German shep x collie puppy

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a german shep x collie pup 15 weeks old. I have heard that if you massage their ears it will help them stand up like a german shep's should, now is this true or is it a old wives tale?
Many thanks
Clare

ANSWER: I have never heard that, and doubt if it would make much difference.  A lot of people decide this or that might help this or that, and go around saying so with no proof.  

Now one thing I have a lot of proof for is proper feeding of large breed puppies.  They need to start out on a puppy chow and nothing else.  Then an early switch to adult chow slows their growth giving their joints more time to develope.  Do not give any suppliments or additives.  Keep the puppy lean, usually easy with a Shepherd.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, he has been on puppy iams since i have had him at 7 weeks. When do you suggest to change his food? I have already decided to have him neutered at 6 months he has already worked it out.

kind regards
clare

Answer
The dog guide school has us switch at 4 months.  Maybe when you run low in puppy chow, start mixing in the same product, butthe adult formula until after a week it si all adult chow.  A few weeks either way doesnt' make any difference.

Thank you for planning to neuter him.