Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 32

Thread: Need advice w new puppy

  1. #1
    Senior Member WoodyLV's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Beaver Country
    Posts
    190
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Need advice w new puppy

    OK Ive never had a dog before, but decided to adopt a puppy from the shelter. According to them he's a 12-14 week old terrier mix (though everyone has their opinions on that). Most of the time hes sweet but Ive got a few problems, that I dont know are bc its normal puppy stuff or bc hes from a shelter w bad habits. Today I move to a pet friendly apartment so I have more to work with since it wont matter so much if he whines. He's only been here with me two days, in hiding so I dont get evicted.

    1) He will not tolerate being either in a crate or left alone in any room. He goes apeshit and starts biting and clawing. He will settle after a while (I left a webcam on to watch him). Anyway, Im not sure of the proper setup. SHould I fence off the kitchen? (If i can find one that will hold him) A metal crate seems kindof cruel. Esp while I am at work.

    2) He pees whenever and wherever he wants, and doesnt care about stopping if I run and grab him, he resists. Does not give any signals. He would rather lay down on the puppy pads then use them. I dont know what to do. Will this get better with just a routine in place?

    3) He's started biting me instead of the couple of toys. I got him a kong which was a lifesaver the first day, he doesnt much like the tennis ball, goes nuts on my socks which seems to make him go more crazy. But he wants to bite my hands and feet now. Im not sure how to get him to stop, but its like I cant play with him or he'll bite me. More toys?

    I really want to enjoy my pup but these get really tiring fast!

    THANKS!!

  2. #2
    ajbaer
    Guest

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Dog Obedience classes IMMEDIATELY!!! This will be your only life saver. There are things you can do at home. There's just sooo much to type out. Search the boards, There was a recent Hoo Haw about dog obedience and training stuffs. Best of luck.

  3. #3
    God/dess CKXXX's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2008
    Location
    in my head
    Posts
    3,467
    Thanks
    20
    Thanked 300 Times in 181 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    1) dont use puppy pads. You are just training him that its ok to go inside at this point'

    2) if the crate is large enough for him to standup and turn around in..its not cruel.YOu dont have to use it forever,just until he is trained

    3)As soon as you wake up..take him out of the crate and right outside.
    Take him outside again @20 min after eating
    take him out whenever he's in the crate for any length of time
    take him out before you put him in the crate
    take him out before you go to bed

    When he pees/poops outside, praise him like CRAZY and give him a treat.

    terriers can be stubborn,but they are very smart.

    more ideas:
    http://www.loveyourdog.com/housebreaking.html

    If he gets out of hand and nips at you...say NO and immediately put him in his crate for a time out. Take him back out after 10 minutes or so. Eventually he will learn that bad behavior gets him NO attention.

    other ideas:
    http://www.dog-obedience-training-re...om-biting.html

    Quote Originally Posted by lexilou View Post
    "I'll picklepunch you in your twatwaffle!"

  4. #4
    God/dess pookie's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    3,508
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 36 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    pix of doggy plz!




  5. #5
    Banned i.breathe.in's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    4,967
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    yes the crate is a good training tool. give him a bowl of water a chew toy and a blanket. if he goes apeshit you cant go back anbd coddle him, you have to ignore it otherwise your just reinforcing his behaviour.


    im not being rude but didnt you look into puppy training when you started thinking of getting a dog?

    i dont like puppies, they are cute but god are they a lot of work to get trained properly.

  6. #6
    God/dess LuckyOne's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    LAS
    Posts
    3,118
    Thanks
    28
    Thanked 259 Times in 98 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Quote Originally Posted by pookie View Post
    pix of doggy plz!
    Yes, pictures please!!! Thank you for adopting a dog from a shelter. (*swoon* -my hero!) It sounds like he will need lots of walks to wear him out since you live in an apartment. You could take him to the dog park too if he's had all his shots. Maybe you'll run into me and Kaylinn.

  7. #7
    Featured Member kandie_kitten's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Posts
    1,944
    Thanks
    164
    Thanked 498 Times in 218 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    First off, when you're at work, how long is he left alone? As a puppy, and with no housebreaking training, he WILL have accidents if left alone for more than 2 hours or so. Is it possible to take some time off to train him, or have a friend stop in to take him out?

    Dogs are a lot fo work, puppies are an INSANE amount of work, even just to housebreak. I know dozens of people who adopted dogs, had no idea how to housebreak them, and now have adult dogs that STILL have accidents because they didn't realize how hard it is, and how much time it requires.

    If you can resolve that, here's the best bet for housebreaking:


    Number one...puppy pads are you first problem. You are teaching him that it is okay to pee inside...dogs can't really distinguish between a "allowed" indoor spot and a "bad" one. He doesn't understand the difference.

    Your dog has probably had no housebreaking training, so you need to start from scratch.

    Your best bet is to invest into a good crate...not one of those metal cage-looking things. A big plastic one makes a dog feel more secure, as it's like a little den for them. Make sure it's big enough that he can stand and turn, but not too large. If it's too big, he'll think it's okay to soil one end and just lay on the other. Put a nice little soft blanket or pad in it for him to lay on, and one or two toys (a kong is great for a crate to keep down boredom)

    Since he's had no training, this will require a lot of dedication on your part. I would recommend you take him out every hour, on the hour at first. Keep him outside until he goes. When he does, make a big fuss over him, play with him a bit, then put him back in the crate. (Since the shelter was unsure of his age, I recommend every hour on the hour; if he is in fact older, he may have more bladder control, and may go to 2 or 3 hours...but for the safe side, start with one hour)

    At night, you can stretch it to 3 or 4 hours, but absolutely no more. And if he has an accident, reduce the time he's left before taking him out, and make sure you ABSOLUTELY sterilize the area he peed on. Dogs can smell where they went, and have an urge to reurinate there.

    As he gets the idea (usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending ont he dog and the reliability of the owner), you can open up his space. Set up a baby gate and restrict him to the kitchen (I would leave his crate though, many dogs learn to love their crate) and continue taking him out every few hours, or whenever he asks.

    At this point, he should get the idea, and should go to the door when he needs to go, or will bark.

    As for the biting.

    As a terrier mix, your dog needs a lot of exercise, expecially because you're in an apartment. Beyond taking him out for "his business", you should be taking him out for walks for at least an hour a day. Maybe split it up, half hour in the morning, half hour at night.

    Many dogs, when bored and hyper, resort to biting. Exercise will tame that a bit, and will keep him from getting destructive.

    Also, to stop biting, since he's young...when he bites, make a yelping noise (that's what the mother dog/other pups do), get up, and leave. For pups, lack of attention is the worst punishment possible, they hate being left alone.

    Also, don't rough house with him. If your dog bites, playing tug of war, wrestling, etc, only encourages the biting/rough behavior.

    Good luck! Fell free to PM if you have questions.

  8. #8
    Senior Member WoodyLV's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Beaver Country
    Posts
    190
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    thanks all! (and kandie I might take you up on the PM - for moral support lol!) im seriously exhausted. i did read up lots beforehand, but i dunno the books make it seem easy. 1-2-3. and i think i have a difficult case which i didnt quite realize about getting a puppy from shelter.

    i think since all he probably knows is kennel is that he can do whatever he wants and someone will come along and clean up for him. at least i got him to my new apt today so can start taking lots of walks etc, then hopefully he will go and i'll praise him. havent had the chance yet!

    i just took him to the vet for an initial check, he's healthy, and she didnt even know what mix he is. i'd swear he's got some chihuahua in him. she thought maybe some lab which i also wondered about. she said since he's 13 weeks it will be tougher to train him as well. she said he can hold pee for 4-6 hours by now. i can let him out during my lunchtime. of course he was an angel at the vet hah. for real he goes between the sweetest thing ever and a terror. she said to use treats as reward as much as possible. she also recommended expanding to a pen after he starts to get the idea.

    i caught him about to pee today, then took him outside for like 45 minutes, and he wouldnt go. so im not sure its that simple as with like a regular puppy. just now he peed in his crate, ugh. im also scared that with the crate, he will start to resent me? or is that all part of the alpha dog thing?

    PIC attached!

  9. #9
    God/dess CKXXX's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2008
    Location
    in my head
    Posts
    3,467
    Thanks
    20
    Thanked 300 Times in 181 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    He's so sweet looking!
    I def see lab there. It will take some time for him to get used to new surroundings,new people,new rules...but keep at it and he will learn

    Quote Originally Posted by lexilou View Post
    "I'll picklepunch you in your twatwaffle!"

  10. #10
    God/dess PaigeDWinter's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Cocoa Beach, FL
    Posts
    10,220
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 52 Times in 37 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    I'm anti-crating but I agree on training classes
    Number of times Rickrolled on stage: 6
    *******************************

    Marasmus ... "Ladies don't fart. They butt-laugh."
    Marasmus says, "Oh no, that wasn't gas, it was merely a rectal chuckle."

    Marek says, "A friend of mine got punched in the face by a dominatrix stripper about two weeks ago and I thought of you."

  11. #11
    Senior Member WoodyLV's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Beaver Country
    Posts
    190
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Awe, heres another one. The eyes really get you..

  12. #12
    Peanut_Butter
    Guest

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Also, with him not tolerating being in the crate...

    I trained my dog to " go to bed"

    I set his crate up, and sat down on the floor a few feet away from the crate. I got his attention with a treat and I said " Go to bed!" and threw the treat in the crate. he ran after the treat, which was in his crate. When he went in, I used a clocker and clocked it and said good boy! over and over we did this, until I stopped throwing the treat in ad just said go to bed! then when he ran in, I threw the treat in after him. Eventually, I stopped using a treat and just told him to go to bed. When I put him in his crate, he has a stuffed animal and his kong or chew toy.

    If he cries, ignore him!! if yo go in, talk to him cuddle him or pay any attention, you are just reinforcing that its ok to be crying. So just ignore it. the crying will stop eventually.
    But since he isn crate trained, dont throw him in there and expect him to stay quiet for hours on end. he needs to be trained to enjoy his crate. So start small. leave him in there an hour. let him out only when he has been quiet for a few minutes. never while he's crying. let him outside to pee, play for a bit and then back in...dont leave him in there unattended for several hours. he needs trained to enjoy his crate time and to learn thats his safe place. his den. his sleeping place.

    Are you workign 8 hours a day? if so...can you take tim eoff? 8 horus ( plus driving time he's probably alone for 9+?) thats far to long for a puppy to be crated. if you cant take time off, can someone come over half way through the day to let him out to pee and play for a bit? I adopted my puppy when I wasnt workign so I had plenty of time to train him.

    As for the pee pads, I second that not using them at all. My puppy came to me pee pad trained..and he is still having accidents at nearly 8 months old. he is housebroken, but if nobody is watchign him, he won ask to go outside, he will just go pee in a corner. but if I'm watchign him, he will ask to go out.
    my pup is also a terrier. they are stubborn and very smart, which makes trainign more difficult...my dog knows when he does somethign bad..and he just tried harder to hide it next time instead of stopping.

    Exercise!! so very very important for any dog, but espicialyl a high energy terrier. he needs walked, at leat an hour a day. walked properly! dont let him walk you. you walk him. this will not only exercise him but also show him o follow you, which is important in training. he needs to learn to respect and follow you, whch start with following you in a walk.

  13. #13
    Featured Member kandie_kitten's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Posts
    1,944
    Thanks
    164
    Thanked 498 Times in 218 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Don't worry about the dog resenting you about the crate. Dogs reallyd on't do resentment. He will understand biting=separationf rom pack, which is hard for a dog, so will help modify his bad behavior.

    My dogs have all loved their crates.

    I currently have a 3 year old Golden Retriver who was crate trained as a pup. Even after she was housebroken and had the run of the house, she would still go into her crate to sleep (we took off the door so she could come and go as she pleased).

    We thought she had gotten past that, so we bought her a giant plush bed, and put the crate in the basement. She would nap in the bed during the day, but at night, she would wander around, looking for her crate, for hours. She would eventually curl up under the dining room table, or under nightstands, because they were the closest thing to a crate she could find. She couldn't sleep soundly, and would whimper a lot

    We took pity on her and brought the crate back up, and she was so happy! She sleeps in it every night, and she sleeps so soundly in it, we have to shake her in the mornings to wake her up to take her out. And even then she tries to ignore us lol.

    Her crate is her "safe place" if she's scared, exhausted, or overwhelmed (like when we have small children around) she goes to her crate. It's where she feels secure.

  14. #14
    Banned
    Joined
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Charlotte NC
    Posts
    1,101
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Crate training is the only thing that allowed my parents to keep our dog. 3 vets told us to put her to sleep when we got her, and eventually she was put on Prozac to chill her out (this is a $550 purebred puppy, not a shelter dog).

    My dog is now 6 years old, and we don't really use the crate much anymore, but she "earned it" but being left in the house alone for longer and longer increments until we could trust her. She still will eat the shit out of the trash or toilet paper is bathroom and pantry doors are left open, but shes pretty good now.

    Crates aren't inhumane- my dog thinks its her "room". Whenever we put her in, we'd get a treat, say "Onyx, go to your room!" really happy sounding, and when she went in on her own, we'd give her a treat.

    Now she goes in every night on the dot, on her own accord, flips over and goes to sleep. She stays in there all night with the door open...so I wouldn't say a crate is cruel at all!

  15. #15
    Featured Member BrodieLux's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    938
    Thanks
    5
    Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    I've had really good success fixing the biting problem this way:


    When your dog bites you, say "No!" in a clear, strong voice (not angry, just not gentle) and then give the dog a toy to chew on immediately. When the dog chews on the toy, go nuts with the praise. Pet him (is it a him?) and coo at him and kiss him, etc. This is re-directing the biting to an appropriate target. The dog is going to continue to need to naw on things as he teethes, so re-directing is a win-win.

    I have two dominant breed big dogs and this worked on both of them, and very quickly.
    Quote Originally Posted by CuriousSeeker View Post
    ^Pssssttttt, your stripper is showing.

  16. #16
    God/dess LuckyOne's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    LAS
    Posts
    3,118
    Thanks
    28
    Thanked 259 Times in 98 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Quote Originally Posted by WoodyLV View Post
    Awe, heres another one. The eyes really get you..
    Ha ha ha! He looks like a holy terror. Look at those intelligent eyes!

  17. #17
    God/dess pookie's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    3,508
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 36 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Oh my dog, I can't handle the cuteness!!!!




  18. #18
    Senior Member WoodyLV's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Beaver Country
    Posts
    190
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Guess what he's doing great already! I cant believe it.. I made the crate really nice will fluffly padding, a towel, some toys, and covered with a blanket. Then before bedtime I walked him till he couldnt keep his eyes open So he went to sleep in the crate nicely only after a few minutes of whining. AND - he's been going potty outside ever since!! Now I take him out immediately when returning and go right outside to potty and give lots of praise and a treat.

    He's also starting to fetch (though he likes to tease me coming back close then running away again lol), and even learning to go up and down the stairs. For the biting I think it does help to make a whimper noise to get him to stop. We've been taking lots of walks, its not easy bc he gets excited over everything, but I think that helps tremendously to get his energy out and then be more docile inside. Im going to be in college shape after all this walking haha.

    He's SO interested in everything else, hes not even that interested in calming down to eat. Ive got to lead him to the bowl and stay with him or he will completely forget about it. Hes also got a little cough but vet said see if it goes away itself, I might get him a harness instead of a collar just in case thats the cause bc he almost chokes himself when he gets excited on the lease.

  19. #19
    God/dess LuckyOne's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    LAS
    Posts
    3,118
    Thanks
    28
    Thanked 259 Times in 98 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Dood- you're dog is already smarter than most people's kids. I knew it! Cute-cute.

    Carry on.

  20. #20
    Banned i.breathe.in's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    4,967
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    yaay always glad when advice works out!

  21. #21
    Featured Member kandie_kitten's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Posts
    1,944
    Thanks
    164
    Thanked 498 Times in 218 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Just as a note...he should not be able to choke himself when walking. Your collar is not effective. Youneed to teach your dog to walk neatly on the leash, not pulling or tugging. (If he walks ahead and tugs, he's learning he's the boss...he needs to walk alongside you).

    I recommend obedience classes to help you both learn how to walk properly on a leash...your trainer can show you the training collar best suited for your dog (though I highly recommend prong collars over choke chains...they look more severe, but are actually much safer/gentler...lol, my dog still goes on a prong collar, though I almost never use it, or even a leash, anymore. But I even pick it up, she gets all excited and sits and waits for me to put it on her))

    When you're out for a walk, it isn't just a walk, he's at work. So make himw ork. He should walk alongside you...if he gets all excited, make him sit...make him lay down, make him stay. When another dog/person passes, make him lay down. He'll learn he has to behave at all times...it's funny, dogs really do need to feel like they have a job, an dthey behave much better all the time if they have "work" once or twice a day.

    And I would also try to stop his teasing behavior. He should bring objects TO you. I know it seems funny and cute, but let's say he picks up something he shouldn't have (maybe your shoes, or worse, something that could hurt him) you want to make sure he brings it to you, and doesn't run away and play keep away.


    Two ways to teach him to come when you want him to:

    1.) Find a friend or partner. Stand at either sides of a room or a yard. Call out "come" and have a treat...when he comes, make a big fuss. Then have you friend do the same. The dog should run in between you several times. Then call it a day.


    2.) Try getting a long lead (like 20 or 30 feet) Let him walk the length of it out, then say come. If he doesn't come, give the lead a tug. Repeat.

    A few sessions of the above and he should come when called regardless of what he has.

  22. #22
    Peanut_Butter
    Guest

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Also..don't sit with him and force him to eat. He's going to learn that behavior and end up never eating unless yuo sit there and spoon feed him.

    When are you feeding him? Should do it after the walk, when he's had to work for his food and is nice and hungry. I feel my dog in his cage, although some people recommend against that. but either way. Make him sit calmly while you prepare his food, sit calmly when you put it down for him, then tell him to go ahead and eat iit. Walk away. If he's hungry, he'll get to it. He's just a puppy, so he may not need as much food as yoru giving him. If he's to excited abotu everythgin else to eat. try tfeeding him in his kennel where he has nothign else to do but eat. Oh, and no treats or bones until he has his breakfast. Just ake sure he's calm befor eyou feed him. and it's important to feed him after his walk so he has "earned" his food. ( and gotten hungry)

    My puppy personally prefers to walk, rest a while, and eat his first meal about 3 hours after he's been awake. He never eats early in the morning. So maybe your just feeding your dog before he's ready to eat.

    but..nice job so far! I love to hear your walkign him so much! it's vver important and so helpful, isnt it?

  23. #23
    Senior Member WoodyLV's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Beaver Country
    Posts
    190
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Thanks again... lately during the walking he just digs his feet in if he wants to check something out and wont move not matter what. Yeah again, trying to be the leader. But its impossible to try and pull him along.

    I will enroll him in puppy obediance for sure, but i have to wait for his second set of shots (hes a little behind since older kennel pup). I might also try a different food, its possible he just a picky eater, vet said terriers can do that.

    Hes also getting too smart for me to lure him into the crate with a treat!

  24. #24
    Banned i.breathe.in's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    4,967
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Quote Originally Posted by WoodyLV View Post
    Thanks again... lately during the walking he just digs his feet in if he wants to check something out and wont move not matter what. Yeah again, trying to be the leader. But its impossible to try and pull him along.

    not sure f this was mentioned or not but there are dog walking harnesses called gentle leaders. they can make any dog walk on a leash properly. it basically slips around their mouth and elads them by turning their head. its not cruel or painful at all.

  25. #25
    God/dess LuckyOne's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2006
    Location
    LAS
    Posts
    3,118
    Thanks
    28
    Thanked 259 Times in 98 Posts

    Default Re: Need advice w new puppy

    Just so you know about puppy classes: Take him to a real obedience school, not the hundred dollar 8 week class at Petsmart. Its a total gyp- they hardly teach you anything. My dog was the best dog in her class BY FAR because I trained her at home. They teach you one thing every week and send you off into the store to "practise" (shop.) I don't think they taught "sit" til the 3rd class.

    Happy hunting! I mean... walking... er... whatever.

    Oh, also he looks like a shepherd lab mix to me and he sounds smart enough to be part shepherd. High maintenance dog, needs lots of walks, task oriented (fetch) and very protective. You'll need the puppy classes.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. My new puppy!
    By loveandluxury in forum Picture Post
    Replies: 25
    Last Post: 06-01-2008, 08:25 PM
  2. Shy puppy advice, please?
    By loveandluxury in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-29-2008, 12:06 PM
  3. new puppy!
    By betterthaneden in forum Picture Post
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 02-20-2008, 03:20 AM
  4. I got a new puppy!
    By ExtacyInDaytona in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 03-30-2007, 02:23 PM
  5. I got a puppy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    By Hottie7268 in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 38
    Last Post: 03-10-2005, 06:05 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •