[Mary22]

Hi there,

We got our new puppy about 1 week ago and she is 11 weeks old. I took off work the fist week but go back on Monday I have a few questions if anyone could help...

1) We are crate training. Right now, she can stay in there about 2 1/2 hours with out crying to go to the bathroom. Is this normal for her age? I will be going back to work and am worried because I can't get to her until about 4 hours. So, I guess I would like to know what I can expect of her.

2) I know she is teething but I want to know how to get her to stop biting or tugging on the kids pants. I don't want her to hurt them and them become afraid of her. I know you should give her something else to play or bite on but I don't always have somehting on hand. Is there a different suggestion?

3) I've been working on walking her but she is VERY stubborn. She pulls (hard!) to the point of choking herself some times! I stop walking when she does that and tell her "no". WHen she loosens the leash I praise her and then try to start again. Sometimes she'll do good for a little bit, but other times she gets frustrated with me stopping and she just plops down and doesn't move. I don't want to pull her to walk but I don't want her to win by just laying there. Is there something else I can be doing. Our last dog was a nightmare on the leash and we could never walk him and I really want her to be a good walking companion someday ( I realize she is very young, just want to know if there's something else I could be doing).

4) We are trying to find treats for her that we can use for training and housebreaking, but she doesn't seem to like any! The only thing I've used is a little bit if cheese which she loves, but I'm afraid it'll upset her stomach. I would love to praise her with a treat she loves! Any suggestions?

5) We have other dogs in the neighborhood I'd like her to get used to but she seems to want to jump all over them with excitement. Any suggestions on how to make these encounters more pleasant for us and the other dog?

Again, I know that she is still very young, but I really want to train her the right way. Sorry for so many different questions, but thought I'd get them off my chest and see what you all can suggest. I really find the information here is excellent!

Thanks!

[Curbside Prophet]

1) Has she had an accident in the crate yet? How much room does she have inside the crate? Is an exercise pen an option, or another puppy proofed enclosure?

2) The Bite Stops Here

3) (Loose Leash Walking Using Positive Reinforcers)Loose Leash Walking Using Positive Reinforcers - Dog Training Forum - Dog Forums - all breed dog forum

4) IMO, young pups should be fed during training with their kibble, and trained when hungry.

5) Has your dog had all her vaccinations? Unless you're certain these dogs are UTD on their vaccinations, and the areas you're playing in are free from doggy visitors, I'd stay away from socializing with older dogs. I do, however, recommend a group puppy school where your dog can learn some basic puppy manners with dogs her size.

Good luck!

[briteday]

Rule of thumb, they can go without piddling for the number of hours equal to their age in months. So you should be approaching 3 hours soon. In the meanwhile maybe you can gate off a laundry room or kitchen area, put down some wee wee pads (available at pet stores) or have someone come in midday to walk her.
Have the kids practice carrying chew toys and appropriate toys for the dog. As soon as she starts nipping they stop and re-direct the dog to the toy. If she even looks like she's going to nip, give the toy. You don't want her to think the toy is a reward for nipping.
3 & 4 are addressed above
5. She's a terrrier. Do some reading about wheatens. They are known to give the "wheaten kiss" to greet (inapporpriate I might add) by jumping up to lick the person's face. Stop the jumping behavior as you can at this age. once she has had all of her vacs I would ASAP get her into an obedience class. Wheatens are great dogs, have known several. But I've seen a few that were allowed to manipulate the household and become very dominant. Get it under control early. The kids need to be in on the process too.

[Mary22]

[quote=Curbside Prophet;51324]1) Has she had an accident in the crate yet? How much room does she have inside the crate? Is an exercise pen an option, or another puppy proofed enclosure?


She has gone in her crate (what a mess). We are going to try to gate her in a small area, with her crate open so she can go out of it and go to the bathroom. Should we leave paper down? I'm afraid she'll tear it up before she can go on it! I will be coming home on my lunch (about 4 hours later) to let her out and a quick walk. My husband then comes home about 3 1/2 hours later for the day.