Just wondering if I should change the food I have always used in the past.(Purina) Do you change food during off season?(orjust amount) Does anyone mix premium food with a lesser price point(Ihad read something that mentioned mixing) I am also interested in what kind of treats I should use during training etc. Also what is the recommended ages for transition from puppy food to adult.

I feed the same year round but it never gets all that hot up here!  They do tend to be most active in the summer, especially swimming.

From when they are pups, I start training them to think veggies are treats.  Baby carrots, green beans, whatever.  My dogs do tricks for carrots!  I also use liver for heavy duty training sessions or those little Buddy peanut butter biscuits.  They are about the size of the end of your little finger.  I think their favorite is the carrots though!

I noticed you are in Blanco, TX. That is just up the road a bit from us.  We are in Austin, TX.  I have two female shorthairs (3 and 4 yrs) and we are getting ready to add a male pup in July.

I feed EVO kibble for large dogs and Wellness Venison or Lamb cans.  In the morning they get the kibble and in the afternoon they get a mix of kibble and cans.  We feed the same thing year round and change the amount based on their weight.  I like to keep them thinner in the summer since it gets so hot in the summer.  For the puppy, I usually feed puppy food until they are about 6 months and then start switching them over to the adult food.  For my oldest, I actually switched her a bit sooner than that as she didn't much care for puppy food. Also, when I first get a puppy I keep them on the same thing the breeder was using at least until they get settled in their new home.  Then I will switch them to a good puppy food if I don't really like what the breeder was feeding. The amount really depends on the dog.  I have found shorthairs usually eat more than the recommended amounts on the dog food as they really burn the calories.

For treats we feed a variety, but usually Wellness or California Bars. I also bake my own training treats using chicken livers or beef liver.  Here is a link to the recipe:

http://www.mydogtrainer.com/freedogtrainingtips/dog-treat-recipe.htm

I have found this treat to work really well for training and the girls love it.  It is also easy to  make.  I have used variations of this where I add molasses or peanut butter and I use whole wheat flour.

We also give the girls carrots, apples, and sometimes leftovers from dinner depending what we have. 

Hope this helps.

Bev and the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo)

We give our's Pro Plan performance. I didn't know about the sensitive skin and stomach, I may try that one. Thanks

And best of luck with your new pup too!

I think the most important thing is just to remain alert to the condition of your dog.  I took a good look at our new little girl today and she has picked up about 5 lbs.  You can't count her ribs anymore and her coat is very shiny.  She is looking much better so we are doing something right!

After trying serveral premium foods we've settled on Eagle. It's worth the price without totally breaking the bank.

Oh, and I had to peel Anya away from the salsa today on our hiking picnic. She was very dissapointed but I figured dog + too much salsa + 40 miles to drive home = danger.

N. D.

Who are you getting your pup from?  Just curious as I know quite a few of the breeders in our area.  When do you expect to get your pup?  You know, you have to post pictures as we all love those GSP puppy pictures.  I am getting my new pup (if the breeding goes ok) sometime around the end of July.  I know you are anxious. 

Bev and the Pointer Sisters (who are anxiously waiting for their little brother)

We feed Browning Natural Balance canned food year round.  We supplement this with cut up roasted chicken.  He has never liked dry food.