KAZKIRI GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS

We have provided this information as a guide only, if any problems arise, please contact us or your Veterinary Surgeon. Increase or decrease food according to pups needs. NEVER overfeed: the pup should always have a waistline and just a nice covering over the ribs, not layers of fat. A pup kept in overweight condition can have problems with a weak back, loose ligamentation and could have trouble later in life with heart conditions, spinal complaints or hip dysplasia due to excessive weight gain.

We feed the formula - ARTEMIS & raw brisket bones  which are given to the puppy from the age of 6 weeks; they clean the teeth and give the jaw muscles exercise. They also supply calcium and minerals to the puppy.

NEVER give COOKED BONES such as chop, chicken, fish, roast lamb, t-bone, etc, as these can get caught, tear or splinter the bowel. Brisket bones are what we recommend.

We do NOT feed RAW EGGS. Eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B Vitamin). This can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

We do NOT give our dogs GARLIC in raw, cooked or powder form. Garlic & onions contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Chocolate kills dogs! Chocolate affects a dog's heart and nervous system; a few ounces are enough to kill a small dog.

Click here to read an article on Foods to avoid feeding your Dog

We do not recommend canned food. Dogs fed on canned food often suffer from anal gland problems and gastric upset.

If ever giving over 3 cups of dry formula pour water over it and allow to soak and swell prior to feeding the dog or the fatal condition of BLOAT could occur.
For more on the subject Download Bloat Article (PDF)
Importantly, WAIT TWO HOURS before or after exercising your dog to feed him or you may risk the FATAL CONDITION of Stomach Torsion - BLOAT, occurring! 

If you suspect your dog is experiencing a BLOAT episode get your dog to a vet as soon as possible, time is of the essence in saving your dog.

settling in and socialisation
The thought of bringing home a new puppy can be exciting and overwhelming at once.

When the puppy arrives at his new home, there is a whole new environment to explore, different people, places, etc.

After the puppy is used to his new home, gradually begin to take your puppy out and widen his environment.

When taking the puppy out, try to insure that there have been no sick puppies and that other dogs have been vaccinated.

Begin socialisation from the age of 8 weeks. It is important that the puppy learn his social skills with other dogs and humans.
Although it could be difficult, try to insure that the dogs the puppy encounters, are vaccinated and in good health.

It is a condition of training at most reputable Obedience Clubs  that an up to date Vaccination Certificate is produced for verification.
Socialise your puppy with care, until he has had his 12 week vaccination. This means exposure to responsible people, their environments & their dogs which have most likely been vaccinated against disease.

Take the puppy out and around shopping centres, parks, etc. to meet people and other dogs; this is most important if your puppy is to develop into a well-adjusted and happy individual.  Encounter different situations, shapes, noises, traffic, etc.  However, do it gradually, NOT ALL IN ONE DAY.  This allows the puppy to experience everyday situations and learn to react calmly.  Then even if the puppy does not encounter traffic or similar situations for a long time, the early experience will remain when it is re-exposed later, and the calm response will be remembered and repeated.  SOCIALISATION AND TRAINING ARE NEVER WASTED; it results in a more manageable dog that is a delight to own and is much appreciated by other members of the public.When the puppy arrives home, he may take a little while to settle in.  He may become finicky with food for the first 7-10 days, however, if the puppy is not eating properly within 2-3 days CONTACT your breeder to discuss the diet.  DO NOT try to change the food around or LEAVE food with the pup.  Feed the puppy and leave food for 15-20 minutes – NO LONGER.If not eaten, remove it! The stress of a change of environment, new home and people, can cause the puppy to be a bit loose in his motions, especially for a few days, this should settle down after the first week.

It will take 4-5 nights for the puppy to settle at night. It will be strange for the puppy, as he has had brothers and sisters to cuddle up to, and now finds he finds he is alone in a strange place.  Provide the puppy with a warm sleeping area, a soft cuddly toy, leave a radio going and a clock nearby for him to hear, so he will not feel quite so alone. For more information on puppy's first night click here

Importantly make sure your German Shepherd Puppy is in good health and is kept on a regular schedule of worming and vaccination also that he is fed a good quality diet. If you are unsure, check with your German Shepherd Dog breeder for suggestions. 
Puppy Socialisation Chart

what's in a name 
Now that you have purchased a pedigreed puppy, you will notice it has quite a big name for such a cute furball.

All pedigreed dogs are named as Prefix Dogname e.g. let’s use the name Kazkiri Midnite Special. Kazkiri is the prefix, similar to a person’s surname. All dogs bred by Kazkiri will have that name first. In order to be granted a prefix, a breeder must pass a test, to show their knowledge, agree to a strict code of ethics, and perform health tests on all breeding stock, depending on the breed of dog.

The second part of the name ’Midnite Special is the name of the dog. This can be any name the breeder chooses within a certain amount of characters. All dogs with the same prefix must have different names and a dog’s name cannot contain someone else’s prefix.

You are certainly not bound to this name and can call your dog anything you like as its call name. Some people choose this based on the registered name and others don’t. The dog in the in the above example may be called Midnite, but in reality is called ‘Max’ simply because the owner likes that name and chose it for her dog.

Need a name for your new puppy
Wot's in a Name?