your plans, your living situation and your family life walk away.

 Quote: konnie hein

Again, I want to mention that the Malinois is the Ferrari of the working dog world. We all love the sleek, sexy look of a Ferrari, and we all admire the speed and handling. However, it won't make the best family car, nor does everybody and anybody have the training to be capable of driving one.

GREAT analogy!



eta
I already know that I don't have what is required, despite plenty of GSD (and other) experience and a dog-centric life. I fostered a young Mal last year, one who members of my club said was a "medium drive" young Mal, and everything else in my life suffered from reduction of time and attention. (And I'm used to a multi-dog home, I'm a pretty good trainer, my house is dog-friendly, I have no young kids, and I work at home. )