I Don't Know What to Do Anymore

[Doberluv]

Ok...I just skimmed through all the posts because I'm old and I forgot some of what was said already. First off, please don't use physically harsh corrections and put your dog on the defensive. He's already showing some aggressive tendancies and that will only make things worse. Doing nasty, unpleasant things to a dog, trying to dominate it is NOT what "alphas" do if that's what people think. They do not lower themselves to lower ranking animals' status or behavior. That's what lower ranking animals do to try and vie for the higher spot on the ladder. The alpha does not. You do not want to do that stuff. Dominating your dog will not make him of steady, stable temperament. Showing him how very in charge of his life you are and how you control his resources is what will convince him to chill out and go with the program. You will be directing him with training which will show him too, that you know what you're doing and your lessons will mimick a feeling of keeping the "pack" safe. You're in charge and you know what you're doing.

I see that you have done some of that NILIF stuff. Keep at it religiously.

Let's see if Creature Teacher will come to this thread. You could PM her and ask her to check all this out and see what she comes up with. I think it would be good if she came here to post so everyone can see what she thinks.

I still didn't catch (but I was skimming) how old your puppy is now.

 

[Renee750il]

12 weeks, still a very young pup.

 

[maui]

Renee,

I wrote a novella here last night, and realized... after reading Doberlov's post. I never mentioned we worked with two different trainers who did temperment test him. So, I should mention that we were confident our dog was not aggressive aggressive, just a herding dog who was cheeky and mischeivous boy.

I fully agree that it would be a great idea to have a "positive reinforcement" trainer or behaviorist see your pup now. If you can't afford a private trainer, a class would be a great place to start.

Your dogs are both adorable!!!!

 

[Purr]

Hey Big, sorry to hear about your dilema! I don't really know what to suggest...my two boys stopped on their own.

Did you let him know that he hurt you? Not by scolding him, but by acting "hurt"? I cut my hand pretty bad on a knife the other day, and my dogs keep coming over and nuzzling my cut hand very gently, like they want to make sure it's okay LOL They are so sweet.

The NILIF is a very good idea. Don't give up, BigDoggyDaddy! You'll get through it. Rocky will learn eventually. And, he's still young; 12 weeks is pretty baby-ish. Is it that he's teething and trying to chew on you, or, is he just playing? I've heard (from a dog trainer) that you can wet a hand towel and freeze it, and that teething puppies like to chew on it. I haven't ever tried that, but I will, and I'll let you know if it works. The Kong should be good for teething when it's frozen.

Good luck!!

 

[Barb04]

Kona is now 5 1/2 months old and she is still nipping at times. It seems like after she gets up from a nap and is full of energy is when this starts. We now try to exercise/play with her so she gets out some of the energy she has stored up from napping. I also put her in the kitchen using gates if she acts up too much and take her out after maybe 15 minutes when she's been quiet.

Rocky is also probably teething so this doesn't help. Kona is almost done getting her adult teeth in. Hang in there! It does get better; I'm learning that too.

 

[maui]

Hi Purr! (Will get to the photos soon!)

Interesting you mention the coming to you when you are hurt. Ranger didn't do that until he was maybe 13-14 months old. He would stop and look at us, like we were in the zoo. Then one day, I burned my hand on the stove, and voila this caring sweetie pie appeared.

Since then, everything changed. Now... okay, if I post this, you have to promise not to judge us, he licks our nostrils when we have a cold. It's like he knows we're sick! It means a lot to us because he was unable to communicate with us when we were hurt for so long.

How old is Beethoven now?

-Maui

 

[Purr]

Hey Maui!

Beethoven is five months. It's weird how he knows it hurts; he's so gentle with my hand.

I think it's sweet that Ranger licks you when you're sick! I don't judge people LOL. I'll keep a look out for your pictures!!

I froze a wash cloth this morning, after I posted to this thread, and the boys love it! Bear took off runnin', and Beethoven had to chase him LOL. I'll have to freeze another one now.

 

[BigDog2191]

Oh, sound like that works.

I'm going to try that.


I know Rocky doesn't have genetically bad temperament.

For some reason, things have gotten a little better. If I just say stop or HEY, that usually works now. If not, then I'll keep a more strict NILIF on him.

 

[Purr]

Yes, it worked really well. Bear particularly liked the "CRUUUUNCH" sound it makes when you bite it LOL. Hope Rocky likes it as much! Good luck!

 

[Doberluv]

Well, Bigdog. It sounds like you've got things going. The reason I wondered about his temperament is that you made it sound like he wasn't playing, that he was being aggressive. I found that unusual in such a young pup, so I guess, without really seeing his body language, it's hard over the Internet to know just what he's doing. If this is just normal, roudy puppy play, then I wouldn't worry so much other than the usual ignoring, ending playtime and giving substitue chewing things.

Anyhow, keep us posted. Good luck.

 

[BigDog2191]

Thank you, Doberluv. And all.