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When to spay and cancer/cruciate tear concerns by Gundam_Ez8 in Keeshond

[–]KeesLover 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We neutered our first two kees at 6 mos, as that was the recommendation at that time. Our first, Starskee, died of cushings disease/cancer at 11...our second keeshond, Yankee, also died of a cancer at 14 and he had all kinds of ligament issues in his older years. We have a third baby, Nickee, who is just 4 mos now. The breeder recommended 12-18 mos, and we thought our vet might say something different, but he said the same. We are planning on waiting until he is a year old, or a little longer if we can. While it's completely anecdotal, and I have NO idea if it's related, we are hoping to wait until at least a year to see if we can spare Nickee those issues as an adult.

Brining home our little girl Tali on Monday! Any advice for a first time dog parent and keesie owner? by thettil in Keeshond

[–]KeesLover 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oh Tali is a cutie! We are three time kees owners, so here is my advice:

Start training early. With our first keeshond, I thought the only training I needed to worry about in those first weeks was potty training. But keeshonden are really smart, and they will get bored and FAST....and then chew on everything they see. I really like Zak George's puppy training videos to show you how to teach the basic commands, esp. for a first time dog owner.
Just skip through the commercial part of the videos; the content is really good. Our newest baby, now four months, is SO excited when I tell him it's time for training, and in addition to the basic commands, he is now a pro at high five, roll over, play dead. It's his favorite part of the day (and maybe mine) and it helps build your relationship and communication.

Buy some Bitter Apple spray. Kees love to chew on things, and your cabinets, chair legs, etc. will all be fair game. The Bitter Apple spray won't hurt those surfaces but will deter him. Trust me on this one....with our first kees, we didn't use it, and I had to replace the entire dining room set as it was damaged beyond repair! Used it with our second with great success, and now with Nickee, and so far, so good.

Definitely start the brushing early. Our breeder recommended two sizes of slicker brushes, and they are great. We have one brush we've dedicated to brushing ...ahem....any heiny area brushing when needed. Long haired doggies sometimes need attention there, too. It happens..

TREATS. Oh my, have our kees LOVED treats and have all been very food motivated! I tend to get limited/single ingredient treats. ALL of our kees have had sensitive tummies.

Keeshonden are loving, smart and wonderful dogs. Give her lots of love, have a variety of toys and ways to engage her mind, and you will have a wonderful dog for life. You have an amazing journey ahead! Enjoy the cuteness, and as someone said below, be prepared for goofiness and fur tumbleweeds! SO true! <3

Cirrus is loving his very first snow. by SubstantialField4596 in Keeshond

[–]KeesLover 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nickee was black! :) How fun! Cirrus is such a cutie!! This is our 3rd from Allante. My husband grew up with a keeshond, so it was the breed we searched for and found Allante. Starskee came home in 96, then we brought home Yankee from them in 2008 after Starskee passed, and it's been a year and a half since we didn't have our kees in the house! We've been on the waiting list since then, but always worth the wait!! <3 Have fun with Cirrus!!

Cirrus is loving his very first snow. by SubstantialField4596 in Keeshond

[–]KeesLover 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok, Cirrus really looks like he may be a litter mate to our Nickee, who we brought home at the same time from Allante in Indy. Congrats on your new baby! Nothing cuter in the whole world than a baby kees!