We have recently (2 days!) adopted a 2 year old spaniel mix. He is a beautiful dog, affectionate and our family already loves him. However, the previous owners were neglectful to a high degree, and this dog is essentially a 2 year old puppy. He is unused to being in the house, completely unfamiliar with a leash, shies from cars; in other words completely reflects his first 2 year of life, neglected in a dog run. He is quite strong and tends to "bull" his way through things (i.e lunging and jumping). He is fairly intelligent, but he just doesn't have any manners let alone basic skills and commands. He is also a little sensitive and is just unaware of what is expected of him. He appears to have a fair degree of seperation anxiety on top of everything.
So, my question to you is: What comes first for a 2 year old puppy? We are working on a leash, and trying to keep him calm when he is in the house. As he is an adult I am unsure how to proceed with taking him off leash, he comes when called to some degree in our fenced-in yard, but I am afraid if he gets loose he'll take off running.
I guess I'm also asking how to calm him down to the point we can work with him. He is very easily distracted and so worked up that he is barely aware of me being there.
I'd appreciate any training tips or advice. How is the older untrained dog different than a puppy?
Thanks in advance,
beetle
So, my question to you is: What comes first for a 2 year old puppy? We are working on a leash, and trying to keep him calm when he is in the house. As he is an adult I am unsure how to proceed with taking him off leash, he comes when called to some degree in our fenced-in yard, but I am afraid if he gets loose he'll take off running.
I guess I'm also asking how to calm him down to the point we can work with him. He is very easily distracted and so worked up that he is barely aware of me being there.
I'd appreciate any training tips or advice. How is the older untrained dog different than a puppy?
Thanks in advance,
beetle