Hello: I got my puppy last week, so she will be 12 weeks tomorrow. She is a terrier, miniature pinscher cross and I just wanted some reassurance that I'm doing it all ok. She is crated at night, more or less housetrained and goes in the crate if I need to pop out, or when we are eating. I've listened very carefully outside the house and she whines for a few minutes when she goes in, but otherwise is quiet in there unless she needs to pee. last night she slept from 11-6. How much is it OK to use the crate with a dog of this age?
I guess her breed means that she is very nippy, very jumpy, and keen to dominate. She is more or less OK with me, DP and older daughter, but is still treating younger daughter (4) like a playmate (nipping, jumping, grabbing DD2's tutu ). DD2 is a bit scared of her. Her teeth are very sharp, but she hasn't managed to draw blood yet. She loves to sit on my lap, but I am trying to be firm about this, telling her down, and drawing her down to the floor by following my hand. E.g. she can sit on my lap only at my invitation. I am making sure to let DD2 sit on my lap too so that Ddog doesn't think she owns me.
With nipping I yelp "ow" at her, praise her for licking and soft mouthing, put her down and turn away if she doesn't stop. Sometimes she growls if she doesn't want to let go of something. Barks at the cat who has given her a few swipes. I try to distract her into play biting one of her toys.
I taught her to come when I call - which is fairly reliable. And I've put her in a collar and will start her on the lead today. I can't do puppy training with her until all vaccinations are complete.
I just want some reassurance that I am not going to create a psychopath of a dog and that she will eventually turn into a good family pet.
Thanks for bearing with me this far!!
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The doghouse
new puppy: inexperienced owner - am I doing it right?
10 replies
rhetorician · 24/08/2015 11:08
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