Floyd is now 14 weeks and is my first DH. I have already come to the conclusion that they are amazing dogs. What I have read about them is certainly true-he is very intelligent and quick to learn but although he knows the rules will only obey them in his own time and if he feels like it-reminds me of my teenage children! He aalso has taken over the sofa already and gives a disgusted look if moved.
I am finding he is taking up loads of my time in walking and playing (good thing as means exercise and fresh air for me) but also in searching for information as to how to look after him properly (this forum has been great for this). I have decided to go down the raw diet route and he seems to enjoy a chicken wing more than anything except playing with an whole egg in the garden until he breaks and eats it. He still has a little kibble I have left as I am not sure if I am getting the balance right yet but he is doing well on the raw diet and his coat has a shine and no bowel problems. I would like to have a 'convenience' food for one of the meals a day though as I work part time and it would be easier in the morning as having 2 teenage boys to shout at and a walk with Floyd in the morning is already manic-does anyone know of anywhere I can get 'ready' raw meals (I am in the UK in Devon).
I always thought people who got too involved with their dogs were a bit crazy but now I understand it-these dogs are so endearing, intelligent and good company. Both me and my husband find ourselves talking to him as if he was human. I am really surprised though at their intelligence (which sometimes shows itself in sneakiness such as leaving the cat alone when I am in the room and looking to be asleep until I leave and return to find one harassed cat).
A couple of questions:
I was a bit worried when I read posts on here about taking first aid kits on walks-do they really injure themselves that much?
Do they chase sheep-it's just that there are some in the field at the moment next to our garden and I expected him to take a keen interest but he doesn't seem that bothered (or is he just waiting for my back to be turned).
Anyway, sorry about long post and thank you all for your help and advice-I really do appreciate it.

Could i ask whats a ready raw meal ?

I thought raw was ready made, if you get some out at night and defrost it
like you would any meat, and just feed when your ready in the morning,
in summer i give mine frozen carcasse's it helps keep them cool
and they love it.

ps - i would start to get him used to the sheep and stock brake him now,
even though hes not taking an intrest in them now, he could well do in the future,
its not worth the risk.

Yes that does sound a bit stupid now you mention it-I saw somewhere a company selling raw products for dogs(some with veg added) and thought it would be a good idea to have as a back-up, but you are right-if I have to defrost it I may as well defrost my own. I also heard good reports on dehydrated raw products for travelling, putting in kennels etc which sounded like it would be useful for if I forgot to defrost but it was an american site. I will just have to get in the habit of remembering each night and I am sure it will soon become second nature.
Thanks.

It might have been landywoods you saw, as they do a mix with veg in it,
when i did feed raw to mine, i never bothered about veg, as in the wild they would have got verry little ruffage from veg anyway, i do however occasionaly give mine carrots to chomp on,
although it isnt any value to them,they do love them.

www.landywoods.co.uk/price_list.html

You might want to look at BARF. I know what you mean by convenient. I mix in veggies and yoghurt and other bits and peices. BARF patties etc are all premade with everything in them. I don't use it personally but many people do as it cuts down time.
There should be a local distributor somewhere over there.

PS May not be as cheap as doing it yourself

I mix my own raw food and freeze it in portions basically - so , every evening I take some out and that is as easy as it gets . I als have kibble handy and some tins in case I did not thaw enough or they are extra hungry.
As for the sheep , yes , do introduce him and make it a good experience ( treats and praise for ignoring them or similar ) he might take them as normal/ belonging to the landscape and to be left alone forever - better do not take a risk , the preydrive might wake up one day ...
As to injuries , well , mine regulary will get all kinds of cuts (and sometimes bruises ) when out and about hunting in the bush - I have learned over the years though , that deerhound/sighthound skin heals as easily as it rips and I rarely bother to have them stitched up ( the last I had stichted was just about 8 yars ago and it was on top of the head as my poor girl didn't quite duck deep enough under some fencing - looked like halloween ...) . I do check on them though , might cut some of the hair out and put some desinfectant on / clean the wound , especially when they should be out of reach for the dogs . Also , I have all kinds of booties for them should there be a cut in a pad. Basically they are fine and not too bad with injuries . My 4deerhounds run free( and hunt )in a pretty rough land , lots of dense bush , remnants of barbed wiring here and there and everywhere hidden in it , rockhard ground for most of the year and , at times , very steep mountain sides - not an easy place to stay healthy /unharmed for fast dogs of that seize.