Reina's Growth Thread!

[MNpresa]

Owner of a Presa Canario pup. Was advised by some senior members to create a growth thread to keep everybody up-to-date on her progress. Our family got Reina a little early at 7 weeks. She's been a very quick learner, probably the smartest dog I've ever owned. Today, at 10 weeks we are working on basic commands and behaviors (she's already mastered sit and close to perfecting come/stay). She has always been a very dominant pup, even since when she was with her litter! Shes going through her normal puppy bite/nipping phase, and we're working around the clock to correct that behavior. With her not being with her pack long enough I feel this makes it even more important to correct NOW. A stern 'NO!' will do the trick at times, I've also noticed replacing my shoe or hand with one of her toys is a VERY temporary solution. While 50% of the time 'NO' will stop her for the time being, she will often take this as a challenge and growl/bark. While I know she is being playful(?) I want to nip this behavior in the bud. I've resorted to crating her and ignoring her pleas until she's fully relaxed. Her 'dominance' really comes into play when my oldest daughter is visiting for the week. She will growl and block her from entering the room at times. I'm very observant of this and quickly correct her. I've also been working with my daughter on her presence and making sure she knows what to do if that situation arises. With the pup just getting her 2nd vaccination recently, we had been confining her to the front yard. How much do you think her pent up energy has to do with her behavior? Any questions or comments are WANTED please!! I've raised a few great dogs, but never realized there was such a great forum with ultra experience owners to help make me make my dogs the best they can be. I've attached some photos of Reina (1st at 8 weeks and the following at 10 weeks), her Sire (black), and Dam (verdino). Thanks!


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[chauncey]

sounds like you are doing the same things i was doing. mine is now a year old and he still likes to "talk back" when corrected. i just put him in crate if he keeps it up and let him cool down.

 

[MNpresa]

Good to know I'm going about it the correct way. Do you think the biting phase I've described is fairly typical? I'm concerned taking her away from her mother before she could learn bite inhibition made things more challenging.


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[Lukasdad]

Welcome aboard my boy stopped the nipping about the 14wks making a flirt pole was a godsend as it gave my other dog some peace when I tired him out sounds like your doing everything fine that patience is a virtue phrase gets a tad frustrating but as you know it does get better lol
You'll find many new tips and advice on this forum and hopefully you will keep posting more pics of your pup she grows because she's only going to get bigger and badder lol enjoy

 

[MNpresa]

@Lukasdad YES! The flirt pole has definitely been a godsend. It's helped getting rid of some of her energy. Now that she's got her second set of vaccinations, we have been going to some parks where I know dogs don't visit alot. This is also helping with some energy. My next task is getting her used to the leash, she is like a bucking bronco when I put it on her. I try to leave it on in the house for an hour or so, but she just eats at the leash and the metal clip the entire time.

 

[Lukasdad]

Have a look at the silky Leash videos tried it with my boy def helped only did it for a few weeks then used a harness with treats he's great now remember patience is a virtue lol

 

[MNpresa]

I'll take a look. I'm sure I can find them on Youtube?

 

[MNpresa]

Updated photos.. Reina just over 12 weeks..

Channeling her inner terrier




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[cinnamon roll]

Absolutely gorgeous. How did is she now?

 

[MNpresa]

Thank you! She will be 13 weeks thursday!

 

[MNpresa]

As of 10/12/13..At 14 weeks (saw I accidently put 13wks in previous post)--Reina is 30.0 lbs. Took her into the vet for vaccinations and to get what we all thought was puppy mange checked out. To my surprise the vet didn't see any mites. Guess that's a good thing - though I'm wondering where the mange like sores on her head came from. They do appear to be healing so all is well!

 

[cinnamon roll]

Do you have pics of the sores? What did the vet say the sores were?

 

[MNpresa]

Sorry I haven't gotten back sooner! The sores as the hair loss has cleared up already.. I used the ointment a few times but it cleared on its own. The vet said she thought it was demodectic mange.. But only found half of a dead mite. She is still itching somewhat frequently, thinking about making a food change. I didn't have any good pictures of the spot, sorry! Here are some updated pictures of Reina.


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[cinnamon roll]

She is getting so big. What are you feeding her now?

 

[MNpresa]

She will be 17 weeks saturday! Anybody who had presa expirience- any comments about her size and growth? Don't know any other presa owners to compare with. At her appointment about 3 weeks ago she was 30lbs.


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[MNpresa]

I'm feeding her earthborn holistic Great Plains feast. It's all red meat and grain free. But because of her itching I think we might try something new


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[MNpresa]

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[cinnamon roll]

Have you ever tried using coconut oil?

 

[MNpresa]

Have not tried that. Just apply to the coat?


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[Smokeycat]

I just melt it and pour it over the kibble. I've also just fed it straight out of the jar. My guys will do anything for CO.