Puppy's behavior worries me:(

But see the difference is that you didn't say that. Its very nice for people to care and put their time in for giving advice and help. But if that person decides to take it or leave it is up to them. Making comments like that don't help anyone or anything and you can't debate with that. So someone disagrees, so what, the advice was stated and thats that. Its insignificant. You give one advice thats awesome. But one will do with it what they will. When it comes to comments to new comers that instantly push them away; what do you gain? If someone bothers you than don't comment, read a thread more enjoyable to yourself. I thought I read in signing up that regulars need to be nice especially to new comers because the obvious might not be obvious to them. Which started out that way but quickly turned. Rise above it and move on. Just some friendly advice from what I see so much on the outside and have felt numerous of times myself being a newcomer.

Sometimes I think it takes a while for a person to realize how their posts might come across.

This person asked for advice, got it, and then turned 180 degrees.

Maybe we have perceived it wrong. I bet we find out soon enough.

Well you all think you know everything about dogs, then why are YOU guys here, asking questions? I did not exactly post my concerns here because I wanted advice on how to fix the problem, but I wanted input about what may be causing this behavior. All I am doing is debating about raising my puppy. Everyone has their own way and own habits. At the same time I ask a question, I also want to make clear that I'm not uneducated about dogs and their behavior. As I said before, I have many years of experience with dogs (I grew up always with at least 3 dogs at a time that I myself raised). I never claimed to 'know everything', I obviously don't since I'm asking a question! When I see someone type something I disagree with, I'm gonna say something about it, and so do all of you. I did not come here to be attacked or to act childish toward any of you. I think we are a little too old for games. So grow up.

Thank you for being mature about the situation and understanding!

Because there has been a ton of immaturity and lack of understanding in this thread? Surely you jest.

Because you learn something new everyday and most of the highly educated, professionals that have posted in your thread do not ask the questions, they answer them because they are kind enough to do so.

If you feel you were attacked you should see how trolls and spammers get treated.

I think the frustration comes from the fact that people devote time to answer questions or provide feedback and then get told, no, I know what I'm doing, so never mind. I'm sure you would find yourself equally as frustrated time after time after time.

It is very clear that your methods of training are different than most of those encompassed by some of the trainers and experienced folk here, perhaps it would be beneficial to you to find a forum that more suits your training needs, unless, of course, you are willing to be open minded and try some of the suggestions out.

Either way, good luck to you and your pup.

I agree with you Buddy'sParents, but I do have to say that everyone has their own ways with training. I'm not telling everyone that they're wrong, just simply giving my own insite, which I am entitled to do. And yes, I have tried many of these methods of training even before posting here with no results, and that's exactly why I came. But anyway, I was away from home on business and left Levi by himself for 7 hours today (even though I hated it!). I expected to come home to many accidents, but not one! I walked him immediately and he did #1 and #2 right away with no problem. I also didn't have to force him on the grass he just went reluctantly on his own, I'm guessing he's getting used the the drill. He also climbed up the steps without me doing or saying a single thing. So for me, and for him, that is a huge improvement and I hope it continues! And yes, I do appreciate and I do thank everyone for their advice, though it may not seem like it!

Congratulation!

(Humans work well with positive reinforcement too.)

Of course! No one is saying people are not entitled to their own insights. We wouldn't have a forum if that were true! lol

Maybe we needed more info in the OP so as to not go over things that you had already done so that time is not wasted on anyone's behalf. I am glad your pup is making improvements, good luck!

Was today a cranky day for everyone, LOL

Spree, I'm glad you're making progress. Puppies can really wear out your patience, but they can learn so fast

I do have to say, though, that I take a little offense to the "you all think you know everything!" If I did, obviously, I wouldn't be here.

I agree with BP, it's possible that a little more background of what you've already done would have let everyone know what you've already tried and possibly had everyone think more creatively for helpful solutions to Levi's behavior.

But now you know. Welcome to Chaz!

Well I only made that comment because it was made to me and I was trying to contradict it, I didn't mean any offense. I kept my first post as short as possible, I didn't want to write a book. Next time I will be more specific!

Or perhaps it was to show that negativity begets negative responses...

Ok, let's review.

You were given several instructions on how to be patient with the puppy and help him be more willing to come onto the grass, which you apparently feel is not correct advice. It is quite clear you feel no qualms about forcing your puppy to do whatever. Many of us do not share the same views.


I am not sure what one would add to the above comments. Having lived with, bred, trained, shown and titled numerous dogs during the last 20 years, I can assure YOU that my dogs are not spoiled, nor do they have their own way all the time. I make rules and enforce them in as positive a way as possible.

I do not drag baby puppies around on the lead and force them to do things so they "know who is boss".

I make myself the leader of my dogs by providing and controlling their resources. I live with a pack of 5 Rottweilers. I can assure YOU that if there was no control, this would not be a happy family. I choose not to control my dogs by force.

Age is ABSOLUTELY and COMPLETELY relevant when training and working with dogs. Working with little puppies should never involve force or dominance.

It takes two for any pulling to occur. If the puppy is pulling, you are 50% of the problem, at minimum.

I apologize for even READING this thread, much less posting to it.

I don't think I know everything about dogs. I don't think anyone here believes they know everything about dogs. There are many people on this board who are quite experienced, many with more experience that I have.

I am a trainer, I teach classes, I compete with my dogs. I always have something to learn, and I enjoy helping others who have less experience.

IMO, what is causing the behavior is that he is a puppy. Puppies get scared of things, sometimes for no reason other than a fear stage. As was mentioned by others, it's not uncommon for doxies to be uncomfortable on grass, so breed is a factor.

I also believe that forcing him into situations that he's already uncomfortable with do more harm than good, and while he may give up and go on the grass and up the stairs, there is something called learned helplessness. It doesn't mean the underlying cause has been solved. Forcing him into uncomfortable situations does a disservice to building trust, which is necessary in order to build respect.

Using positive methods, creating positive associations with things that he's unsure of or uncomfortable with don't create a spoiled out of control dog. They create a dog who is enthusiastic and confident. A spoiled dog or an out of control dog is a dog who hasn't been taught boundaries. Boundaries can be taught without the use of force.

As for dominance, a true alpha dog doesn't intimidate with punitive acts. An alpha dog relies on body language to create a presence, an alpha dog projects confidence. Pack structure beyond that is dynamic. Much of old school pack theory has been proven to be erroneous. The old school pack theory was based on wolves in captivity. Wolves in the wild behave differently from wolves in captivity - in captivity, they are required to inhabit a much smaller territory and that caused dynamics that weren't seen in the wild. Pack theory based on wolves also doesn't equate well to domestic dogs - a species that has been selectively bred to live and work with people for centuries.

Butbutbut! I thought the way I treat trolls and spammers was amusing...

Did you miss the at the end of my sentence?

Yes. No? Maybe?

Harumph. *throws Hillside's ass-kicking boot at you*

You know there are times when even you don't want to mess with Beep? This would be one of those times. You best pick that boot up and go throw it at someone else.