Puppy-sitting, how to deal?
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Ginger
Yahoo User
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 Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 10:48 am Post subject: Puppy-sitting, how to deal? |
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| My friend's father is watching our 6-month-old Min Pin for the day (8:30 to 5:30) out of absolute necessity and I know he is a real handful. He's really playful and cute but he is marking everything and chews anything that fits into his mouth. In fact, right when we walked in the door he peed all over their hardwood floor. My friend's father seems like a really nice guy, and they have a dog of their own, but dealing with my puppy all day would wear down anyone's patience. My question is, how do I make up for this? I feel like this is probably a huge inconvenience for him and I feel embarrassed already knowing what my dog is *probably* doing. I'm definitely getting him a thank-you card and maybe a gift card or bottle of wine but I feel like nothing can make up for this.About the housetraining, he does have a crate but it's mostly his den and really the only time we latch it is if he needs a time-out for nipping or bad barking. He is housebroken as far as emptying his bladder, but the marking has gotten pretty bad in the last month or so. Maybe the embarrassment about today is the wake-up call we needed to take his bad manners more seriously. Really it feels like having someone watch your toddler who swears and and hits people. |
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I love my rottie :)
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 11:00 am Post subject: |
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That is very nice of your friends dad to help you out...make him food...guys love to eat  I also wanted to offer you some training advice...please do not take offense, I like for people to enjoy their pets....6 months old is plenty old to have house manners. What technique are you using to potty train? I would recommend getting a crate and using it whenever your dog cannot be supervised. My dog is over a year old and we STILL crate her during the day. Someday she will be allowed out, but for now she is not 100% trust worthy. A crate will help with potty training and the horrible chewing habits. I have a rottie and thanks to the crate she never chewed one thing (of ours). You will love it if you get one. If you are interested in learning more, email me.Neutering your dog will GREATLY help with the marking. And if I were you I would crate your dog any time he can't be supervised. Even if this means while you are in the shower. He is not being a 'bad' dog...he simply doesn't know what is expected from him. By keeping him supervised (or in a crate) you are controlling his 'exploration'. You can teach him it is okay to chew...but you must chew on this toy instead of the table legs. The best way to cure the chewing is by redirecting the behavior. No yelling, hitting, or 'time outs'. If he is doing something unacceptable, redirect him to an activity that IS acceptable. This way he learns what he is allowed to do. Time outs don't really teach the dog...it just 'masks' the problem. It will take a few weeks, but with consistancy you will see a huge improvement. I recommend stalking up on cool new toys. Kongs, knuckle bones, rope toys ect. Keep only one out at a time...this way when he gets bored with his toy and starts chewing on the furniture you can suprise him with a 'new' toy...or one that he forgot he had.Redirection also helps with the biting or 'nipping'. Dogs do this because they are trying to 'play'. Teach him what is okay to bite at...maybe a rope toy. I would recommend not using the crate for time out. The crate should be a comfort place...not a punishment place. Every time my dog gets crated she is given a peanut butter stuffed kong toy. She loves her crate. As far as the barking goes...it sounds like your dog could be lacking proper stimulation. How much exercise does your dog get? Do you ever take him out? I would try at least one walk a day...and some hard core play time (running ect.). At this age if you don't release the energy positively, they will release it negitively  You can also work on some training when he starts acting up. Lets say he is barking and acting crazy...get out some treats and work on obedience for a few minutes. Dogs love learning, and it really wears out their brain! |
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