Hi-Suzie G. here
I am new to this group.I will be receiving a 7.5 wk old,male,Field Golden Retriever pup the end of June.He will have high prey drive and become bored easily..I will be switching him cold turkey from kibble to a raw(prey model)diet.(no vegs/fruit/grains-except possibly training treats)I am planning on using marker training for the first time and an x-pen.
I am considering Bully sticks.(never used before)At what age do those of you who give these start with very young puppies?I would be using these for chewies in the x-pen.What size/type would you give a very young retriever pup (7.5 wks)/starting raw/who will grow to be a 70 # male? Also what are your favorite marker treats?/puppy toys?
I will be feeding 4x's per day to start out.How do you figure in the large number of marker treats as part of your pups daily intake?
I am very excited-but also a bit overwhelmed with all of this new info. I have fed raw for the past 15 yrs but marker training is very new to me.(old Koehler training method previously)

Thanks for any help you can give me.I want to get ready.
Suzie G

Hi, Suzie, and welcome! Congratulations!

Have you fed raw to a growing puppy before?

Have you seen any of the Leerburg marker videos? Which one(s)?

Both these answers will help us to reply most effectively.

BTW, there are many members here who started training dogs using Koehler-type methods (like me). I wish I had known about marker training back then.



ETA
Oops ..... I see there's another thread about the training; this one is just about feeding. Thanks, Cheri!

Edited by Connie Sutherland (05/25/2013 07:27 PM)
Edit reason: eta

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

Hi, Suzie, and welcome! Congratulations!

Have you fed raw to a growing puppy before?

Have you seen any of the Leerburg marker videos? Which one(s)?

Both these answers will help us to reply most effectively.

BTW, there are many members here who started training dogs using Koehler-type methods (like me). I wish I had known about marker training back then.

See Suzie's other post here:

http://leerburg.com/webboard/thread.php?topic_id=33411&page=1#378448

HI Suzie,

Welcome to the forum, can't wait to see pics of your new puppy!

We have a 2 year old GSD I am training using markers-wow, the difference is amazing. Not only is it fun for both of us, it definitely creates a stronger bond and a dog who can't wait to please you. We have a well established line of communication and engagement I have not had with any other dog.

My favorite reward is Zukes. They are about the size of a pencil eraser, quick and easy to chew and she loves them. Her flavor of choice is wild rabbit.

Connie has helped me immeasurably to fine tune our dog's diet-she is an incredible resource. (as are many other board members)

Please post any of your questions, we all learn from each other!