Question about new pup

[jofeb04]

Hiya all,

Got a pup - just over eight weeks, and she has been here since she was seven weeks.

All in all, she is doing really well, sleeps over night fine, likes her crate to sleep in throughout the day etc. But I've got a couple of questions regarding training (have seen the other thread, but didn't want to hijack).

First thing is being a puppy she loves to chase our feet (we stand still and she stops etc) and she can nip them at times - though more when she is excited such as ourselves arriving back home. But, she also does this to our dc (4 and 2). So, what can we do to stop the chasing? I know it is the way she plays etc, and we give her plenty of playtime (with us, with toys etc).

Also, we have been looking at treats for her to help with the basics - sit, no etc. But, when looking, they all seem to say from 4months. What else can we give her?

Thanks

I think you can stop her by talking sternly at her when she does things you don't like, and reward her with things you do like.

Encouraging good sitting is really good.

Puppy coachies are from little. But you could use a handful of her kibble. At this age, food is food and they aren't too fussed about what it is

For nipping feet - equip all members of the family with toys and chews she is allowed - cotton tuggers are great for teething pups and don't cost too much. If she nips at feet, say No, then give her the toy she is allowed and distract her into playing with it (e.g pull it along the floor, and BIG praise when she holds it/chews it). Praise her a lot If she continues to nip, then into time out she goes for a few mins and then try again. She'll soon learn what's allowed for chewing and what's not. This should also work for her chewing on things she shouldn't - say uh uh (rather then No, which should only be used for serious offences) and swap the wrong item for the right one

puppy coachies

also found these probiotic puppy treats which look good, and are from 6 weeks and shouldn't cause problems with puppy tummies

It reminds me of when the dc were little - with No and time out

(Actually, reminds me of the dc now).

Thanks for the links, going to look at them later tonight, also the idea that she can also have the normal stuff as a treat and to give it to the dc as well .... lol

Thanks

small puppies are a lot like small children

The dc seem to love her, think we need to explain more to the dc as when she runs to them, they run away screaming. I think this is giving her a reaction, encoraging her to do it more. Is this right?

Should we just say to the kids that when she does chase, they stand still or should they walk away from her?

Running makes it worse, cause its how puppies play. They nip and run to play with each other. What kind of dog is she?

Best course of action is to stop and still The kids need to be briefed ideally so they know they stand, say No nice and confidently (but not shouting if poss ;) ) and to distract her with a toy (or for you to do it if they are too little)

stand still even :D

Thanks for the advice. Going to try that with the kids tomorrow. She is a Jack Russell, such a lovely little puppy.

We were lucky in that we saw both the parents (both very nice personalities iykwim).

Hows it going today?

Stand still. Don't run. For nipping you need a slammer/Room 101/cooler which is NOT her crate/ the yard for Time Out.
If she nips, howl like a puppy and IMMEDIATELY put her in the slammer. Do not let her out if she whines. She only gets out when she's silent. Don't tell her off when you let her out. If she nips again, do it again, straight away. This goes for growling at humans/other animals. It works.

The trick is not to use the punishment room for any other purpose. A toilet is a good place.

If she chews non-OK items, take them away, say NO, and give her a legit chew. Do NOT tempt her, you have to be WAY tidier with a puppy around. Our house has never been as neat!

Join a puppy training class.

Have fun - it IS hard work, but every hour, and it IS every hour you put in now will result a lovely and loveable pet later.