Puppies on the farm!

[Marveltone]

This is third-hand hearsay, so keep that in mind, but I've heard that goats will playfully butt dogs--cause that's how goats play I guess. If there is any chance of that, you want to watch for it. A butt to a young developing dog hip or shoulder could cause a chronic weakness in that joint. Large breeds aren't fully developed until they are at least two to three years old is my understanding.

A guy I personally know who raised boer goats, which are larger than yours IIRC, said it was the females that would try to blindside him when was working inside their fenced area. They didn't seem to be playing either.

You bring up a very good point. One I've pondered, as my dad has had goats before, so I have some idea how they can be. These pups came from a farm with sheep, goats, horses, cattle, etc., so they've already been raised with livestock all around them. We've set up a kennel for the pups in the goat pasture. The pups and goats can get used to each other, while avoiding all unwanted contact. For the moment, the goats are being shy and keeping their distance. The chickens free range their way to and fro and the pups pay them no attention other than the "Oh, it's you..." cursory glance. We've even let them loose with the chickens and they leave them alone. So far, so good.

As far as the dogs and goats go, I plan on keeping a physical barrier between them until I'm certain the dogs are big enough and mature enough to hold their own. Even in a kennel, the dogs will bark to alert us if they see something they don't like. Yes, it will take time, but we have to start somewhere and I'm in no rush.

Joe

 

[dave1949]

We've had a Samoyed before. I know all about smart, stubborn and independent. Also very familiar with thick, dual coats.

Joe

Sorry if I am telling you stuff you know.

I looked at the Serendipity Farm site. They sound like nice folks, and very caring for their animals. Admirable too, how they are going about their lives.

For whatever reason, last night I recalled you getting your tractor thawed out last winter. You'll have "helpers" now.

 

[Marveltone]

Sorry if I am telling you stuff you know.

I looked at the Serendipity Farm site. They sound like nice folks, and very caring for their animals. Admirable too, how they are going about their lives.

For whatever reason, last night I recalled you getting your tractor thawed out last winter. You'll have "helpers" now.

No need for apologies. Although I'm familiar with smart, stubborn independent dogs with thick, dual coats, these are still my first Great Pyrenees and my first attempt at a LGD. I'm sure I'll make my share of mistakes and need a good knock on the side of the head to get me back in line. Reading lots of forums and LGD info pages.

The Serendipity Farm family are great people. They're doing what they do because they love it.

Yes, that was me with the frozen tractor. I'll gladly take all the four-footed help I can get this winter!:thumbsup:

Joe

 

[jerrybob]

Congrats on the pups........

If you don't own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.:dog::dog:

 

[Mace Canute]

Those are two beautiful little puppies and I'm sure they will be two beautiful dogs when they get older. I hope you shared your ice cream with them on the way home!

 

[dmccarty]

Make sure you feed the puppies the right kind of food and a quality food.

We have always fed our dogs the best dog food we could find. However, our local supplier has closed our her business and the wifey is now feeding the dog raw meat and eggs. :shocked: I swear the dog eats better than I do....

The wifey is buying scrap meat from a sorta near by meat market since the local grocery store cannot sell us scrap meat. It sounded like the company was donating the scarps and getting a tax right off. If the chickens lay an egg outside the laying box, it goes to the dog. The dog surely likes the new food and its poops are smaller and disappear MUCH faster.

The wifey buys the dog food and feeds the dog. She says the scrap meat is cheaper than the quality dog food she had been buying. :shocked: Neither is/was cheap that is for sure.

Later,
Dan

 

[dave1949]

Our local grocery isn't allowed to sell/give excess meat either. Wife asked about that, such as meats that are at their expiration date, and they said they toss $1000's worth every week but that is all they are allowed to do. I suppose lawyers and liability enters into it somewhere.

So, she hooked up with a wholesale meat distributor and buys some stuff like chicken legs, gizzards, etc. in 40 lb boxes. Whole pork loins, ground turkey and beef in 10 lb rolls. Actually, their meat is fresher than the grocery store's by far and they do have useful stuff like whole ribeyes @ $6.50/lb. Not trimmed, but still a deal.

We think the same as Dan & wife, most of the commercial dog food is crud or downright unsafe, the premium stuff you might trust is no cheaper than feeding your own raw recipe/diet, and raw is healthier anyways.

 

[rekees4300]

the premium stuff you might trust is no cheaper than feeding your own raw recipe/diet

Tell me about it! We have 4 dogs and it's expensive. Few years ago you could buy premium 40 lbs. bags for $35, now it's 24 lbs. for $60!

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

Congratulations on your two beautiful pups. We just got a new addition to our family this week also! Savannah is a 10 week old chesapeake bay retriever female. We ha,3 had Chessies in the past and love the breed. enjoy !

 

[Marveltone]

Congratulations on your two beautiful pups. We just got a new addition to our family this week also! Savannah is a 10 week old chesapeake bay retriever female. We ha,3 had Chessies in the past and love the breed. enjoy !

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Ooh! She looks like a little darling. Congrats!

Joe