New owner, new puppy, new questions

[rott'nrottie]

I just got my first Rott on 5/17/04. She is 8 weeks old. I have been reading a lot of books, checking out different websites, and talking to people who have experience with puppies. The research I've been doing has been extremely helpful but it doesn't give you any idea as to how long things typically take. Anyway, I have some questions regarding her behavior and training her.

1) She is crate trained already, but has had a couple "accidents" in the house. (I swear you can't take your eyes off of her for even a second). I've been taking her outside regularly to go to the bathroom, and overall, she has been doing great. My question is, how long can I expect it to take before she won't go in the house?

2) When she nips at my ankles, hands, lawn sprinklers, curtains, etc., I tell her "no" and give her a chew toy. Is this the best way to discourage this behavior, and how long until she understands what "no" means?

And the last one for now...

3) How long does it typically take before she responds to her name?

Thanks in advance for your help, and sorry for the mundane questions. I really appreciate the help.

[groupieindenial]

Mine is 8 weeks too, so I can totally relate what your going through! I got Vegas about a week ago. He's pretty much crate trained, cept he still has the odd accidents. I expect a lot from him, and have been trying to only go home at lunch to go potty. THey say it takes 1-2 weeks average to be housebroken. Ofcourse there will always be some accidents here and there, but he pretty much goes right away when I take him out, and sometimes I've caught him going out the doggy door to releive himself.

The ankle biting thing was a problem for a few days for me. It has gotten much better. There is a thread I had going the other day on this. Giving him a chew toy, and saying no wasn't really working. My ankles were more fun than the toy. SO, I'm more firm with the "NO" command, and he seems to be responding better. BUT when he's in his rambunctious moods, I find he's very alert, so I've been channelling this energy for learning. This is when I spend time teaching him to sit, lie down, etc... and he knows a LOT now, and barely ankle bites anymore, and not as hard. I know he's just playing.

He's only starting to know his name. I tried something that I think helped him learn it though, cuz it was bothering me that he didn't respond to it. I held out a piece of kibble (been using if for training too), and when he looked at the treat, I would call his name, and when he looked at me I'd praise him and give him the treat. Now he seems to know his name.

Hope this helps!

[Rott-Wiley]

1) As soon as she gets the idea that she is supposed to go outside she will. Every time she does have an "accident" that is a set back and will take her longer to learn. Try to stay one step ahead of her in taking her out. Usually once they are close to 12 weeks old they tend to understand the concept but you have to teach this.

2) Be consistant with directing her chewing on proper things. Try not to make every other word "No" because that doesn't teach them anything. It's like getting in a cab and telling the driver where you don't want to go. It's much easier to tell them where the the other way.

3) Usually that only takes about a week. Try using her name in a positive light. Like when you have food. She should catch on to this pretty quick.

[kacy]

Firstly congratulations on your new family member. I am new to this forum and have learned that these people know a lot about this breed and are very helpful. My puppy is nearly 10 months old and I was misreading some signs and now I have the problem sorted, thanks to this site. Anyway, I remember the 8 week old rorrty. Awwwwwwww so cute. We got Kacy at 6 weeks old and in 3 weeks was fully housetrained. When she nipped we yelped and she thought she hurt us and soon stopped that. As to responding to it's name, as soon as they know they get cuddles and treats they love hearing their name. Say it as when fussing and they will soon come back for more. The best advice I can give is to take her to puppy classes they make a great outing for all and what you and your puppy will learn is so valuable. Lastly, you have got a friend for life. Treat her with love and care and she will give it all back and more. Good luck!

[Canadianrotti]

Congrats on your new family member and welcome to the forums. You will find this to be a great source of info for many of your questions. I too had many of the same questions 4 months ago when I started here and all the comments and advice was very helpfull.
As for the questions you asked, it all depends on the individual dog and how consistent you are in training. Your consistancy is going to be a huge factor in all your traning. I would checkout some web sites on NILIF (nothing in life is free) training methodology, and sign up for professional traning classes ASAP!!! Nothing can replace professional training. Books are good, this forum is excellent, but having a trained instructor watch your "style" is invaluable.
Dont be afraid to ask any questions here, there are no dumb questions.

[moondog]

Originally Posted by Rott-Wiley

Be consistant with directing her chewing on proper things. Try not to make every other word "No" because that doesn't teach them anything. It's like getting in a cab and telling the driver where you don't want to go.

My sentiments exactly!! Redirect and praise, redirect and praise. Your puppy has no idea what you expect unless you show him! The more consistent you are with this, the quicker he will understand what is allowed. Detach the puppy from your pant leg and show him what he can attach himself to, every single time.

Have fun with your puppy!

[lcarothers]

I wish you the best with your new puppy!

The only thing I felt I needed to mention is that your puppys bladder/bowl control is not developed yet. Just as you "tighten up" to hold your bladder/bowls, your puppy needs to do the same. The muscle that controls the ability to "hold it" developes at around 4 months of age in your pup. So please don't get angry at the pup, she just can't physically hold it yet, even though she mentally wants to wait to go outside.
These next 2 months are dependant on you reading your dogs signs that its time to go out to avoid accidents. I'm sure if you do a search here you will find lots of info on when to take the pup out, what to watch for, etc.