So I have a 6 month old pup that I thought we were doing good with training. However we have a few common issues with this that we have found.
He jumps- I have tried everything from turning away and saying no, to lifting my leg into his chest. Not hard but enough to move him away.
He play bites- He is usually careful not to be to rough but its getting out of hand
He pulls on the leash - This one i have tried so many times to correct with no response.
and the chewing. He has enough toys to keep his little mouth busy but he desides to chew on everything else. I am tired of it
If you have idea's on how to break these or any of these habbits let me know. We are getting desperate. We have fallowed books and guides but now I am starting to think that its just his breed. I have had several dogs that teaching away from these bad habbits was easy. I usually get older shelter dogs. This is my first purebred young pup and its just not working.
Funny thing is, he will only play tug a war with my son and sometimes when running through the house he will get pushy but then stops as soon as LO gets upset... Is it just me?!?!
Take him to training classes. They are wonderful dogs. He is only six months. They do play bite and chew. Not abnormal. He is a baby.
Most people I know who have gotten puppies have gone to obedience training classes. It seems to be required. Most community centers/rec programs have them at a reasonable price so start there. Some pet store chains, like Petco, or Pet Food Express, also offer them.
Also, what does your breeder say? S/he should be your main resource for help and information.
Also your Vet's office, what do they suggest?
I don't think it's a purebred puppy thing.... it's just a puppy thing. This is one reason I don't much like puppies and have always adopted older dogs.
Your dog sounds perfectly normal and you just need to continue training and reinforce everything you learn. It takes some dogs longer than others to get it. And 6 months really is very young. Can you find a local trainer to work with you? My daughter had great luck at Petsmart training classes with her puppies.
She learned that to curb jumping, you really do have to knee them in the chest so they get it. My ex did it just once pretty hard to her dog, and he never ever jumps on him. Others he will jump on but not him. You have to make it count. For play biting, she would yell "no bite" very loudly to her puppies. It took awhile, but they learned. And she did yell really loud! To train her dogs not to pull at the leash, she kept treats in her pocket and let them know it. They stay right by that pocket. And if they start to pull, she knees them in the rear so they know it's not safe to pull ahead.
I agree training classes would be great for both of you and socialization. He is a puppy and these are all normal he is teething too.
Jumping up- turn away as he jumps and ignore. Everyone must follow the rule, when he sits, stands, or downs, your choice of what you want- reward it! Treat, praise etc
Play bites - yelp when he does it and act as though it does hurt. If necessary walk away.
chewing- reward when he chews on his toys, if it is something he shouldn't have remove it and give a toy. Bitter Apple srpay can work well for some things, but some dogs like the taste.
Pulling- I would recommend a gentle leader or easy walk harness, both are great- no chokes or prongs! If he pulls you have two choices pick one, stop and stand still until he comes back closer to a slack leash or turn and go the other way as soon as he starts to pull. If you turn around yes you will be going in circles sometimes. Also take treats when you walk, which can be dog food. Reward for what you want.
These are just a few basic ideas. Find a good positive approach training place in your area fro puppy classes, always a good idea no matter how good a trainer. Also make sure everyone follows the same rules so it makes sense to him, He is doing very normal puppy things and is a high energy breed so lots of exercise. Hope this helps and sorry so quickly typed, I have a toddler who is ready to play! PM if I can help you any more
sounds like a normal puppy.....
spray bottle. set it on stream and catch him in the act. you'll probably need multiple bottles all over the house.
we just got a 2 year old mixed breed. spray bottle works like a charm - takes only once or twice. will probably take a month to 6 weeks with a puppy.
if plain water doesn't seem to bother him, make it vinegar. I have yet to meet a dog that can stand the smell of vinegar.
the other trick is a container of pennies - a metal container works best. you shake it hard when you catch them in the act making a really loud noise.
oh, and absolutely NO tug of war. it's bad for many reasons in puppies no matter how much fun is it for humans and puppies. also no chase games at this age.
