puppy's day

[moondog]

Originally Posted by mel07

thanks moondog, that's most helpful ... i'm doing all that, bar the puppy class. we had izzy signed up for one and it was cancelled due to lack of numbers (we live in a small town). i'm now looking into one-on-one, if the trainer would ever return my phone calls ...

I can empathize with you on finding a puppy class, and I live in Los Angeles! I called/emailed at least NINE different contacts for puppy class, and only ONE bothered to get back to me. I was quite amazed that it would be that difficult....! Keep trying, and keep looking for alternative trainers, as well...something will come through for you.

On the upside, one of the contacts that never got back to me works with the club that I now take Chili to for rally classes and they are great, so all is forgiven as far as I'm concerned!

Sometimes people are just busy - try being a squeaky wheel!

[mel07]

i beginning to think not returning phone calls is a california thing (I'm from Sydney, Australia, originally)

[Gunsey'sMom]

IS it normal for 5 months? Yes if you let it be basically. LOL. your puppy is going to start testing and trying to be in charge as early as now. this is a critical time to retain control with fair and firm leadership. One of the first things you will learn in puppy class is how to be in charge. Simple things like going through the door BEFORE your puppy and having him sit for a treat are a few things.

Try leaving your crate in the living room if that is a good place and having him get used to it there. whe nhe whines-ignore him!! If you dont you are reinforcingthat it it okay to whine, and he will do it more and it will be harder to rid him of the habit.

Dont think you are going crazy either, 5 months is a handful of a time, but it gets better. And it can be really hard to find classes and trainers- especially ones that are close to you! Keep on trying! I have just now found a trainer that might be somewhat close to us.

[mel07]

lol, WHEN does it start to get better??

[Gunsey'sMom]

There were angel and devil days for us from about 5-6 mos to 10 mos and then you really notice a big difference in maturity level. But daily training really, really cannot be replaced either. We just noticed a more mellow GUnner when he got a little older and were very relieved, so thought I'd let you know that it DOES get better-LOL.

[mel07]

five more months of this ... gulp!

[Gunsey'sMom]

Its NOT set in stone, and training, training , training! And these forums are a great help too! Just know your not alone...and dont be afraid t oask questions..your post is something I wish I wouldve asked. I drove myself crazy trying to occupy Gunner every waking second, but just give proper exercise,supervision, and your crate will be invaluable, LOL. Baby gates are also a big help. Pick a small area of you r house that is fairly "empty" and puppy proof it. Then gate it off. you will be surprised at how they will respect a gate. (make sure it is a fair height) Keep on posting!!!!

[mel07]

thank you so much for your encouraging words ... this site is invaluable.
i have a three-level house and have baby-crated the lower level (as well as a dangerous drop down the stairwell) and keep the doors closed on the top, so basically he has the living room and kitchen at his disposal.
as he's grown, the puppy-proofing has gotten higher and higher, LOL. now there's so much stuff on top of the fridge!
i had him sleep in the living room last night, instead of our bedroom, and apart from a little wimpering initially and a toilet break at about 2am, he was fine with the new arrangement. it definitely helped that i fed him in his crate yesterday and that he had a new treat from trader joe's to keep him company!
he's just now decided that the basket that holds his toys is more fun than the toys themselves and is running around with it on his head! too funny!

[Gunsey'sMom]

LOL! That's great, sounds like you are getting stuff in order, have fun with your guy, they are awesome dogs!!!

[mel07]

gunsey's mom, how old is your dog? (and where the heck is front royal?)

[mel07]

it's fun to watch the way izzy loves mental challenges - i can almost see his brain ticking over as he tries to work things out ...
he HATES not "getting it" and will try all sorts of ways and means till he gets it right, all the while glancing at me for a yay or a nay ...
my previous experience with the breed have been very negative - the first was Rocky, a neighbor's dog, when i was a kid - i was too scared to leave the house if he was "out" - ie roaming loose - after he attacked my lab and required my brother to have microsurgery.
the second was my housemate's dog - whom i knew from 7 weeks. he had NO training, NO socialization, and was totally adorable until it came to children ... then his prey inctinct kicked in and he was out for the kill ... horrifying ...
HOWEVER, i saw the potential in the breed, the best bits, and vowed, when the time was right, i would have one. so i spent two years researching and reading and finding out all we could about these wonderful creatures ...
and now we have izzy .. who's turning out wonderfully ...