Does anyone fancy a "puppy survival" thread part 2

[Soubriquet]

Here we are again

Just jump in and join us

Well we went for a 30 min walk and he had a nice swim in a cow poo and horse poo filled water basin. Yuk, he got a shower when he got home and the stuff that came out of his fur was gross. 11 out of 12 recalls he came back for and I will forgive him the one he didn't as he had a poo shortly after when I put him on the lead and was good again afterwards so we got one good walk today.

Forgot to say that looks like one room full of energetic bouncing puppies Jenny70

Lexa is not impressed

Dh sprayed her with the hose... she has the perfect "you're dead to me" look right now with him

He can't even speak to her without a cold shoulder

Soubriquet I think your DH better get in her good books with a nice food treat

Does anyone else attempt to clean their pups teeth? I am persevering most days with a finger brush but we only manage a few brushes each side so not sure how effective it will be in the long term. At least he doesn't bite my finger

I can just imagine Lexa's look

The trainer came to see Bluepuppy at my place. The bad news is that he is displaying behaviour that is abnormal for a puppy and indicates an anxiety disorder The good news is that because I've identified that he has a problem so early there is hope for a successful management plan.

The trainer was very impressed with my general knowledge of dog behaviour. I told her I got most of it off the internet. Truth is much of it is from Mumsnet and this thread but thought that mentioning a 'puppy survival' thread from mumsnet might sound a bit strange

She was very quick to point out that I'm a good owner and that none of this is my fault. Bluepuppy was being 'busy' doing puppy stuff the whole 2.5 hours she was at my place and she thinks on top of everything he's probably sleep deprived as he just never stops to rest or sleep like most puppies. No wonder I'm exhausted!

We did some training exercises and also filmed him with food related toys while we left the house. He was happy this these and didn't cry.

Next step is she thinks he needs medication so he's off to a vet that specialises in behaviout later this week.

While I wait for training and medication to take effect she recommends to leave him as little as possible.

Still not what I imagined for my first puppy owning experience but he is s dear little thing and there is hope. I do find it strangely amusing that we could both end up on Prozac

blue when I read up on anxiety from actual research papers it seemed that it was more susceptible in certain breeds, how many people where in the house, triggers such as moving home etc. All things that you can not really do anything about which is why my personal opinion (others opinions will differ) is that it's just lucky/unlucky if your dog does or doesn't suffer from it. Obviously now it's been identified you can work on an action plan to minimise it which is good news for both of you.

I had read similar Bitey but I guess it's just good to have it confirmed.

I know that Wolfie had some anxiety issues with her big girl. As far as I can tell she's a great dog owner and has come a long way in improving her girl's behaviour so I know it can be done.

I have every sympathy with situations like yours and Wolfies as I am just glad that mine isn't an anxious dog as it is something else to worry about on top of all the other puppy stuff. I am pleased that the trainer has been positive in terms of getting an action plan together as bluepup sounds like a lovely puppy and companion.

It really can improve. I went from not being able to leave pup for long enough for me to pop to the next room for a wee to this morning. Quick walk. Popped her in for a nap at 8:45. She settled straight away. Still sleeping. Will wake her at 1:30. She will wander in to the living room for another nap then back to bed while I do the school run. She will also be happy to be left whilst I eat dinner! She's 9 months tomorrow. It really can be done. Slowly though! Good luck.

Thanks Wolfie I've followed your story and mine is similar (apart from the fact your dog is many times bigger than mine!) Was your girl your first dog or first wolfhound? In any case I know you've waited years for your puppy and did lots of research much like me. It sounds like you wouldn't swap your big girl for anything now

blue: sounds like the trainer was really helpful and reassuring. How are you feeling?

I'm feeling a bit better thanks towel. At least I'm taking action and doing the best I can for little Bluepuppy

Even just having someone else seeing how 'busy' he is makes me feel less stressed as I now realise I'm not a bad puppy owner, I just have a puppy that is more difficult than is usually the case. Plus it also explains why he eats so much. He's obviously burning through huge amounts of calories each day. My anxiety just makes me want to eat more chocolate

Ahh, good: I'm so glad it's helping you too. It doesn't really help when someone external can come along and validate it. Bluepup is lucky to have you to understand and work with him.

blue, so glad you are feeling supported now. Going to a one to one trainer was the best thing I did, initially for recall help but the exercises for getting pup to focus on me and impulse control have helped in all other areas too. My pup was also constantly active in the early months, never fell asleep unless I put her in her crate for a quiet time and left the room and then up the minute I reappeared. She still is to a degree, in that if she sees me getting ready to go out she starts to snuggle down for a good nap and is much the better for it but if I am at home all day she settles down but keeps one eye out it seems in case I dare go out into the garden without her. I don't think she is anxious just finds it hard to switch off and relax unless there is nothing going on. She is getting better but I still have to manage her to avoid over stimulation. For example, only letting her in the garden for 20 to 30 mins at a time (she would stay out all day)and giving her a bone or a kong to occupy her mid afternoon. She is happy and affectionate, fairly obedient and as a result of all the training getting better all the time. But it has been much harder work than other dogs I have had. Good luck blue, you will get there too.

Oh Blue. I actually completely missed your lovely comment about me being a good dog owner. I feel quite tearful! Often doesn't feel like it. She's my first dog! (Grew up with dogs and always wanted a wolfie. See username!)
I often haven't felt like a very good owner at all. I have felt completely overwhelmed at times. But I have an awesome support structure of trainer and showing experts and wolfie owners who have given me time and advice. All I can do is my best. And try and do better!
And bulk buy chocolate. That helps!
Yesterday I had an awesome day out at the Irish Wolfhound Club rally. Big girl was 2nd pup and 5th for best head and expression! Her aunt was 1st for best head! She didnt bite me once in the show ring. Heat may have had something to do with it. She didn't tank off. She travelled well and let quite a few people touch her. Let the judge at her too. Little steps!

Wolfie I hope you are keeping a wall free for all those rosettes. If she carries on like that you will need to dedicate a room to her as she looks like she is going to be a star at the shows. I hope you are very proud

Oh bless Bitey. She was totally got as a pet. I have never fancied showing. BUT she's from a massive litter and lots of them show so we meet up. I get to see her breeders and all the friends I have made whilst waiting and hoping for a dog of my own.
I keep meaning to write dates etc on back of rosettes and get a wall hanging display! Even if she never wins a thing I know she's the perfect dog for me. I love her to bits.

Bestest girl! (Longline as kitties about!)

You should definitely write dates on them now otherwise you will forget and regret not doing so. I think it's nice to do the shows even if you don't win as 'something to do' with your dog but it sounds like she has a very good chance of winning as well which is great. I got a working cocker rather than the show one so no chance for us showing and although I plan to keep going to the gun dog training I don't think I have the time to put in to get him at a level for field trials but it's still fun to go and meet everyone.

This weekend's show was a fun one. There seem to be quite a few of those around. Hoping to borrow a friend's puppy when it's old enough. We intend to enter the Irish Brace class. (A brace is two matching dogs. Racist I think but that could be as DH is from N Ireland!) An Irish Brace is two that really don't match. Friend's pup is a teeny tiny Jack Russell!

Blue sounds like the visit from the trainer was successful and if pup was happy with good related toys I think that's a really good sign as to begin with my puppy was too anxious to even eat sausage off the floor while I was gone and he's fine now!

Well done Bitey pup! I'm not a fan of long lines either as I worry they could really damage the dog if the dog ran too quickly to the end of it without realising they're on a lead. It sounds like what you're doing is working!

Absolutely boiling hot here. Trying to persuade myself to take him to puppy class as I know he's not been out as much as he's used to due to the heat. I worry as he's all black and doesn't stop at all when we're out so could easily over heat.

Skeleton yes that is my fear as well especially where I take him as whilst it is open ground it isn't paths and we have to walk through bracken, around bramble bushes etc so a long line would easily catch.
Does he like water at all? We keep pouring water over his paws to cool him down.

Pup likes a swim and the sea but doesn't like the hose pipe at all - in fact he RUNS when I get it out to do the plants! Bless him ha!

Awww bless him, at least you won't get any 'help' doing the gardening

Your girl is such a poser Wolfie Of course you're a good owner