Well, 10 weeks old and uhm...I'm seeing things before my eyes I simply cannot believe! It can't be possible that McQueen is searching for his better half to indulge in ...or can it? ??? My wool coat of all things !!! Is there something I should be doing to stop him? Or is it normal ? LOL Still in a state of shock here mind you....
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? Sounds pretty par for the course... Don't worry, it's part of what they do... Are you thinking of having him neutered when he is older?
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? Question is what are the pros and con's for him Karen. Not at all sure what the cost factor for such thing would be, but if it needs to be done then so be it. I don't plan to breed if that's what your thinking. He seems to be getting fiestier and fiestier everyday, getting a little out of control to be honest and it's not his fault. George just tends to confuse him I think...
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? I know what you mean Labrina, its hard with children, mine definitely must confuse Digby. They do try to do it like I have asked them to, use the right words etc but it just doesn't happen effectively. Especially the 2 year old who gives Digby all manner of instructions (but also has incredible conversations with him that only a 2 year old and a puppy could have!!). I work with him when I can - only ever 5 mins here and there when I get a sec and just keep my instructions consistent, and as long as he understands ME then I try not to worry too much about the children's influence, which is nowhere near as big. I don't want to take all the pleasure out of this for them all. It seems to be working OK so far.
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? Exactly Sersi...IT's a never ending thing with McQueen, just when I think I;ve made headway with him...he then begins to NOT LISTEN...to me...How do you adjust this?
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? You get over this by training in a logical way. We read far too much into what dog's do sometimes, especially puppies. Dogs do what works for them, what benefits them. If a puppy isn't listening, it is because he is benefiting from not listening. The answer is to make sure he benefits from listening and doesn't benefit when he fails to listen. Its all about consequences. And controlling them. Have a look at this article, hope it helps. Edited to add: humping (your coat or anything else) in puppies is normal and not really to do with sex. That comes later
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? Thank you Pippa...sounds easy the way you state it and I will persist even if I have to grit my teeth at most things at the moment when it comes to his personality changes. The thing I'm finding is treating him only keeps him begging me for more and without treats he simply doesn't listen. I hope I DO make some headway...your advice has always been gold....ty again...
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? It's great that he will work for treats as this will make training him easier. Charlie is not very treat orientated and that makes him difficult to train. Hattie on the other hand would do anything for even a crumb - sooo easy!! Keep up the good work he will catch on before you know it. Helen x
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? Edible treats are HUGELY important in my training. His favourite is used only for recall off-lead, as this is so very important. Then I carry a variety of differently valued treats, if you see what I mean. The best for when it is most difficult/important, down to tiny bits of kibble for when I'm fading them out for a certain activity. I read about it on here and, there's definitely information about reducing treats and the gambling effect that was really helpful for me.
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? Thanks to Pippa's Total Recall book this is how we use treats for Charlie's training too. Sersi as you say it's the value and gambling effect of the treat that gets the best results. Each exercise we start in the book Charlie gets a high value treat such as chicken then when he understands we alternate with kibble, then lots of recalls in a row with just kibble etc etc. when he is successful I occasionally reward him with pilchards (which he loves ) as a big bonus treat, that keeps him guessing and recalling If it can work for Charlie believe me it can work for any dog. Have you got Pippa's book Labrina ? Helen x
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? just giggling at the thought of carrying pilchards around. am sure Digby would love it but they must be messy, not to mention a tad smelly!! I think I'd be like the pied piper with all the neighbourhood dogs (and cats!)
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? ;D ;D With a dog like Charlie I am prepared to do absolutely anything!! Use tinned ones put in a plastic box, so not too messy and no cats or dogs following us!!! ;D ;D
Re: Is puppy losing his innocence? Yes Helen, I have had Pippa's book in hand for almost a month now. Managed to read bits and pieces with the goings on about the place at the moment, so forgive me if I'm skipping a beat with my questions on here. I seem to have let Mc's training drift a bit to be honest, perhaps this is why he is not finding solid ground in my attempts to train him. They are in no way consistant and MacQueen is not a silly puppy, in fact his inteligence is amazing and getting better and better as time moves on. Yesterday I sat outside not in the best frame of minds not paying much attention to him and he actually got up ran accross to the OTHER side of the yard, picking up his lead bringing it straight to my hand. I was shocked! Also, we have mastered sit but he still pees indoors. It's like he waits till hes inside. By the time I scoop him up to take him outside, he's already peed! I'm starting to think his 'humping' phase is one of attention seeking and nothing more...to be honest looking back now ..I don't blame him but unfortunately my sons health is of utmost of importance...
