So Beulah is a pedigree Labrador - Dad's a showdog & Mums a gundog. So far she doesn't appear to be food motivated but prefers to have a fuss & belly rubs, she doesn't constantly follow us around everywhere anymore - does this stop when they get used to their new surroundings? She is quite happy to go outside on her own & now we have a job getting her to come in & getting her attention - kissy noises, clapping walking off you name it we try it. She especially likes to do her own thing in the garden & not follow us inside but when the house goes quiet (kids go to bed) & we want to sit down in the evening she tries to knock the bin over in the kitchen, howls/yaps & jumps up the door/wall. We ignore her & only go in/speak to her when she stops. Do you think I should get the right start? We charged the clicker over the past 2 days with kibble at her mealtime. I hope this makes sense - I'm sleep deprived!
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... ooops forgot to say we have had her for a week, she is 9 weeks old & although we have got her used to her collar we haven't tried her with the lead in the garden yet. We take her on the school run at the mo & stand at gates holding her to get her used to people, cars etc.
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... sounds like your doing well jasper follows me from room to room, he is 6 1/2 month
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... I wonder if at 9 weeks old she is still craving company of her litter mates and mum. That's you from now on, so it's natural that she'll protest a little bit. Having her on her own once the kids are in bed, would be quite a long stretch to be left alone at a young age. If you prefer that she's not with you when you're sitting down it's a case of sticking with it. Ear plugs maybe? Well done on the not following you round the house BTW. Our 9 year old Bernese still follows me to the bathroom - I'm sure he thinks there's another exit, and I'll sneak off without him!!
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... We don't leave her alone all evening we often bring her in the lounge & she cuddles up with us on the sofa for a bit before we go to bed - it's almost like a routine - then it's outside for toilet, radio on in kitchen, dishwasher on, washing machine programmed to come on after. She is doing really well - just worries a me a bit that she doesn't follow us everywhere! I obviously need to read total recall.
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... When Charlie first arrived, I think he viewed me with some puzzlement. I was obviously a good thing, as food arrived with me, and he would cry if left alone at first (but only in the very early days) but he wasn't very "clingy", as you describe with your pup. He wasn't even particularly pleased to see me in the mornings - I mean, he was interested that something was happening, but not the overwhelming tail wagging mad greeting I get now. It all changed after about 10 days, and then he sort of decided he was part of the family, and now sticks to us like glue. It might be the same with your pup - perhaps you need a bit of time to "bond" and for him to get used to you?
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... Think you've hit the nail on the head Julie - she does look a bit puzzled at me sometimes as if to say well what do you want me to do?! She is a great dog - the vet commented on her beauty & temperament (although she prob does every dog!) - nothing has fazed her so far - not even the hoover. It's not just the dogs that want to be accepted I suppose
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... She does keep us on our toes though - today she tried to eat a bumblebee - I caught her thinking about it - & a snail which makes me so paranoid about lungworm!
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... Here we are snuggled up on the sofa tonight https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151534529336172&l=a8fb6bf739
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... Awww... puppy cuddles. The best. I hope Charlie's big dog hugs are as good as his puppy cuddles. They grow up so fast, enjoy every moment.
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... Thanks guys, she is a cutie but then I'm biased She is snoring next to me at the moment. Should I be worried about the fact she doesn't follow me around? x
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... i would not think so , she as only been with you days, giver her time to settle in .......how old is she now ?
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... Hi NHM,sorry I don't know enough about dogs and their behavior to answer you.Anecdotally Dexter does follow me everywhere thoug( apart from his dosey spells he is having now)sometimes I feel sorry for him that he gets himself up everytime because I don't sit still for long!
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... Although they are all Labradors , they all have their own characters and little ways , all act differently as pups and into adulthood . My old girl Tess who died two years ago was like velcro , followed me everywhere from being a small pup until she died whereas two year old Sam doesnt do this, unless he thinks food is on offer
Re: Wolf in sheeps clothing... She is 10 weeks tomorrow. Had to share - just had some progress - did some crate training today with the door open, hoping it will help with night times eventually think it tired her out too. Just took her out to toilet then came inside said "in your crate" cheerily & chucked my top from today in, in she trotted...gave her a frozen kong with some of her kibble allowance in & marmite etc. she sniffed it licked it turned round & lay down to sleep First time she hasn't cried instantly when I've gone to bed )
