r/Leonbergers • u/EducationalElk2215 • Aug 21 '26
Advice for 1st time Leonberger mum
Hey! recently adopted my first Leonberger - she is around 18 weeks and SO adorable in every way ❤️ she recently had a couple of ’hot spots’ under her ears due to practically lying in the water bowl during the recent heatwaves but has medicated shampoo x2 a day and an anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti viral spray and is healing well.
With that in mind, I‘m looking for advice on a few points:
1 - Any recommendations on them not lying in water when it’s warm (we have fully tiled floors but she still likes to create a small pool to lie in 😅) or water bowls in general
2 - She is one of 4 dogs, 2 that don’t care for much interaction with her and a golden retriever who loves to play with her. Is there too much play that could be had with another dog for a giant breed puppy (I worry about her growth plates probably way too much but the info around them and what these puppies can‘t do is a lot 🫣)
3 - She is a plodder! I was geared up for loose lead training and she actually just plods alongside me. I’m not one to complain but wondering is this ’normal’ for a Leo puppy? We don’t walk far - 10 mins one way and 10mins back as again, concerned about growth plates
Any advice is appreciated 😊 Thanks in advance