Questions about new puppy
Is it normal for OES's to be very stubborn as puppies? He doesn't want to go in his crate when we want him to, doesn't want to come out when we want him to and refuses to walk on a leash. He literally "puts on the brakes" and will not move. I don't know how to get him to walk on his leash. We have a few inches of snow and he seems to hate it. We put him outside for just a minute and he is pulling back towards the house. I don't know how to exercise him if he won't walk or stay outside. He likes to nip, which can be expected for a teething puppy but he does this strange thing with our 8 month old son. He looks at him from across the room, charges towards him and then licks and nudges him and then runs away and does the whole thing over and over again. We are always right there as we don't trust him to be alone with the baby but I think if we didn't intervene that he might nip at the baby. Is this normal behavior? What kind of exercising do you all do with your OES's in bad weather? Its hard enough just in the cold but when he won't tolerate the snow I don't know how to get him any exercise. I'm sure I'll have many more questions but I guess I'll start with these! Thanks for any advice! I think Ollie is going to be a great addition to our family, he just seems a little wacky right now! |
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| No dog arrives in this world knowing how to walk on a leash. Its completely normal for them to resist this weird new thing they have to do. Leash training can be a really important part of training your new OES. The last thing you want is a 100 pound dog dragging you around the neighborhood! If you look here on the message board, or maybe get a book on training, you'll see some good pointers on how to approach leash training. But have patience; OES are stubborn about training... at least that was my experience. I was unable to leash train my two by myself, and it took going to a great trainer to have them help me do it. I think part of my problem was that I was training two puppies at once. But I have read enough stories of people having a tough time with just one. If you got your new OES on Christmas even, then you have had him 3 days. He went form the safety and comfort of his mother and litter mates to a strange new, lonely world where nothing is as he remembers it. Give him time, understanding, and affection. I'm sure his little world has been turned upside down, and its going to take some getting used to on his part. As for what he is doing with the baby? Sounds like he is trying to play! Remember, he had a whole litter of playmates three days ago, and now he doesn't. Nipping is normal, but you will want to train him in something called "Bite control" or "bite inhibition" starting immediately. Some sheepdogs (one of mine, in fact) nip as a method of herding. This wouldn't hurt a sheep, but it will damage delicate baby skin, and even adult skin. Your herding dog will want to herd your baby; its instinctual. So make sure you train him in how to be very gentle with his mouth. My girls adore children, and have always done very well with them. I never have any concerns, because I know their bite control is excellent! As for exercise in bad weather; training will tire your pup out both physically and mentally. My girls used to collapse exhausted after training class! And we'd do little re-enforcing training several times a day at home... especially when they seemed rambunctious. My girls are now 3 years old, and I'm training them to do tricks. the weather here hasn't been great, and their out door time has been limited. So we are teaching them so fun stuff, to keep them from being bored but also to tire them out. Remember, bored dogs can become destructive dogs! I may sound like a broken record, but extensive training is going to be your best friend!!! And it will help to transform your new dog into your best friend as well!!!! |
OlliesMom wrote: I don't know how to get him to walk on his leash. some constructive advice: Have Ollie at your left side on his leash, and have a treat (something REALLY delicious that he cannot resist) in your right hand. Hold this treat just above his nose, and walk forward. This will get Ollie to walk with you, on-leash, in the "heel" position (which is where he should be, right at your side). The entire time, say "Ollie, heel." This way, you are teaching him where to walk on leash, how to walk on leash, and the command he has to respond to when you want him to walk on-leash. In time, if you are persistent, you can try it without the leash, and really impress your friends! |
| If you google "Web MD Dog training" they have several 1 minute training videos there. They even have how to walk your dog on a leash! The woman doing the training is our dog trainer here in Atlanta. I think she is just wonderful, and she made a big difference in our training experience!!! here's a link, but if it doesn't work, just google: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-training ... 7Aod_EBfqw |
| I remember Mady doing exactly the same thing the first week or so after we got her. She just wanted to be home and would pull on the leash. Of course, we were only steps from home, as she was too young to take on long walks. Just be patient, reassuring, but still in control and it will come with time. I highly suggest getting a trainer early. It really helped us alot in those early days when Mady was learning so much and we wanted her to learn the right things. |
| We got Poppy just before Christmas when the weather was too cold to be outside for long. As well as training which is always a great suggestion, my daughter and I used to sit at each end of our hallway and roll a ball to each other and Poppy would run after the ball, a bit like playing 'piggy in the middle'! Of course we would also let her 'catch' the ball so it wasn't frustrating for her and it gave us a chance to teach the 'drop it' command - another good one to teach! Now, Poppy is completely ball obsessed and loves to play in the garden with a ball! |
| One of the "KEY" points our Trainer made was that we should NEVER use a collar or chocker type leash on Bailee while he was still a puppy (at least until he was 5 or 6 months old. She strongly suggested having a harness at least until the pup is grown and there is less chance to damage their throat and windpipe. She always stressed the importance of "Positive Reinforcement!" Praise and rewards will be the best way to train. As far as walking on a leash use treats (especially small its of chicken and cheese) Use it as a lore and when Ollie stats to walk with you to get them LOTS AND LOTS of PRAISE!!!! It may take a little time but in the long haul you will have a well behaved companion. |
OlliesMom wrote: We got Ollie on Christmas Eve from a reputable breeder. He is 12 weeks old and I have a few questions about his behavior. I probably sound like a broken record on this one, and not everybody might agree, but I highly recommend getting the book The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete. You can probably check it out of your local library, and start by reading just the parts that pertain to your current situation (crate training, leash, nipping). I would get this book asap, tomorrow if possible. It will give you the confidence you need to work with your new puppy. |
Serpico wrote: OlliesMom wrote: We got Ollie on Christmas Eve from a reputable breeder. He is 12 weeks old and I have a few questions about his behavior. I probably sound like a broken record on this one, and not everybody might agree, but I highly recommend getting the book The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete. You can probably check it out of your local library, and start by reading just the parts that pertain to your current situation (crate training, leash, nipping). I would get this book asap, tomorrow if possible. It will give you the confidence you need to work with your new puppy. I read that one and really liked some parts of it, other parts I wasn't crazy about. As silly as it sounds, Puppies for Dummies was really helpful! |
Congratulations on your new puppy and for becoming a member of this wonderful forum~~~~ (and a belated congrats on your new baby!!!  )I agree with everyone's advice...3 days in not enough time for your puppy to acclimate to your household, your rules, your people and, on top of that, suddenly being mommieless and siblingless is a huge adjustment. Again, give him time, love, cuddles, treats, smiles and happy voices when he is 'good' and give him nothing (no yelling, no anger, nothing) when he is naughty. Read books on training and various 'indoor' play to get your pup mentally and physically tired. Is there any canine friends around you?? Maybe a playdate would be in order. When Heart came to me, I was in constant contact with my breeder. Every puppy has it's own distinctive personality and your breeder knows your puppy..inside and out!!! a tiny story;;; I wanted a puppy with a good temprament, on the calmer side to train to be a Therapy Dog. My breeder was aware of this and out of 7 littermates, gave me exactly what I needed. When she discribed Heart to me, here is what she said " When all the puppies play..a couple will run around and just go crazy!! A couple will just go off and lay and play..but Heart??? She will watch the action..just sit there and watch what is going on..and when the time is right...when the others least expect it...she pounces!!!" So I knew my Heart was a thinker. She likes to test the waters and she is cautious.  My point is...call your breeder, see what she has to say about your pup's temperament, and work with it. A couple of indoor exercises::: Play hide and seek...wait until you pup is preoccupied and go hide in another room. Call your pup, and when he finds you give him a treat!!! Hide the treat ...show your pup a yummy treat and then hide it under a towel and let him find the prize!! Ball rolling...roll the ball and when the pup gets it, show him a higher value treat so he will bring you the ball..(great for teaching come and drop it) Play the touch game....sit by your pup, and begin to gently touch him all over..head, ears, tusch, eyes, mouth and if he accepts it with no nipping treat him. At this puppy stage, they are like sponges and will learn quickly but remember, short, calm training periods..and make it fun, fun, fun!!!!!! Please keep us posted and post pictures when you can!!!!! Good Luck!! |
| About the leash: I have had similar experiences with puppies. It can take a long time to get them used to something that is connected to their bodies. It's just plain weird to them. We took a few days just to get collars to be accepted by two of our boys (littermates). They fought to get them off, rubbed against stuff, etc. We did shorter periods several times a day, and then finally, when they were exhausted, slipped them on and they slept in them. When they woke up it was like they'd always been there. I'd start with a super short, super light leash. Let the puppy sniff it and reward him. Do that for a while. Then, while supervised, clip it on and take it off, and reward. Next, put it on and let it drag (discourage chewing). That may take a while. Always supervise. In time, hold the end while he walks around the house, then gently start leading. Reward throughout. Eventually, you'll be able to walk outside (try the backyard) with it. Putting it on and taking him for a walk right away is a LOT to do all at once. Stubborn is normal for puppies. They're being asked to do a whole lot of stuff that seems strange, and they have very little in the way of personal power, so physically refusing is about all they can do. At this age, exercise should be frequent and in short bursts. Playing fetch on the carpet in the living room for short periods, frequently, will tire him out well. Mental stuff (training for sit, for example) works well too. Congrats on your new puppy. Hope things are coming along for him. |
| I remember an old post where the puppy was connected to it's human by a leash as they were going about their day. I believe the leash was looped through a belt loop on their jeans. |
| Some help with the crate...give a command like, bed time, or crate, or one simple word you will alwasy use for getting her into the crate and throw some small treats in. Surely the pup will follow the treats and when she does, more praise and more treats. Close the door and walk away. Come right back and release out of crate...start by leaving her alone in the crate for a few minutes at a time and build up to more time. Also, she is probably freightend at this age, just being away from her Mommy and litter mates. Keep the crate in an area you are in alot - like the kitchen. So she can still see you and smell you when she's in there. We kept two crates. One in the kitchen and one in our bedroom. Our dogs LOVE thir crates and still sleep in there with the doors open. But they also still sleep with us in our room. Theory is, dogs bond with their humans while sleeping. You are at a time when the puppy is really the same age as ( probably even younger ) than your 8 month infant so just be patient. And welcome to the forum! |
OES puppies are STUUUUBBBBORRRNNN!!!!!!!!  But they grow up into FABULOUS adults  |
| if by stubborn you mean they sit down and wont get up, mine does that. After teaching the sit\lie down command I did the "up" command where i wafted a treat above his nose and moved it upwards so he'd have to get up to take it. He more or less learned it himself and it works great. there's also a hand signal where you hold the back of your palm to him (sideways) and call "come". You hide a treat in your fingers first and waft it in front of his nose. When he comes over and touches your hand you click or signal he's done well and feed him with the other hand. eventually he'll start moving to the hand signal of his own accord with no treat. this does work too but not 100%. |
| I hate to say it but I can't help but laugh! Our sheepie was completely clueless when we got her. She didn't know the simpliest things. Like, come here, or if you gave her a treat she didn't know what to do with it. I had never had a dog you had to literally train even the simpliest things to. It does not surprise me your sheepie is putting on the brakes when it comes to walking on a leash. They seem to either do that, or take off super fast pulling you! As for the snow, I'm kind of surprised it does not like snow. Every sheepie I have been around loves to stick their nose in the snow then run around like maniacs. lol As for your baby. I have no doubt the sheepie is trying to play with the baby. Unfortunetly the baby is too little to play with. If your dog nips I doubt it would be to really hurt the baby but more because he thinks the baby is a toy to play with. Get your dog tons of toys and try to get him interested in them instead of the baby. Of course if your sheepie is anything like mine he will play with the babies toys! Good Luck and don't worry! |
| I just got my first OES puppy 3 weeks ago! She's fantastic and we are so very happy. I know they can be stubborn but...I find that Sadie does not want to take a walk. It has nothing to do with the leash. She just wants to be at home. I have to "force" her to take a walk, and when we are half way around the block, she changes her tune and races back to the house as fast as she can. She is happy to sit in the yard but somehow does not feel comfortable outside the lawn area. Is this normal for an OES? I have been around many pups and dogs and have never known a dog to not want to go for a walk. |
| When I first got Tiggy as a puppy she wasn't keen on going for a walk. I never figured out if she was nervous or if her legs got too tired. I just did lots of little short walks up and down the street in front of the house with treats and praise. At first I just did half a block. Now I have to remind her to behave when we leave the house. Otherwise she is so keen to go for a walk that she tries to pull me right out the front door. Have gentle patience with your puppy but perservere with short walks so that they don't continue to dislike walks. |
| Tonks and Luna were weird about walking too. But I didn't walk them much until I got their shots finalized at 4 months. I was scared to death that they'd get Parvo from some other dog's fecal matter on our walk. Another puppy in our neighborhood had that happen, and it died. So I think by the time I did start walking my girls on the street, they were ready for adventure and bored of being in our yard! Mim has a good point. Little puppies will tired quickly. A whole "walk around the block" might be too much. I just used to walk my girls up and down our drive way (again, afraid of Parvo) in those first couple of months. We also did a lot of recall training on leash in the front yard, and that helped them grow comfortable with having a leash on. |
chiquita was a hot walking mess at 8 weeks. I'm ashamed to say that my neighbors had to have heard me let loose some choice words on those early walks.  Remember that they are going through some fear imprint stages. They get unusually scared of things. they have to learn to walk on leash, the neighborhood, to greet neighbors, the smells, the leaves move, they meet other dogs....it's all a lot to take in. It's mentally and emotionally exhausting for your pup. Start slow and make sure the walks are a positive experience. Take a walk every day at the same time of day and your pup will figure it out. When you get to about six months old you will have to up the walks to twice a day. 8 months to a year and half will likely require three walk/runs a day. Then at two years you should be able to go back to a walk a day and two or three good runs at a dog park or play dates. My point is.....teach the pup to walk correctly now. It's a skill set you WILL NEED!!!!!! |
| If you think about what we do to animals it is almost like alien abduction - a puppys life has existed of happily being with their siblings and parent for it's whole life upto this point (a well cared for puppy not some puppy mill pup) then all of a sudden these strange beings are carting you off in a (spaceship)crate - fear must be part of a pups first few days even as curious and adventurous that they may seem to us, they may have other dogs to live with - these maybe resentful to the new addition? As the pup stays with you and the more involved you get (and I would say, play with as well as train, the pup as much as you possibly can, fun upright as well as correcting upright) and the pup will very quickly see you and your uprights as part of their pack. The more fun you make it for the puppy to look forward to being with you the pack leader - the more it'll be at be at ease with the rest of the family. Archie is very good with humans and is quite well behaved. With me he goes absolutely nuts and welcomes me with much more enthusiasm than anyone else. He seems to know that I will play to extremes with him and that isn't welcome by other uprights, so behaves accordingly. He's currently crashed under my computer desk warming my feet! |
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