A naughty puppy help needed

[josaphine32]

My sisters boys have wanted a puppy for the last year, My sister who is not an animal person what so ever told me in october that they were going to get one, I was devestated as I knew that she would not be able to cope, Her boys are at Boarding school but she was convinced that she would be fine, I offered her my dog for the day to see how she would get on but NO she was adament on getting one, She paid £750.00 for a cockapoo, And to cut along story short 7 days later, we were right she couldnt cope, the poor puppy was pushed to piller to post with no structure or correction what so ever and has now established a bad attitude, (she is 9 weeks old tomorrow) my sister has now asked me to take her on as she thinks she has issues.

We have had the puppy since saturday and she can be really good, she sits when told, and nearly masted the down, we have bought her Kongs, kong balls, rubber toys, puppy nylabones,

She sleeps fine through the night in her crate seperated form My three dogs, we do not pick her up but play with her constantly. If she does not get her own way she can get really stroppy and growls and bites, If she bites as in not playfully then we end the game. we are praising good behaviour and a short sharp NO to bad but that sometimes does not work, so I have been laying her on her side until she is calm and then release her which she hates.
but it is the only thing that i can think of and it does stop her

Anyone got some really good advice on how to stop her lunging barking and biting, she is only little still and she is having her second vaccination next, I have booked her in for a puppy party and training the week after her injection
but thats not for another 2 weeks and need some more help, My 3 dogs are models compared to this little horror but she is beautiful and we do really love her already.

Thanks
Jo

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[Carakeel]

It seems lovewilson didn’t read your post properly, so best ignored! What a beautiful pup! I must say that 9 weeks is very, very young to have already been rehomed, but it is good to know that it is now with someone who will give it the care it needs. One cannot expect the training a 9 week old has had to stick. At this age they are much like small children, they may do what you ask them to but quickly discover that doing the opposite is more fun! So, may I suggest clicker training. This is a really gentle way of training a puppy / young dog. The same techniques are actually used to train all types of other animals, from elephants and horses to dolphins and dogs for film. It is based on using the clicker to show the animal that the action, and at the start even a step in the right direction towards an action, is good and will be rewarded. At first with small treats and affection and later with affection only. Once the animal has grasped the command, the clicker no longer needs to be used, only the command word or sign. I personally would not suggest holding a 9 week old puppy down, as you could easily put too much pressure on the pup. Much like children, puppies’ bones are still very soft at this age and can easily get a “green fracture”. But, when it is a few months older, holding it down in the submissive position can be very effective. If the pup is biting, try to gently push it away from you and do not give it any affection. If it continues, put it in it’s cage for a few minutes. Never let the pup stay close to anyone if it wants to bite. Be very careful with Kong toys at this age. The normal Kongs can damage the second teeth that are behind the baby teeth. So make sure you get Kongs and other chews that are specifically for puppies. You can also use a spray bottle with water to stop a puppy biting. As soon as it tries to bite, spray the water at the pup's face and it will very quickly lean that this is a big NO! We train our dogs with quiet words and the clicker and this seems to work … most of the time, lol! It just takes a lot of patience and stamina. Have a lovely time with this little one!

[Carakeel]

Most puppy training classes use clicker training, but the ones in our aread start the pups at 6 months old. So you might not be able to find a class at this stage. However, if you go to any good pet shop you will find the clicker training books, often with the clicker included. It really isn't difficult and it will teach your pup that being gentle is the way forward. Best wishes. Sorry this was so long, I will shut up now, lol!

[Bambiagain]

When you have or have had older dogs, it is so easy to forget what they were like when they were young. I had two, mother and daughter. Mother was difficult to train, but we got there in the end. Daughter did everything right from day one (apart from chewing everything in sight to bits for her first two years - but I never did any real formal training as she came when I called, walked to heel etc. without trying). They died at 15 and 13, then I got a puppy who had never been on a lead and knew nothing. What a nightmare! But now she is nearly three and a wonderful dog. 9 weeks is only a baby. Playful biting is what puppies do. I'm sure it will be fine in the end, but it just seems difficult at first. She was very lucky you were there to take her on.

[jules77]

So disappointing to hear about these crossbreeds being sold for so much money, even more so when a breeder has sold a puppy on to a non animal lover. Thankfully you were there to pick up the pieces on this occasion. I cant stand the dog whisperers methods, especially the alpha roll etc. As you have already started crate training why dont you just put her back in when she bites. Although a firm but gentle 'no', should be sufficient for such a young puppy. Good luck.

[lankeela]

Agree with jules. I would recommend distraction, when the puppy bites make a yelping noise and draw your hand away quickly then give it something it can bite and chew on such as a hide chew or a bone. Don't let it play too rough or for too long with the older dogs as a pup doesn't know when its tired. Give it time out in its own crate or pen. 9 weeks is still very young so I would be taking it very slowly.

[Carakeel]

I do agree with lankeela and Jules here. With the puppy being so very young you really must take things slowly. We used the crate training in the first instance with our hounds as well and it worked very well. I think it is also important though not to yell at the puppy or give very harsh, loud commands, especially when putting them in their crate, as otherwise they can become afraid of going in it. It should remain a positive place, but also a time out place.

[josaphine32]

Thanks all for your kind help, I agree with most of what everyone have said, Nini came from a breeder in norfolk and she was kept in a large outside kennel with all her brothers and sisters, Aparently mum was taken away at 5 weeks no doutably to get her back into breeding mode, all she new was how to tough and tumble with all her litter mates, It has been a long time since I have had a puppy and I can tell you it's bloody hard work, I won't do the laying on side and will try the crate again when she is beeing to rough, How long do i leave her in there as she gets her self in a state. I will try to chill out abit more, My lilly plays outside lovely with her in the garden, barrel rolling and chasing each other. I am just so angry still that this has happened as I wanted my old dog 15 years westie to live out her life before getting a puppy its not nini's fault, Christmas day is going to be fun (NOT) at my mum's as sister and I are not talking, All this could have been avoided but saying that nini will have a lovely christmas and life,
thanks again
jo

[rockyracoon]

Ah, don't fall out with your sister even though she's feckless and deserves it, think of your poor mum. Remember you'll have the last laugh with that wonderful well behaved dog to be. Merry Christmas.

[josaphine32]

Rocky, I know but it is hard, I have paid £400 for nini, next week I will fork out £28 second vaccination, £25.00 Microchip £20.00 puppy party, £138.00 Training classes, Insurance has been sorted at £18.89 a month, I paid £46.00 yesterday for flea and wormers on line, When I asked her last night what she would pay for up keep, she said she would pay for the second vaccination and that would be it, her words were why should I pay for something when I don't get any thing back. She needs to take responsibility for her actions, I love my mum to bits so will make a real effort for her on christmas day.

[Baldric]

Well done you!
Sounds as if the pups landed on its paws, being taken in by you.
One of our Dobies is a rescue, 2yrs when we got her, 1yr younger and related to the one we already had.
Someone had tried to drown her, and she had 'quite an attitude' (you would wouldn't you?) lots of hard work but well worth it, she'a lovely sociable dog now.
You've had lots of good advice on here, apart from lovewilson, so good luck with the rehab.

[Nosha123]

Apologies if my advice was contradicting others.. i did state I'm not a dog training expert! I think the other advice here has been excellent and this little puppy is so lucky to have found you and not your sister! I'm not surprised you are cross with her - Whats the saying.. A dog is for life not just for christmas!!! how poignant eh!
She is adorable and sounds like she will get a great life with you!!!

[islasmum]

I think that it's jolly good of you to take this pup on, especially in the run-up to Christmas! I think the picture of her is great, and also you have a very sweet kitten too. Most of the previous posters have given you good advice - the only thing that I would add is to teach her to have a pee on command - just be with her when she goes out and as soon as you see her squat, say something along the lines of " Quick pee" and then praise when she's done - sorry if you know this already, but it's one of the most useful commands I know!

[daisym6]

yea lovewilson that is kinnda harsh...

[daisym6]

my golden was like that too i agree get in some classes ASAP my puppy actualy bit my mom but now shes so sweet! in the mean time when she lunges or snaps tap her nose and say very firmly NO! do not say bad girlthats what are trainer said do a sharp a - ah which seemed to work with my dog bella

[woofgang]

if she is in a lungy bitey mood, going to tap her on the nose can trigger a grab for your finger so i probably wouldn't do that!

[josaphine32]

Thank you all so much for your kind advice, Kate (daughter) and I tend to now go for the Ah.....NO method and she is starting to get the message, If she still carries on then its time out in the crate. I printed aload of clicker training off the net and that is really helping, We do swaps for my slippers as she loves to kill them, The Christmas tree is now 2 foot off the floor as she likes to take out the light bulbs out when I pop to the loo, You need 8 sets of eyes.

But Thank you to you all and wishing you a very happy christmas, I know Ninnie and all my other pets will have .fun un wrapping the presents and playing with there toys .

[islasmum]

If she's anything like Isla as a pup, she'll enjoy playing with the wrapping paper just as much as the toys!! Merry Christmas to you and your animals.

[dawny0311]

I don't mean to be rude but laying on her side effectively makes you appear like a bully to her. I don't believe for one moment you are a bully but holding her down will make her feel that way. The lunging and barking is likely to be a defence on her part. When she does this - quickly straighten up your body, fold your arms and turn you back on her - don't look at her - you may have to wait a few moments but when she knows she isn't getting a reaction from you she should either move away or sit!
To stop or reduce the snapping and biting you could try teaching her the 'touch' command - with treats. This does tend to calm a dog but it does depend on how she has been treated by your sister. Unfortunately, if your sister has shouted at her (or heaven forbid physically chastised her) she may be very wary of humans.
The touch command is done by you (calmly kneeling in front of her as she is small) having a few treats in one hand (behind your back) and get her to sit. Once seated - hold out your free hand - palm up - and ask the pup to 'touch' in a soft, calm voice. Wait about 15 seconds, if the pup hasn't touched your hand, move your hand behind your back and then repeat. You may need a lot of patience because the pup will need to work out what it has to do to get the treat in your other hand. Once the pup 'touches' your hand - treat from the other and praise 'Good Girl!. Keep repeating this method (for about 6 'small' treats) and eventually the pup will realise that 'gentleness' gains 'rewards'. Take it a step further by placing the treat onto the floor about a foot away from her and tell her to 'wait'. If she lunges for the treat quickly pick it up and raise it above your shoulder. Tell her to 'sit' and 'wait' and she only gets the treat if she waits.
These tricks are fun and very cute once she masters them and should 'calm' her down at the same time. You are 'mentally stimulating her which, in turn, will tire her out. Once you have finished playing/training her cross your hands back and forth saying 'All gone' and in time she will come to know that the treats have all gone too.
I have a very energetic, excitable Maltese and she loves these excersises and relaxes very well from 5 mins a couple of times a day.
I learnt these ticks from Victoria Stillwell, Dog Trainer on Pick TV in the afternoons. She is a fantastic trainer and a very interesting watch.
Hope the above helps - love to know how you get on!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

[snowshoe1]

I WOULDN'T SAY THE PUP IS NAUGHTY. THE PUP IS STILL VERY YOUNG, AND A PUP WILL BE A PUP. THEY PLAY,LIKE TO BITE, AND GROWLING. WHAT YOU ARE DOING THIS THE RIGHT WAY TO HANDLE THIS. HER STARTING TRAINING SCHOOL IN 2 WEEKS WILL HELP HER LEARN TO BEHAVE AND BE A GOOD PUP.