So I'm posting here just to let off steam (otherwise I'm going to lose my rag with the puppy which isn't fair....). Our first pup, twelve weeks old, and he was getting SO GOOD at not biting (he'd seemed to learn that a gentle lick is acceptable, a grab with the teeth is not...). And then today he has spent the last hour chasing after me and biting at the legs of my trousers, hanging off them, and every now and then getting a bit of flesh in there too. My calm response lasted about two minutes I'm afraid. Which didn't help. And I know I ought to be distracting him with something else to chew, but right now nothing seems as interesting as my legs. And then he has gone and dumped on the carpet - which he NEVER does - because I didn't notice he'd gone to sit by the door because I was trying to ignore him.... Oh big sigh. He is really a very good pup, just having an off day I guess. So am I.... Just got to get through this evening then we can all go to bed and tomorrow is another day. I do hope this isn't a pattern that is going to continue though... Rosie
Re: Driving me nuts today! It's not a pattern and you're absolutely right tomorrow is another day....best attitude by far with puppies
Re: Driving me nuts today! Get yourself a couple of Kongs and stuff them with a few bits of kibble mixed in with some cheap as chips fish paste, then freeze them. When it gets to his mad half hour, which most pups seem to have at about 8pm, or whenever you can see him winding himself up into a Tasmanian Devil, give him a stuffed kong. By the time he's managed to get all the noms out of the kong, he'll have worn his little brain out and be ready to settle down .
Re: Driving me nuts today! ah, bless... I remember the "it's not worth putting the mop bucket away" days! But it's not always like that, mostly it's fun. Kongs and crates and baby gates will save your sanity! Good luck!
Re: Driving me nuts today! I definitely agree with getting a kong.....they are brilliant and pups love them Everyone has off days, including dogs. Have you got a crate you could put him in for a few minutes til he calms down? Hopefully tomorrow will be better for you both
Re: Driving me nuts today! Nevis did this and it can be really sore. I tried distraction but he was so focused on getting my trousers nothing seemed to work so every time he did it i lifted him and put him into his crate for 5 minutes. It gave me time to lick my wounds and him to calm down lol.. When i brought him back through if he did it again i lifted him and put him back, he picked up really fast why he was being put through as he stopped it really quickly I never ever had to put him in more than twice so it didn't put him off his crate. Now i couldn't even lift him so i hope he doesn't start it up again ;D
Re: Driving me nuts today! i feel for you, having a pup as been the hardest thing i have ever done, i assure you it will pass, my boy is now 14 month old, gentle as a lamb
Re: Driving me nuts today! We are 5 months in. Seen some big changes over the last month or so. We still have off days. We had a couple of "did we do the right thing getting a puppy" moments/conversations. But then he would go and be an idiot and make us laugh.
Re: Driving me nuts today! Thank you everyone! Feeling better today (although the little b****r still seems to thing my jeans are the most exciting thing ever). Will try the Kong - we have one but I've not yet figured out how to fill it with food. Time for a bit of experimentation I think! Once again this forum has saved my sanity - thank you everyone... Rosie and Pongo (sleeping)
Re: Driving me nuts today! Currently our preferred Kong stuffing is a little bit of honey drizzled inside then stuffed with sliced carrot. He goes mad for it. Make sure you ram it in hard to make it a challenge. Also half a mashed banana round the inside and frozen. There its loads of ideas out there. I don't like soaked and frozen kibble as it stinks.
Re: Driving me nuts today! This was so great to read - we had a 'family meeting' tonight (me and Mr with 3 kids aged, 12, 10 and 8!) - about discipline, teasing, kindness and over loving of the puppy! We didn't admit it to the kids but we also had the 'what have we done?' conversation. Like life isn't stressful enough! Knowing that her behaviour is normal is sooo helpful - it's a bit like anti-natal classes all over again...
Re: Driving me nuts today! Family meeting sounds like a great plan Rosie - just want to repeat what everyone else has said - your puppy is totally normal And you are totally normal for finding it all a bit much at times We got our current boy as a rambunctious 9 month old and were totally shell shocked for at least a week. We put honey in Kongs too, also peanut butter, mashed potato, pesto...anything that will stick to the inside If your dog tolerates cheese (can upset some tummies) you can try putting a bit of melty cheese in the Kong and zapping in the microwave (doesn't need much time - 10 seconds) then letting it set/cool again before giving it to your pup.
Re: Driving me nuts today! Biting thing has calmed down, hurrah! I suppose it is going to happen on and off whenever he's got a sore mouth until all his teeth are in...but now I know it will pass I'm much happier. Thank you everyone!
