Today's the Day, more advice needed

[LisaCass]

Well, today is the day, and more advice is needed.

The little guy (my neighbor is taking the little girl) is about 5-6 weeks of age, which I know is way too early to leave the mother. We are still not sure of the mix, but both puppies look like young rotties, fluff and all.

We are a dog household already, so my question is, what can we do to socialize the puppy properly? DO we let our Jacks teach him the rules of dogdom? Or do we intervene? I know the mother and his siblings would be teaching him this, and I want to make sure we do right by him.

What should I look for in terms of aggressive behavior? I have heard that dogs can be genetically aggressive, so when is that recognizable? I have met some genetically aggressive Jacks, and they are pretty scary. I know obedience is a must, as well as firm training in the home. I want this little boy to be healthy and happy, and well-adjusted. Any tips would be appreciated. At what age shoul I take classes, and should I do group or private?

Since his littermate will be next door, do you advocate keeping them together as much as possible?

We have a few small crates and a friend is giving me a 36 inch. These are all the enclosed kennel type. Should I start large with dividers or work my way up? They have a tiny crate at PetSmart for less that $20...would he feel more secure in that to start? I know I asked about crates already, but since I do have the option of working my way up through the size ladder without spending much, i wanted to ask again.

Is he too early to begin housetraining? (I have never gotten a dog at younger than 10 weeks, so I apologise if I seem a complete idiot). What suggestions do you have? Many JRTS take almost a year to be fully housebroken, should I expect the same? How many times should I take him out in the night? Cass needed to go out every 4 hours until she was 16 weeks, so I am used to this!

I am sure I will have a few more questions today...and lots in the weeks to come. Thanks so much:)

Lisa

[pandora's daddy]

LisaCass,

I would probably use the same crate with dividers. His scent will stay with the crate and he will come to know it as his own special place. For training, you can start as soon as he has all of his final shots and immunizations. I would start with group classes as he will get some good socialization out of it.

We got Pandora at 5-1/2 weeks, so I know what you are in for. For potty training you should start immediately. You should take you pup out about every hour to see if he does anything. Every time he goes potty outside, give him lots of praise. With Pandora, we would say "good girl go potty" This is very helpful as she now understands what the word potty means and will go on command. If you catch him going in the house, tell him no and immediately go outside with him. If you find spots but didn't catch him in the act, don't bother correcting him for it as he won't be able to make the connection. As far as introducing him to your other dogs, I've heard that a group of dogs will sort the pack order out for themselves. They will probably roughhouse, and you can expect to find the occasional nicks and scrapes. Make sure you are supervising when all your dogs are together and ready to step in when things get too rough. For the most part, I would expect your older dogs to correct him when he is out of line. I hope this helps.

But most importantly enjoy this time and take lots of pictures, because your precious little guy will be a big lug in no time. Pandora is now almost 2 years and I can barely remember her when she weighed 5-1/2 pounds.