Puppy Training

Question: Help with puppy training!?

(Posted by: dexycat on 2010-03-02 01:01:56)

I have an 8 week old Jack Russell x Chihuahua, he is a tiny little thing but so hyperactive. I am trying to teach him 'No' as he hangs off of my slipper and chewing my feet with very sharp teeth which hurts! He does not even hear me, even when I make my voice stern. I get to the end of my tether, I could so easily plop him into his crate for an hour when he is like this but I do not want to associate the crate with punishment. He howls when I put him in his playpen even though all his toys are in there. He just wants to be with me all the time, but I do need a break from him. Is this typical puppy behaviour? I have never had a dog before, as I have cats. This is why we got a puppy and not a dog from a rescue centre as we thought a little pup would be more acceptable to the cats. Which it has, they are fine with him. So how do I start to make a little puppy understand 'No'? He is adorable when he is tired and cuddly but a nightmare when wide awake! I do cuddle him a lot in the evenings...is this wrong? I just want to teach him properly..I feel a bit hit and miss. Please no rude answers, some people are being quite nasty on here recently. I am a real animal lover and just want some help here. Thank you.

Posted by: Third Party Candidates on 2010-03-02, 01:07:27

This should help you. The being with you all the time is a bad habit to start and a hard one to break. good luck.bb

Posted by: bleedingrose24 on 2010-03-02, 01:07:29

I think you should have some tough love for this dog, it's really necessary to teach him the right thing at this age rather than when its older. If he whines when you put him down let him whine even if it takes awhile he will get the message loud and clear if you do not give in...also reward positive behavior with treats if you have them, small bits work fine, positive words like 'good boy' go a long way. IGNORE negative behavior and don't make eye contact or give attention. Put him away if he acts up and after 3 seconds if he has been good reward him with verbal praise. You can learn alot on 'It's Me or the Dog, " on discovery channel.

Posted by: rissy on 2010-03-02, 01:11:50

It is typical puppy especially till hes about 6 mos old due to teething and excitement. you could offer him "bully sticks " they worked wonders for my morkie he loves them witch mean you get your brake lol. he still tends to chase and chew on our shoes when we are about to leave or when we just take them off as in to say "you cant leave without me or you cant leave with out them " lol hes 9 mos now and still a nut ball but you will get used to it and it will be a nice greeting when u get home from a hard day at work. they will make u smile just dont give up on the lil guy

Posted by: anwen55 on 2010-03-02, 01:12:22

Yes, he's being a typical puppy and, yes, the first few weeks of owning a puppy are exhausting! Not many pups are trained in a couple of days, you are not doing anything wrong, just that it takes a while for things to sink in. All pups want to be with you 24/ 7 and this is the time you have to get him used to being apart from you. When you need a break, pop him in his crate for a couple of minutes and then let him out again - but only when he's being quiet, even if it's just for a second or two while he's drawing breath! There are some hints here about puppy training. If you can, enrol him in a puppy training class (at a good training class) where you can learn to train him properly. Untrained small dogs can turn into little tyrants! apdt.co.uk/ local_dog_trainers.asp

Posted by: Devil's Advocate on 2010-03-02, 01:29:20

I disagree with it being typical puppy behaviour. Testing boundaries and wanting to chew, fine, but ignoring their master - no. My puppy since the first day we got him knows that no means stop this instant or face the "consequences ". The consequences being him being excluded and ignored by the rest of the pack for a few moments until he is doing something positive. He still tries it on every now and again, but ultimately when i say no he stops although some days it takes him a little longer depending on how cheeky he is feeling. I basically say "no " in an assertive tone, and stare out the puppy and try to make myself look tense. If he continues, i calmly walk over in silence and block him from the activity with my legs and walk into him until he leaves the area and then i go and sit down. If he goes to one of his toys or chills out somewhere i tell him he is a good boy. If he just wonders off and is naughty again i repeat it. On occasion i have blocked him off and walked into him until he is out of the room and then closed the door and waited until he is quiet and relaxed, sometimes sitting patiently at the door, and then if when i open the door he remains calm i invite him back in. It is very time consuming but if you can just dedicate yourself to your dog 100% for the few weeks, the rest of his life will be so much smoother. There first few weeks make so much difference. Also, do not use "no " all the time. Only use it when he is being naughty, not when he is just not being good - if you know what i mean. As for cuddling him, it has to be on your terms. If he is playing up, cuddling is not going to sooth him - it is going to encourage him. Only cuddle him when he is chilled out. If he starts getting over excited or if he is the one that is inviting himself into your personal space - just ignore him.

Posted by: Richard on 2010-03-02, 04:01:28

Try and "puppy proof " the areas he goes in for the time being. If he nips you shout OW! and walk away from him, preferably through a door wihich you can close behind you for a ssecond or two, then return without looking at him or saying anything to him. If he grabs something of yours just get hold of the other end firmly and then look away and, again say nothing - try not to make it turn into a game - you may have to hold on for some time, but when he lets go just put it away from him and walk away. Shouting at him gives him what he wants - attention - so avoid it. If you want to make the crate a pleasant experience don't use it for "punishment " as it won't work anyway. Just throw a small treat in there from time to time, let him go in to retreive it and then come out again. If he doesn't go in, pick up the treat. You can close the door for a few seconds after a while, but try not to confine him in the crate too much. Get hold of a copy of "The Dog Listener " by Jan Fennell - this will get you on the right road to understanding how dogs think and how you can use this knowlege to calm him and teach him properly. It will also tell you how you can cuddle him as much as you want, as long as you go about it in the right way. If you need to I can put you in touch with someone who can help - but this will involve expense and everything is in Jan's book - you'll just need to be consistent - and patient.

Posted by: Texas Rottie on 2010-03-02, 05:01:34

Read the information on PUPPIES - Start Training Now - Several good articles to get you started. dogscouts.org/ Article_links_page.html