Teaching 14wk puppy out

[tradintraci]

We have a 14wk rott, Diezel. We are working on aus. He's 50/50 with me but the problem is he's an eater. Eats everything outside and inside. I only take him out because I can (usually) get him to aus. Yesterday while in the house he ate a knee high nylon (for sure an obstruction!). My 13 year old (who was right next to him) tried aus and he wouldnt drop it. She tried to get it and he growled and bit her. Very small amount of blood but I am very upset. I got to them within seconds and got the nylon without a problem. My question is he will "behave" for my husband and myself but I don't know what to do with my daughter. We have a trainner and I work him but I won't see him for a week. He shows no food aggression. We've all "tested" him by petting him while eating since we brought him home and no problem. When he does the revere he does well except for the aus~directly gets it with a single bite and directly back with a sitz. Should I have our 13 work with him? I know he knows we dominate him but I wonder the relationship of a dog and our daughter. What does he think?

hummm

[brunie's mom]

I taught my pup the "leave it" command. This is good for many things..when they are eyeing something that they may pick up and swallow, want to chase the cats, or are even thinking of putting something in their mouth.

I taught the "drop it" command when he had something in his mouth that he was not supposed to. With the "drop it" command you must give them something to trade for the item they have in their mouth...usually a treat. All of my pockets were full of treats.

Unless you give him something to trade for...he may start clenching his teeth or swallowing the item really quick, or running away and hiding with the item.

Training a puppy should be a positive, pleasant experience...no a war of wills.
Try the trading technique and you will soon have a pup that drops forbidden items quickly and looks to you for a treat.

Gina

[Luvs]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

I taught the "drop it" command when he had something in his mouth that he was not supposed to. With the "drop it" command you must give them something to trade for the item they have in their mouth...usually a treat. All of my pockets were full of treats.
Gina

This is what we did as well. They learn really quickly that if they drop what is in their mouth they can get something even better in return
My pockets were always full of treats. Actually, I still usually have a treat or two in my pockets

[SABELLESMOM]

Playing fetch helps. In order to continue the game the ball/toy must first be released. Most catch on fairly quickly. Toss the ball, he will likely follow it an pick it up. Now call him to you. (If you need, put a long lead on him so you can encourage the recall) Then tell him "aus." or "drop it." Reward with a treat. The first try or two may feel like you're substituting the treat for the ball...that's not far from the truth, but they catch on quick. I see no reason why your daughter can't play this with him as well.

And to a 14 week old puppy, anything within reach is still fair game to him. Stockings need to be off the floor. As you mentioned they can be dangerous. And he's twice as tempted the first 6 months or so due to teething. So be prepared. If you can't watch or are busy, there's nothing wrong with crating him for a few minutes, until you can watch better. Also kick up his out door leash activity. Have some fun! You are building a bond with this animal. He will love you forever. Everything you do solidifies the relationship more. Pleasant and positive is best for you both. You'll never regret a minute you spend training or playing with your dog. GOOD LUCK!

[rhylmarova]

I have started teaching OUT for last few days, mainly as a part of fetch game. He now completely understands that he needs to bring it to my hand and let go (only for a treat at the moment). Works wonders. I have now transfered it to other items, such as constantly stolen socks etc...works fantastic!

Thanks for advise