Charlie my new puppy
I need some advice. I just got an 8 week OES puppy last week. My problem with him is that he growls and bites me quite often. He is very sweet one moment and then before you know it he is barking, growling, and biting me. I have spent about $200 worth of toys for him to play with, which he does, but once he gets bored he comes to me to play but then gets bery aggresive. Do you have any suggestions for me? Thanks |
|
|
| Deja Vu! (Another post almost identical was placed yesterday from someone else)
Congrats on your puppy! I love the name Charlie - it's my Dad's name! I've been like a broken record...I would highly recommend a training class (puppy kindergarten). They get to socialize with other dogs - and it is a great opportunity for you to make a connection with your puppy - and instill the alpha role in the relationship! Look into a training program that does POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING. 8 weeks is young - they often recommend not removing the pup from the rest of the litter until 10 weeks - because they learn at this time to socialize and how to behave with the rest of the litter (now - you've become his playmates - and he needs to understand that nipping hurts). I would recommend making a loud noise - OUCH!!!! - when he bites - to let him know that it hurts. Replace your arm, leg, hand, etc. with a chew toy (it sounds like you are already doing this). And last but not least - make sure the puppy receives plenty of exercise & play time - a tired puppy is a good puppy! 
Good Luck and again, Congrats! Kristen |
| Congrats on Charlie. We also have a 9/10 week old puppy. She is calming down a bit on the nipping. She still growls if she doesn't want to be picked up. We are working on that issue. It is very fun at our house right now. Hope you enjoy yours as much. They are a work in progress. Just out of curiosity...did you get yours in Baltimore? Thanks |
| Welcome Charlie,
You sound very much like Phoebe when she was eight weeks old. First off don't panic. Eight weeks is very young. When Charlie left his brothers and sisters he was busy playing and sleeping. His play was based on establishing who was strongest etc and finding a place in the hierarchy. On toys.... use them to play with your dog and to reinforce the fact that you are in charge. Let charlie have a few garden toys and keep the remainder out of the way. You choose when playtime starts and finishes. At the end of the game make sure you recover the toy and stash it away till the next playtime. My preference is not to play tug of war with toys. We've trained Phoebe to leave anything in her mouth that we take hold of without any tugging. Use toys to teach fetch and leave. Reward with tasty tidbits (sausages, cheese or chicken) and plenty of praise. I defy any dog not to leave a toy when a small sausage piece is on offer. On teeth... It is not acceptable for teeth to touch you unless you are inspecting their condition. I agree with Kristen. Make the ouch sound and then ignore your puppy for a few minutes. If bad behaviour continues put them into a "Sin Bin" for five minutes. Being removed from the "pack" has a big impact. As with children be calm and consistent. Phoebe was just like this and Lisa and I wondered what we had got into. Now's she six months and it has passed. Phoebe still has one odd phobia of not wanting to leave the house on a lead. Once out not a problem. We'll keep working on it. I think it's often a case of trying to work out what they are thinking. Good luck and keep us posted. Simon, Lisa, Phoebe and girls. |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|