sorry for more questions.........

[tulpe]

.....but we could put a stop to this by having minimu move in with me for a few weeks

Is it mean/cruel to put Ruby in her crate when I have stuff to do around the house and I don't want her under my feet? It's just that she whines and complains loudly whenever I shut the door of the crate. She is fine to sleep in there with the door open when I am in the same room but will get up and follow me the minute I leave the room.

If she is whining, should I leave her to it or should I keep going in to her?

Out of desperation with the biting situation, I have sprayed an old gardening cardigan liberally with "Chew Stoppa"

obviously that should be "right up there " and not "their"

I don't think you'd be mean as such but the problem is you don't want to associate the crate with punishment, especially if you're going to use it for any length of time. Maybe put her in and still speak to her when she starts whining, play with her with your voice IYSWIM. But only for a short period. Then when you open the door don't make too much fuss, otherwise opening the door will seem like a reward. I don't know if this is right or not and others will advise but that's what I'd do until told otherwise I think.

Thanks junglist. That makes perfect sense to me.

Sorry, tulpe - you have exceeded your quota of questions

Until the Wise Minimu gets here, I'd say yes, leave pup in crate when needed. Ignore whining and go to her only when she's quiet.

The chew stoppa on its own will not stop her chewing: she will either get to like the taste of it (as many of them do) or learn that there are other things that haven't been sprayed. You need to carry on with the 'Ow' etc.

It does get better - you've only had her 1 week: she is only 9 weeks old. Training a pup takes months. she will get past the chewing and then there will be something else. Not trying to scare you, just lower your expectations. Hang in there and do not expect instant results

Stop panicking! I am sure you're doing just fine! Have you got a copy of 'The Perfect Puppy'? It is really good and will help a lot with everything.

Have you actually crate trained her or just popped her in the crate and shut the door? if you train her to associate the crate and the door being closed, with good/happy things, and also make sure you don't inadvertantly teach her that crying, or worse still, crying for along time, will get the door opened, she will be quiet when in there. I won't bore you with a huge post on how to crate train in case you already know...

As for the biting, the anti chew spray certainly won't do any harm, but persisting in the 'yelping' (assuming that's what you're doing?) will work in the end. It is harder with some pups that others. Total consistency is the key here.

The following article (top ost) is very good and will help. It also explains why puppies play biting is actually a good thing.

www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=64170.0

I hope Ruby is settling in well!

AS the other says you do not need to worry one wrong bit of handling will not ruin your lovely pup forever honest!

Re the locking in the crate why don't you put her in the crate with a stuffed kong full of yummy food then she will associate that time in her crate as fun time. Dogs do need to be taught to be left on their own and this is a first step to doing this.

The biting will stop if you carry on with the "ow" but gundogs do love to have something in their mouths. Do not think that because she mouths she will automatically bite that is not the cause at all.

You are doing find Susan Garratt Crate games will help with the crate training. It is based on agility dogs but also great for general pups.

Do try and enjoy the puppy days they are gone so quickly

offtopic Midori how are you doing? Hopefully not double the pregnancy symptons

I am fine thanks. Been away for a few days so not been online. Had a second scan with the consultant yesterday, which was great and will be four weekly now. Sickness is going, which is great, as lasted 22 weeks with my others and I am only 13 weeks now!

I'll try and find the other thread so not crashing this one...

More importantly, Midori, have you made a decision about having another litter yet?

Thank you so much everyone

It's so much like having your first baby that I find myself questioning everything I do rather than living by the power of your own conviction as you do with your second baby!

I am reconciled to the fact that the biting may take a while to get under control now. I imagined (rather stupidly) that she would learn with a day or so.

I have ordered The Perfect Puppy and will look up the crate training book.

Since she came home to us, I have been giving her treats in her crate and making sure that there is time in there with the door open when we sit companionably, each with our own separate activities, so it becomes a place of nice rest as well as fun. She settles beautifully at night now. We have a very nice routine of toilet, cuddles, bedtime snack (in crate), followed by more stroking whilst she settles down. When I close the door then she is fine and goes straight to sleep.

Today has been very interesting. The DCs had two friends over (who are brothers) who also have a vizsla - who is now 10 years old. They handled her so well. When she began nipping they got her to stop immediately . The key thing about their approach was their calm and relaxed manner, to be honest. I have learnt a very valuable lesson from a 6 year old and 10 year old today!!

oh and she actually asked to go out for a wee by sitting at the door and glancing between me and the door

the 'asking to go for a wee' moment is very special indeed.

Yes, calm, clear and consistent wins the day when training dogs. If you shout they just think you're excited - not saying you shout, just an example.

Lol at looking at door - she is a smart cookie