5ll About Diesel: Age 4 weeks to 12 weeks
Diesel was my first hybrid. I brought him home at 4 weeks old. He, like other hybrids, was very timid. He always walked slowly upon approach with his head down. I spent the first 3 months holding him and making him feel comfortable and safe in his new environment. I would have close family and friends come and visit him often to help with the socialization. Socialization is very important.
I noticed within the first month, Diesel was very possessive of his food and treats. I started leaving his kibble out 24 hours a day to reduce the anxiety and aggressiveness with his kibble. This worked wonderfully. To this day I can approach his kibble with no issues. Now, with this said, when it comes to special deer meat feedings and treats, the word "wait" for food is meaningless to this hybrid. I have over 20 years experiencing training huskies. One of the most hyper, stubborn dog breeds. No matter what I try, the food possessiveness is a trait in this hybrid that will not be broken.
Another thing I experienced with my new pup is the stool issues. Diesel had diarrhea. Now, I did a lot of research on proper food intake with a hybrid prior to bringing Diesel home. I did all the things I read, no grain, soy, corn kibble. Add extra protein to the diet. I was still having diarrhea. I was talking with my vet about my issues with Diesel and she said, he may be a hybrid, but remember he is still part dog. She said, I should not remove grain from his diet. Puppies need grain to help them grow. She also said to try pumpkin, rice, and or chicken. So with her recommendations, I hit the internet searching for the right kibble. I found a brand called Nutro for large breeds which consist of Chicken and Oatmeal. It has grain, but no Soy or Corn. I started mixing this food with Taste of the Wild, no grain, soy, and corn. This seemed to help. We also started feeding him egg and deer meat along with his meals 3 days a week. This new food routine got the stools to a soft manageable level.
The one thing I have learned with Diesel in the first 3 months is that we need to learn to respect the traits of the breed. Although, I have been very successful in socializing Diesel, teaching him basic "dog"' commands. He sits, heels, walks wonderfully on a lead, loves attention, great with kids. I have also learned that we also need to respect him for who he is as a wolf hybrid. These traits I will discuss in months 4 through 11 in my next blog about Diesel.
Diesel was my first hybrid. I brought him home at 4 weeks old. He, like other hybrids, was very timid. He always walked slowly upon approach with his head down. I spent the first 3 months holding him and making him feel comfortable and safe in his new environment. I would have close family and friends come and visit him often to help with the socialization. Socialization is very important.
I noticed within the first month, Diesel was very possessive of his food and treats. I started leaving his kibble out 24 hours a day to reduce the anxiety and aggressiveness with his kibble. This worked wonderfully. To this day I can approach his kibble with no issues. Now, with this said, when it comes to special deer meat feedings and treats, the word "wait" for food is meaningless to this hybrid. I have over 20 years experiencing training huskies. One of the most hyper, stubborn dog breeds. No matter what I try, the food possessiveness is a trait in this hybrid that will not be broken.
Another thing I experienced with my new pup is the stool issues. Diesel had diarrhea. Now, I did a lot of research on proper food intake with a hybrid prior to bringing Diesel home. I did all the things I read, no grain, soy, corn kibble. Add extra protein to the diet. I was still having diarrhea. I was talking with my vet about my issues with Diesel and she said, he may be a hybrid, but remember he is still part dog. She said, I should not remove grain from his diet. Puppies need grain to help them grow. She also said to try pumpkin, rice, and or chicken. So with her recommendations, I hit the internet searching for the right kibble. I found a brand called Nutro for large breeds which consist of Chicken and Oatmeal. It has grain, but no Soy or Corn. I started mixing this food with Taste of the Wild, no grain, soy, and corn. This seemed to help. We also started feeding him egg and deer meat along with his meals 3 days a week. This new food routine got the stools to a soft manageable level.
The one thing I have learned with Diesel in the first 3 months is that we need to learn to respect the traits of the breed. Although, I have been very successful in socializing Diesel, teaching him basic "dog"' commands. He sits, heels, walks wonderfully on a lead, loves attention, great with kids. I have also learned that we also need to respect him for who he is as a wolf hybrid. These traits I will discuss in months 4 through 11 in my next blog about Diesel.
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