[Dominey]

Hi Eva,

lucky you with your new pup! I am still waiting to hear from my breeder that the litter I am on the list for are born!
On the house training, you say you only have paving slabs outside, could it be that he doeasn't want to pee on the hard surface as it will splash back? Is there any grass nearby you could try letting him pee on? Any of you more experienced people with thoughts on this?
As for the tug of war games, I think your instincts are right - my husband is very keen on playing those sort of ruff 'n' tuff games with our pup when we get it, but I told him he wouldn't be allowed. However, as poohbearsmom says, a lot of people use it as a reward. One really good book I've just read is The Culture Clash, and in there it tells you how to set up the rules for playing tug of war, I have now told my hubby that he can only play it once he has set up the rules!
It also sounds like he is a nervous pup with the growling and barking, especially as it occurs when you hold him, as this means he can't escape, or just back off and approach at his own pace. If your touching them first makes him braver then I would keep doing that until he is vaccinated, then let him approach at his own speed - don't push him or you will end up making him more scared. I'm sure he will get braver really quickly once he gets some practice - every good experience is a step in the right direction!
Good luck!