| Your puppy was really young when you brought her home. Six weeks is way young. I think puppies need to be with their mother until they are at least 8-weeks old. This is just my opinion. They need to learn the socialization skills from their mother and litter mates. My daughter is 3-years-old, we brought Bear home when he was alittle over 10-weeks. I made sure to let him know where he was in the pack order. With simple things, such as feeding my children first. Also it is up to you being the leader of your pack to put her in place. I know this is going to sound crazy, but when Bear first came home and he would do something that was not allowed, I would bite him on his jowls. Not hard mind you. My breeder taught this to me, and it represents the way his mother would discipline him. Also putting him on his back, while telling him no. Make sure she looks you in the eye, and wait until she looks away. Eye contact is extremely important. I would do this immediately when she chases your child, and have your child stand there with you. There is never a reason to hit a dog, no matter what. Bear is now 8-months old, and he goes to the playground and plays with all children. I often have him sit for a few minutes, since he gets so excited about playing. I cannot emphasize how important it is to socialize her. Bear has taken more than his share of pulls and pokes, and I 've had to be firm with my daughter on how she treats animals. He now follows her outside. He will sit right by her side while she plays in the sandbox. I've taken Bear into the video store, in the car, to the bookstore, just about anywheres that will allow him to come in. This is changing since he is getting big. One more thing is that have my daughter give bear treats. She will tell him to sit, and he does. It is amazingly cute to watch the two of them. He out weighs her, but he will do just about anything for her. She will tell anyone that Bear is her best friend.
Gracemichael  |