At Wits End.. Please HELP!!!
Nothing has been easy with her. Somehow we just recently managed to house train her ..(if we don't count accidents which I feel are sometimes done on purpose). Right now she is ringing a bell that we have hanging from the door knob so I can get up to let her outside a zillion times! My family thinks she is a "dumb" dog. I think she is one of the smartest dogs I have ever own but the "neediest." She requires constant attention. She is happiest when she is being reprimanded just because she is getting the attention that she is seeking. Everything is a game!! And I am no longer interested in playing her game. I cannot remove her from the couch 179 times every single evening. Unfortunately, I don't know what else to do. I'm being consistent and so is she! Please advise!! I would love to even chat on the phone with anyone who has at least a place for me to start. I really want this to work. I'm beginning to resent her and find myself having to reassure my family member who are just too through with her!! Thank you!! |
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Sounds like an oes to me. The jumping thing is the hardest one for me and still is one off mine still does it(90 lbs  ). But we are getting it down to 2 minutes or less for company. Keeping off the bed, mine have learnt "off" and they do but they were over 7 months old, I find it just clicks with them, you have to show them you are the boss. Have you tried scat mats for your couch? I have not but I think other here have. These guys take a long time to grow up and I have 2 10 months apart and I see a difference in them for maturing, although I do wonder if Blue is ever going to grow up, I call him my problems child, but I am winning.  |
At 7 months old, you both should be in some kind of obedience class. For you as much as her. It sounds like you were lucky with your first OES as most sheepies are like Molly. They need training to know what is expected of them. Believe me, I know the expense of classes, since Heart has been to many various training, from a puppy manners class to rally classes to agility classes, but I feel each class makes her more settled and focused...and makes me more confident to direct her to the correct behaviour. (( I have even asked for classes certificates for my Birthday and Christmas.....  ))
Training at home is a great thing, but unless they can be on a busy street corner and proof the behaviour.....puppies need to be with other dogs, with alot of activity around them to learn to hear you and block out all the distractions and STILL sit, down etc...for it to be hardwired into their head... 
I am still so new to all of this, I am sure there will be many members responding to your thread. Welcome to this wonderful forum!!! I was so glad I found this group when I got my pupper!! Please post pictures of Molly when you have time!!! Good Luck and don't give up!!! And please keep us posted!!! |
| Please find yourself a good obedience class that trains you & the the dog using the praise & reward method. You don't need to necessarily train for competition. A good class/instructor will ask you what your goals are for you & the dog. Be honest. If all you want is a well mannered family pet , there is nothing wrong with that! Doesn't mean you will end up with a robot dog but at least you will have a dog that your grandchildren can enjoy growing up with. A good one will let you observe their sessions. Try to sit in on a beginner class so you will see where you will start out at & not get discouraged. Classes are not cheap but what you need to do is have someone teach you how to teach the dog. I always stress "basic obedience" classes to potential puppy people. What is cute at 15 pounds is NOT cute at 80-90 pounds. You will make your dog happier too as it will now understand what is expected of it, what pleases you & what does not please you. They need guidelines, instructions & most of all consistancey...... just as children do. |
| what Marilyn said - and get a crate or a baby gate so she can be confined when company comes - she is probably jumping and demanding becasue she si overwhelmed with the stimulationa nd needs some down time herself. |
| Another item to touch on is seeing if her exercise needs are being met. OES are a dog bred to have energy and work for a living. Some are true slugs, but most are at the higher end of the spectrum. Puppies in general have a need to burn off that excess energy before their brain can engage.
As both a dog owner and a dog trainer, I find that the case quite often. The owners need to see to the dog's exercise needs - not just by letting them out in the back yard - a long walk or run with their human, serious physical play with another energetic dog; or a dog sport - herding, agility, flyball or the like. I strongly recommend you seek help from a good local trainer - more dogs end up given up to shelters and rescue because the owners don't know how to deal with the dog they live with. Mental exercise is part of training as well - and a mental workout is another way to get your pup settled down. Think back to your student days and remember how fatigued you felt after a big exam? same thing works for dogs.
A trainer would give you some tips to work on indoors to keep her mentally stimulated, and therefore an easier dog to live with. Good luck |
| First you need to lose the frustration. She senses that is trying to dominate you. "Mom is weak, see how frustrated she gets, I'll be leader."
All commands are given in a firm, not yelling, voice. Given quickly and not accompanied my enless verbage. They can't speak our language, they are good with a few single word commands. Get thee to obedience. Classes are part of responsible dog ownership. You need them as much as she does. Constant companionship is par for the puppy. If there are no other dogs to pester in the pack, you are it. Take the time to exercise her tail off, ooops, that's already gone. Exercise her butt off. Integrate some commands during the exercise. Sit/stay at all street corners or whenever you command. Etc. You've got a puppy who is challenging you. You need to ramp up your game. |
| I'm sorry you're so frustrated. I've been there before and it can be overwhelming when you get to that point. But, she is still young, so she'll naturally calm down some in time, but there are some things you can do now.
When Barney was younger he was super crazy. When guests would come over he'd pee and jump and it's just not nice to greet your guests and have them get peed on. What worked was removing him from the situation. When we knew guests were coming we'd first let him outside so he'd be 'on empty' and then keep him in the kitchen while people arrived. He'd stay there until they guests had been inside for a little while. The excitement had worn off. Then we'd let him in. Of course he'd have to go and greet everyone with his nose, but that was better than jumping and peeing. We still try and let him out first even now at 4 1/2, just to be safe. |
Quote: Everything is a game!!
Yup. She's still a puppy and will be for quite a while yet. A 10 1/2 month old that arrived from rescue was needy and crazy as a goose for the first couple of years. Even if you don't feel you can really afford a trainer right now, get her enrolled in classes. This dog will hopefully be with you for the next 10-14 years so you need find ways to manage her now while she's still on the smaller side. Redirect negative behavior. If she's mouthing you, carry a stuffed toy or Nylabone in your pocket... when she goes to put her mouth on you, put the toy in her mouth instead. Put her on a leash when company comes over with you on the other end so you can control her. Don't even allow her to get near the people who come to visit until she calms down. If she doesn't, she doesn't get to greet the company. You might also tether her to you so you can correct negative behavior right away. I do this with puppies and also misbehaving adults. You're right there to stop things like peeing in the corner. It doesn't do any good to scold a dog after it's peed... you need to tell them NO only if you're catching them in the act so you can immediately escort them outside to finish. Personally, I'd get the bells off the door... they drove me crazy with the constant ringing just to go out an play. Take her out on a leash and teach her to potty on demand... it makes things so much easier. Take her to the area of the yard you want her to use and stand... tell her to do her business. If she does, quietly say good girl. Then let her off the leash to play (if you're yard is fenced) or back in the house for a tiny treat. If she doesn't go, it's back in the house until a little later. Try to focus on positive guidance rather than forcing her to do things or you could end up with big defiance problems not just the exuberant puppy behavior. Keep a treat bag on you at all time so you can reward some of the good behavior like getting off the couch when you tell her to, then lying at your feet. And try to get the entire family on the same page with training. She's just a puppy in a big body. |
6Girls wrote: Quote: Everything is a game!! You might also tether her to you so you can correct negative behavior right away. I do this with puppies and also misbehaving adults. Can I send you my mother? 
Sorry it popped into my head... |
| You have to commit to exercise. I find that is the first step, then of course obedience class.
Example of what a regular day with Laika, lunch 45 minute walk. I get home at the end of the day and I take both (Langley gets walks and playtime at daycare) and Laika plays with another dog throughout they day here at work. I get home and take them for a 30 min-1 hour walk depending on puppy. Then if she still seems riled up and unruly I run her while I am on the bike. I also use the treadmill during the winter. No I can have her calm at home but her mind isn't calm you can tell until she gets that physical and mental simulation. They are working dogs. |
Mom of 3 wrote: Can I send you my mother?
Sorry it popped into my head... :lol::lol:
Sorry, I have to limit it to the canine variety. |
| It definitely sounds like normal sheepie behavior. They have lots of energy, especially puppies and they tend to keep puppy behavior long into their adult years -- at least that has been my experience.
I have to agree with the training, even if it is just basic obedience, it is well worth the money in the long term. Exercise really helps too. A tired sheepie is a quiet sheepie. |
| Oh yes, I relate to you, Molly's Mom!
Winnie is almost 11 months old now but for the first 9 months I thought I'd go crazy. I agree with everything here. Obedience helps, exercise really helps. And, be the dominant one - the pack leader. This puppy is very smart and is trying to dominate you and become the pack leader. Like a teenager, it is testing you every minute of every day. Part of my salvation includes: a routine the dog can depend upon, being the pack leader, keeping calm (this can be hard) and assertive, time outs when necessary, and part-time doggy day care. Winnie goes to play with other dogs a couple times a week, I get a break, and she comes home tired and sweet (and more trainable). Molly needs to know her parameters. As for greeting people, I am still searching for the best way to deal with that one.... Hang in there. She will get better as she gets older! |
| Molly's Mom...
Puppy hood can be hard... They are pups though you have to teach them what is acceptable behaviour. All the suggestions were great but, I was wondering with the housetraining has she been spayed? Sometimes a young spay can result in "spay incontinence" Which she may need meds for... Also, have you ruled out a urinary tract infection? They can not help those accidents. A young pup needs to go out ALOT until they are mature enough or at least the bladder gets larger 
(some are quicker learners than others) Are you familiar with their grooming needs?? Have you started with her brushing and handling her paws, checking her teeth, looking in her ears etc.....(oh those hairy ears) A wonderful breed but, high maintenance I guess you would say! You can find alot of helpful advice here....share your frustrations... we have all been there! |
| Chuck, our first was the wildest and it took him a very long time to settle down. We chalked it up to being newbies with dogs.
Bozley, our second, we called our mat. He was so laid back in the last half of his life (he lived to be almost 12 yrs old) we were always stepping over him. My sons don't remember how bouncy he was as a young dog. We did a few sets of classes and were very consistent with him. Although he was never allowed on the furniture, in the last few years of his life, late at night, you would find him quietly slipping off the couch. Like I didn't see him! Rufus, our third and current sheepie is a little over 2 years now. We've had him in 3 sessions of obedience and I started Rally Obedience. Rally O helped me teach him to stay focused on me. He was very excitable meeting new people and dogs, (always friendly) but we think the light bulb has finally gone on. Sometimes dimly but there is light at the end of the tunnel. He goes for lots of walks and I do use treats. If we are about to meet a person, dog or even loud vehicle, I say 'watch me' and when he turns his head to me I give him a treat. Sometimes if I look down and he's watching me, I treat him. Sometimes it's just a pat on the head or telling him he's a good boy. I give very small pieces of treats. He doesn't seem to mind. I also like to take him to one of our large city parks so I meet lots of people and dogs. He's doing great. Friday is the vet appointment. I suspect he's going to take a few steps back but we'll see how it goes. I agree that a tired sheepie is a quiet sheepie. Good luck, get out walking or running with him and if you have friends with dogs, include them as well. Linda & Rufus  |
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