Firsttime OES mom has questions about the new puppy
 I've been a little concerned, though, because he is so calm!  He plays for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours chasing the cats or the children or playing with his toys and then he sleeps for 2 - 2 1/2 hours. He's six weeks and 3 days old today. He's sleeping at my feet right now. Should I be concerned? Or is this much sleep normal at his age?
I'll post his picture as soon as I can get them uploaded! He's gorgeous!! I'll appreciate any comments/advise! Thanks ever so much!! |
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| Wow, he is really young!
Welcome to the forum! 
A puppy that young should actually still be with his mom and littermates, and he is a baby so he needs LOTS of sleep. At that age sleeping most of the time is normal and healthy, he needs it. He should also be fed 4 times a day until at least 8 weeks. I can't wait to see pics of him! Where did you get him? |
| I agree that 6 weeks is very young to be removed from the Mom & Littermates. Puppies that age require alot of sleep - they sleep probably 20 hours out of a day at that age. Is he alert when he's awake and appear healthy otherwise (? eye drainage, nose drainage, coughing, etc.). If he experiences any symptoms like that - I would get him seen by a Vet.
Good LUck and Welcome! Kristen, Presley & Sydney |
| I got him from a local breeder. I did visit the kennel several times. Both the dam and sire were on site and the pups were raised inside the house with their mom at their side. I took him to the vet yesterday for a wellness check and the vet said everything looked good. He's healthy. It's been such a long, long time since I had a puppy, I just needed some reassurance that this was normal. Thanks for your reply! |
| Thanks for the warm welcome and prompt replies!
Yes, he is alert when he's awake. He LOVES going outside! The cool weather (35 F) seems to energize him. I appreciate, too, the confirmation of the frequent feeding schedule. It is what my vet recommended, as well. He has a good appetite. |
| Yes, the cool weather turned most of our sheepies even more clownish than usual...lol....
What method are you using for house training? He won't be house trained at this age anyway, but good habits start right from the beginning and taking him out frequently but for brief periods of time and positive reinforcement for everything work well. Crate training to keep him safe when you can't watch him also is a great way to housetrain. Beauregard is a great name for a sheepie! |
| Thanks! I like the name, too!
For training, so far I've been using what my vet refered to as "the old fashioned method". I'm simply taking him out after he wakes up from naps, after he eats and then periodically in between (sort of watching him for the "signs"). Please give me advise on crate training. I am convinced it's a good thing, but how do I go about it? What do I do when he cries? |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: Please give me advise on crate training. I am convinced it's a good thing, but how do I go about it? What do I do when he cries?
Ignore him as much as possible! Because of his age - this may be a little more difficult. You should give him something as a comfort in his crate - a stuffed toy, chew toy, blanket, etc. If he continues to cry - try putting a blanket or sheet over the crate. You may do well with the crate near you at night - some dogs just want to be closer to you - but if you find it is making him more anxious about being in the crate - keep him out of your sight instead. I strongly advocate for crate training - it keeps them much safer and is much easier for housetraining purposes! Puppies can get into a lot of trouble if not being watched every second! I also recommend a training book - The Dog Listener: Learn How to Communicate with Your Dog for Willing Cooperation, by Jan Fennell - for any dog owner! Good Luck! I'm not sure how much you know about OES - but obviously grooming is a big thing with this breed. Get Beauregard used to being brushed as early as possible. Brush him gently for a few minutes each day. Kristen |
| Hi,
Welcome to you and Beaurequard, I agree with the others that 6 wks was a tad young to be taken from his littermates. You may find that throughout his life he will be attached more to humans and may experience some difficulties with other dogs as a result. The only reason I mention it, is if this would be of concern to you - you are aware and can make some adjustments as to how he is raised. The period of 6 wks to 10 wks is a crucial time frame in a young pups life where he learns social skills and play with his littermates. He would have learned "doggie social cues and rules". Your little tyke did not get much chance as 2 wks more even could make a difference. I sure hope I'm not making you feel bad as that's not my intention. Now that you know this you can give him opportunity to play with other dogs at age 12 wks (when he's had all his shots) as much as possible and he will go up accepting of other dogs. Thinking of the future here as you would grow to dislike taking him out for walks or being at a park, if he were to become anxious around other dogs. That's the thing with these lovable furballs is what's cute now - may not be so cute when they are 100 pounds and massive. Just keep that in mind as that's the best advice I can give regarding any dog. This site is absolutely great for sharing advice, concerns or just bragging about our boys and girls. It's wonderful to have you here! As for crate training, I don't do it myself but many others here do and probably can give better advice. Here's my understanding of it - the best time to start is when pup is young - a nice warm blanket and toy should be in the crate. Canine's in the wild grow up in dens and feel safe and secure in them. They won't however soil the place where they sleep, but if you leave them in there too long - especially a little one such as yours he won't be able to hold his bladder for long periods. The rule of thumb is 2 hrs for the first couple weeks. A new little pup is very much like having a newborn - eat , sleep, poop. 
Funny enough, all of us thought our pups were much calmer than other breeds when they were weeks old...Ha!! Boy did they fool us!!! As most grew up to be much more active than the dogs we previously compared them to. I think it's a ploy in the Sheepie kingdom amongst themselves..ha ha! I previously mentioned the shots he has to have usually finishing the series of 3 at the age of 12 wks to be fully protected from Parvo and other diseases. The little ones have of course a much weeker immune system than a full grown adult dog. Most people don't realize that even if they step in the poop or urine of another dog and lick their paws afterwards they may get a disease and it's usually fatal for those with weeker immune systems. He'd be fine to play other dogs before that time providing you knew for sure the other dog had all his/her shots. Sorry for the long post but just trying to be helpful to a new sheepie owner. Congrats on your new baby and I'm sure you'll be rewarded with years of laughter and hooked on sheepies forever. All the best to you! Marianne and the boys Merlin, Panda and Blue Oh last thing, please don't hesitate to ask any question you ever have as we're all here to help. Again welcome to this forum! You may want to check out Clipper's advice located just a few down from your post, titled Getting a new Puppy. It a must read for every new puppy owner! Marianne |
| Thanks Kristen & Marianne! I appreciate the advise ever so much! I've never crate trained before, so I really appreciate all the practical advise I can get.
Just some background on my "pet" history, I lost my precious Pumpkin, who was a lab/doberman mix, in November. She was 13 and I adopted her when she was a year old. So, she had already been trained and spayed when she came to me. I do have two adorable cats, Ainsley & Einstein who are 18 months old, that Beau is enjoying playing with. They've actually adjusted to him pretty quickly...hopefully soon they'll actually enjoy him.
As for interaction with other dogs, he will be spending some time periodically with the two Shih Tzus that my mother and sister have. They are fully vaccinated, so I have no worry with them. I am being very cautious about who he comes into contact with until he completes his shots. I have brushed him a couple of times, but he wasn't too crazy about it. I had to keep making him come back to me as he kept trying to get away.
I can't wait to get his picture posted so you all can see my baby boy, too! |
| With the brushing.... give him treats or a good bone to chew on and brush him for very short periods of times - praising him when he's cooperating. At his age, you could use a soft bristled brush and could even start with the back side of the brush for him to get used to. Do alot of "hands on" touch - touching his feet, ears, body, etc.
Another great thing to do would be to get him used to noises - without being fearful - especially if you live in a Thunderstorm area - the more they get exposed to during this age - the better and more adjusted they will be. Get him used to car rides, leash/collars, etc. As Marianne said, 6 -10 weeks of age is critical for learning and socialization. I'm sure you'll do great! Remember to ask if you have any questions - that's what we are all here for (and to hear about all the wonderful things Beauregard does of course!) Kristen |
| Welcome to the forum!
Congratulations on your new baby! I totally agree with the "what was cute when they are little, may not be cute later". My sheepiegirl is a svelt 80 pounds, but in her mind she's the size of a yorkie. When she was a puppy she loved to sleep on her back in my arms with all 4 feet up in the air. Needless to say she still loves to sleep on her back in my arms. It's a little more difficult, but I can't turn her down! Remember it's never too early to start training. I started Abby's obedience classes at 3 months, mainly as a socializing attempt. I was told not to expect too much. Needless to say she graduated "Top Dog". I even incorporated a few general hand signals at a very early age, just on the chance that she may have hearing difficulties. Better to be safe than sorry. Congratulations on Beauregard! |
| I've always trained with hand signals too, even a dog with excellent hearing will begin to lose it as it gets older. |
| That's a great idea! I obviously use hand signals with Sydney due to her deafness but as Willowsprite said it's great for all dogs to learn them - especially if an dog starts to lose their hearing when they get older. It's much more difficult to "re-train" them using hand signals at that point.
There are some typical obedience hand signals that most classes will teach but if anyone wants others - you can look at www.deafdogs.org for some suggestions (or make up your own). I have also found hand signals to come in handy with my neice and nephew - when they are doing something they shouldn't be - I give them the hand signal for "NO" - rather than making a fool out of myself by screaming at them! 
Kristen |
| It comes in handy for so many things. For instance, my Dad would be extremely offended if I interrupted him during a conversation to tell a dog to sit, but at the same time, he doesn't like it if they pushing at him to pet them and I will just give them a hand signal to sit, they do, everyone is happy. Or same thing if I am on the phone... I can get my dogs to obey "most" commands, "most" of the time, from across the yard without saying a word. |
| That's a great suggestion to use hand signals! I wouldn't have thought of it, but it makes a great deal of sense. I'll check out that website now.
Congratulations on Abby graduating at the top of her class! |
I'm so excited! Beaureguard spent the night in his crate last night (beside the bed) without crying! Of course, we got up to go potty, but he went right back in without any problems at all! I am sooooo PROUD of him!! He's at the office with me today and he just voluntarily went back into the crate to take a nap. I'm such a proud mommy!! He's such a good boy!!!!  |
| Good job! You'll really find it is a blessing at times if they learn to love their crates! |
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