8 Week Old Female Advice

[danklaes]

I am not new to raising Rotts. I have had two previously for a total of 16 years. However, my new 8 week old alpha female is really challanging me.
If anyone could respond to help clear up a few of my concerns, It would be greatly appreciated.

This cute little puppy is seriously battling wills with my wife and myself. We tell her 'NO' and try to distract her attention from doing something (chewing, biting, trying to climb on sofa) and she pays no attention at all to what we say or do. She goes into a determined, and ignore mode. If we move her, she immediately goes right back to the forbidden activity. When it becomes crystal clear that she is trying to battle wills with us, we give her a 5-10 minute time-out in a second crate that is used just for punishment. When we let her out after the time-out, she usually licks us right when we first let her out - then immediately returns to the forbidden activity. I am at my witts end...what to do. For right now, we have just been repeating the process of the time-out. This does not seem to be having any effect though. Is there a point that a puppy spends too much time in time-outs?

Any suggestions??

Thanks
Dan

[Canula2000]

oh I so do not envy you!!! My female was exactly the same way at that age. Very stubborn girl. Redirection did not work for her but she was obessed by the ball and learned very quickly how to play fetch.
You will need to keep learning fun and spice up things by adding action. Right now the whole world is exciting for her and she just wants to explore and play.

[BostonRott]

How about increasing her activity level and giving her more of an outlet for all of that energy?? A tired puppy is a good puppy!

[Birdie'sMom]

DO you have kids? She sounds like my 18 month old daughter! Don't forget she's just a baby! You can't expect her to be born knowing how to behave!

[VANCOUVERISLANDROT]

Our 9-1/2 week old is extremely stubborn as well and has the same behavior you're describing. He is bond and determined to finish what he started and doesn't like "no". We're in the midst of having our upper floor deck re-built so for potty we have to carry him down the stairs to the front yard. Well you should see the show he puts on when you carry him! He groans, grumbles, wiggles, bites...he wants to walk those stairs himself. If you aren't quick enough he runs up them when you turn your back. He's very head strong.

All I can suggest is to really just try and divert your pups attention with her favorite toys, a good bone etc. It seems to work for us. Sometimes they just want your undivided attention and 'any attention is good attention' (just like a child). We get right down on the ground several times a day and play with him...tug a war, belly rubs, short obedience lessons (he already sits, lays down and shakes a paw)....those types of things.

When he's just not getting "no" and he's bouncing off the walls and gets out of control and we start getting beyond frustrated, we will take him in the yard to run around, play in his little pool etc or take him on a short walk. He really burns of the energy and there's not a whole lot he can get into in the yard. At night we take him for a short walk up and down our street and that does him in for the evening. zzzzzzzzz!

Now if I can only figure out how to get him to sleep past 4am! He sleeps through the whole night now, but 4am he's the rooster. haha!

[Judi W]

Oh my, I love a pup like that! This is a dog that is not going to fold up on you when the work gets hard.

When you're in such a state, put a lead on her and go for a little walk. doesn't need to be long, just changes the ideas and focus. During that time, practice what "sit" means and do some puppy pushups. Then work on "fetch" with a toy and tell her what a very clever girl she is.

BTW, pups don't know squat about time outs. Be honest and simply state that you are putting her in a crate to give yourself some time out. There is nothing wrong with that, but if you think she is sitting in the crate and reflecting upon what she did to be put in there you are deluding yourself.

Pop pup in crate and go have a cup of coffee.

[Mavides]

Originally Posted by Judi W

BTW, pups don't know squat about time outs. Be honest and simply state that you are putting her in a crate to give yourself some time out. There is nothing wrong with that, but if you think she is sitting in the crate and reflecting upon what she did to be put in there you are deluding yourself.

Pop pup in crate and go have a cup of coffee.

Just thought this needed repeating!! I agree 110%...time outs are sometimes necessary...but for US, not for the pup.

[danklaes]

Thank you all for your advice. The puppy turned 9 weeks old today. I guess that I should have been more descriptive with my real problems. The puppy comes from a very good blood line that includes vom Hause Neubrand and Vom Schwaiger Wappen. The Sire is an Ayk von Bickesheim sibling (Ivanhoe vom Krahen-Moor). So I have a pretty significant investment in this puppy. I know all of this doesn't mean much when it comes to working directly with a 9 week old puppy, but, I am bring it up to provide the genetic traits and disposition of the puppy.

The problems seem to all stem from the puppies disinterest in people and toys. It seem to want to explore, which is natural for the age, but, we cannot really even get her attention. When she finds a power cord or any other object that is forbidden, she becomes obsessed and focused when told 'NO'. Her attention doesn't get distracted by other items or toys and she doesn't like to be outside, so walks do not work unless we carry her while she squirms and resists. The only thing that will get her attention is a treat and then she becomes a maniac jumping and scrambling to get it. After it is gone, she is right back to the forbidden item. She seems to be intellegent, but, I can't seem to figure out how to get her engaged.

Is it possible that she is just not mature enough yet and we should give her another week or so??

[Canadianrotti]

Just a though, what about restricing the area that she has to roam? Eliminate the power cords, the sofa, all the other forbidden items for her. Make her environment a winning one, lots of positive stuff.

Just keep on re-directing her to the right things, and she will catch on. Kongs stuffed with cheese and rollover and such are a good way to keep her from chewing your shoes!

Good luck.

[Judi W]

Early handling as well as genetic disposition is very influential in a dog's social drive. How these things express themselves is readily apparent during the PAT test done before the placement of puppies. It isn't a matter of the amount of investment, but of selecting the right puppy for the right home and compatability of the individual pup for its future life. What are your goals for this youngster that you selected this breeding?

What you are describing is a pup with little or no interest in human interaction or approval. If she was kennel raised before you got her you have a double whammy. Her disregard for toys indicates a lack of prey drive as well. I am merely speculating, but if that is the case you indeed have your work cut out for you because you are left with few incentives to motivate the pup to want to please. Not something I would look forward to myself. I don't mind a naughty pup one bit, but I want one that has a desire to be with me and some regard of wanting my approval.

I would suggest talking to the breeder, explaining what your problems are. This is one case where I would also suggest teathering the little puplet. That means putting a line on her from her collar and tying it to your waist so she has no option but to go where you go. Do not pick her up or carry her. She has 4 perfectly good feet that she can darn well learn to use.

[BostonRott]

When you say she doesn't like walks, what is that based on? Is she used to having a leash on, or is she maybe objecting to the leash? That's not uncommon in young pups and just takes some work/diligence on your part.

She sounds like she's got a strong independant streak and that's not something you're going to change, it's part of who she is. My oldest male Bort has no interest in toys, and never has, and his prey drive is low. It made for difficulty in training him and was part of the reason I finally gave up training him in SchH.

Not sure what your plans are for the pup, but it sounds like she's poorly matched......even nice pedigrees produce dogs who could care less about work, show, etc. You may want to consider returning her and seeing if you can find something else, if you have big plans. Know also that if you were thinking of breeding her, these traits will pass on.

[rottcrazed]

Is this a puppy you are planning to work in schutzhund or obedience?

I am asking because this is not a puppy I would have picked out for that at all. She is far too independent for that.

When my litter was assessed, I chose the puppy two trainers picked out as the working pick BECAUSE she was all over the trainers, tripped them both during the following test, retrieved a paper ball, etc.... The other pup, who was the conformation pick, sounds like your girl. Stubborn, independent, ignores, so I chose not to pick that pup. She is a prettier girl, but not one I could work with without RIPPING my hair out.

She is going to be more work, no doubt. You need to make her realize that you are the most fun thing on Earth - not an easy task when you are dealing with a puppy like yours, but not impossible either.

And I agree with the 'time outs' being more for us than them. Wicca could go for days, but there is only so much I can tolerate, so I put her in her kennel after a good play, with a kong full of treats and we all relax ... for a while!!!

Kristi

PS It does get better, Wicca is now 3 months old and much more settled, although the puppy ZOOMIES are a constant occurance!

[SonnyRott]

Dan -

Tie a ball on a long rope and bring her in the yard. Pull it along the ground like you would a kitten with a string. Start running and see if she chases you. I don't see how she will be able to resist this toy. Sounds like she needs to burn off a little energy. Put the toy away when you are done and only take it out for your play times with her....she will start to look forward to these times with you (and the toy).

My pup was into everything too! And I literally had to redirect him a million times a day (seemed like that anyway). My puppy loved to explore and wasn't one bit interested in curling up and being fondled. There was too much to see and do. My house is loaded with crafts and antiques and rather than packing up my house, I chose to follow and watch him like a hawk so I could correct/redirect before he got into any trouble.

What worked well for us was giving him his own laundry basket full of toys. I would occasionally hide kibble or treats in the bottom of the basket so he would have to route through his toys to get to the treat. I would always redirect to his toy basket and he soon learned that those were for biting and playing....and they were all HIS! To this day, when my dog wants to play (which is anytime really....I will say...."GO GET YOUR TOY!") He will trot over to his basket and select a toy, then we will play.

Is there any toy your puppy likes? Do you have a variety on-hand? Sometimes hiding some and rotating with others keeps the pup interested. Toys do not have to be expensive. Empty plastic bottles with kibble inside, plastic tupperware lids, and knotted up old towels all work well.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having a puppy but oh they are alot of work! I love even more though my 2.5 year old "puppy" as he knows the drill and life is easy and routine.

Maybe you are just tired and frustrated at this point and your puppy is not indifferent at all just curious and full of herself. You said she comes to you and licks your hands after her "time outs". So she does seem to engage with you somewhat.

[marsol]

Sydney is now just 5 months old and walks are JUST starting to be fun for her..believe me it is an ongoing process that requires a LOT of patience. Is your pup food motivated ??? I ended up using a little squirt bottle with cold water when she was 3 months old, but in the beginning it was CONSTANT redirection..they just want to put every single thing they can into their mouths..as a matter of fact the couch is still a matter of contention with Sydney...not with my husband and her only me and her.

Sometimes the toys they like the best are simple things..an ice cube on a smooth floor, a stick, an empty gallon milk container, an empty water bottle.. a sliced knuckle bone..a piggy ear (under your supervision ONLY)..don't worry ....her interest in you in you will grow as you become entrenched in your pack leader roles. Also, once there is another doggie around that becomes the focus and they actually learn from the older doggies.

[JeanT]

Originally Posted by Marsol

Also, once there is another doggie around that becomes the focus and they actually learn from the older doggies.

I don't know if OP is considering adding an older dog for the puppy, but from what I have read here, it doesn't sound like a good idea for this puppy. The focus needs to become the owners, not another dog to bond with. Older dogs can teach some things, but they can't teach a pup how to bond with, focus on the owner.