So we got a puppy

[foolserrand]

Having lost both of my beautiful rescue rotties over the past 12 months, I have finally bitten the bullet and taken on a new pup.

My dogs were rescued at 12 months and 6 months respectively, but dp was adamant he wanted a puppy this time. So a puppy we have got.

He is entirely my responsibility, which I'm fine with. But I had forgotten how hard training was! I worked with my two extensively before the dc came along and they were phenomenal dogs. Now though, I have 3 dc (youngest is home full time still).

Pup (springer x poodle mongrel) has taken to running off to wee indoors when I'm getting a drink and chews everything!

I need help, what are the good websites / articles for training these days? He's incredibly quick to learn and I do have the time and desire to teach him well. Just a little direction to begin please!

I've added a photo of the little cutie because I luff him.

[orangebird69]

Dp was adamant it was a puppy but he takes no responsibility for it? What a treasure.... Cute pup though.

[TripTrappedNow]

oooh I see trouble how cute

The main thing to remember (owner of one year old bulldozer labrador typing) is if it is not cute behaviour from an adult dog greeting a visitor then it is not cute behaviour from a puppy. So no sofa time unless invited up, no jumping up at anyone ever, no scraps given while you are eating.

Babybel cheese stuffed into a sterilised bone is a tip for the chewing stage or to give if you have to go out, saves -the plaster -on the walls keeps mine interested for ages.

[foolserrand]

He's coming with me everywhere atm. Yes, I've always been strict about dinner and jumping. Licking faces too

That bone idea is ace! He's mainly attacking clothes and the kids toys. That could be a good trade for him! Thanks

[ErrolTheDragon]

Re the weeing - do you have deodorising spray? Mop up 'accidents' with an old towel or cloth, clean and deodorise scrupulously. Then put the smelly rags outside, take your pup there for a good sniff and praise/treat 'this is where wee belongs'.

Nice to see an honest description 'springer/poodle mongrel'

[Hoppinggreen]

My "puppy" has just turned 1 and the days when I don't completely hate him are getting more frequent.
Anyone who thinks puppies are cute has either never had one or is lookmg through the rose tinted spectacles of time!!
May the force be with you

[maddogs33]

Good luck, for the weeing thing (and admittedly this is tiresome) take him out every 30 minutes and use a consistent word for going to the loo eg. toilet. He wont go everytime but it will become habit to go outside and he will connect the going outside with the toilet. Our naughty terrier puppy caught the hang of it really quickly in a couple of days to the point you dont need to take them out as frequently and eventually he will head to the door when he needs to go.

Oh and you need treats, lots and lots of treats! Good luck

[PlayingGrownUp]

A friend swears by a spray that is originally to stop horses chewing on their stable doors.

Our vet advised that as poodles are very intelligent then outr mongrel may enjoy puzzles - keeps him out of trouble!

[SapphireStrange]

Why does your DP get to dictate what sort of dog you get, but take no responsibility for it?

The pup is gorgeous.

Sorry, I have no advice at all.

[beepbeep]

soak an old tea towel in beef stock, wring it out and freeze it - good for chewing and calming on his teeth. our springer has just hit 6 months and the toilet training is pretty much sorted and the chewing of things he shouldn't is a lot less frequent - it's getting the children to stop leaving things lying around thats the issue!

Also, we had problems with toilet training and were advised by vet to use crate training, this has definitely worked, he still sleeps in there on a night and goes in there if we're out for a long period of time - to stop the chewing as much as anything. He has lots of toys in there and now actually goes in there on his own to have a nap.

good luck!

[LilCamper]

Look in the files on the Facebook group 'Dog Training Advice and Support'.

[foolserrand]

Okay, spray to stop horses, I can get that.

I've been taking him out every hour, but he flat out refuses to go after an excellent start. Preferring my welcome mat maybe I should put that outside! I'm cleaning with a strong lemon smelling anti everything so residual smells shouldn't be an issue.

As for dp, yeah.... he's an arse. But this is nothing new.

There's a Facebook group?

[Bubble2bubble]

Dog Training FB group Look in the files section, their toilet training one is absolutely spot on :)

[ginauk84]

I would crate train, so if you need to do something you can pop pup in crate and not have to think about any accidents. Makes life easier and less stressful :)

[orangebird69]

As it's a gundog mix, maybe some kind of homestyle gundog training might be good for it?

[BagelGoesWalking]

Yes, FB group quoted above seems very good, also look at Kikopup videos on YouTube.

It's like many, many men who want a "manly" dog like a Retriever, who can wrench your arm out of its socket, is too large and powerful to allow younger people to hold a lead (unless very well trained etc), when a much smaller dog would often (not always, I know!) would be easier for everyone concerned It pisses me off!

[foolserrand]

I'll look into gundog style activities. Thanks for a super idea!

That is exactly how we ended up with 2 rotties. I turned my big boy into a therapy dog. He was just the greatest.

[ChocolateRaisin]

Gwen Bailey's puppy book is excellent.

Gorgeous pup!

[Kirstyinnorway]

He had a touch of the crazy eyes Dogs that are intelligent are often harder work. Great suggestions here about gundog activities! He's gorgeous, congrats

[foolserrand]

Can anyone who suggested gundog activities elaborate please? I've been looking but failing!

He learned to climb the stairs this evening, so that's nice. He also ate a phone charger.

[orangebird69]

whistle training is great - spaniels in particular respond well to this usually!