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Post by penny on May 28, 2016 1:55:02 GMT
I have a puppy... I love dogs, I don't particularly like puppies... They're cute, necessary, and great for the training/learning/bonding process... But, oh my...
I'm in the 'What have I done? Why did I think this would be a good idea?!' phase of puppy ownership... I read about this phase, and I've Googled and found people talking about their experiences on Reddit or blogs etc... I knew it would probably come along, but man, feeling it is different than reading about it...
This weekend will be one month that I've had her, and she'll be 11 weeks old tomorrow... She's a morkie - a fancy mutt (Maltese/Yorkshire Terrier cross), so she's basically a terrier... She's small, and bitey, and has the most hyper moments where I'm sure she's going to break a bone or knock herself out running into things... When she's going full speed it's like I don't exist, and when she's not going full speed she's doing doggy stuff I don't want to interrupt (eating, grooming, etc)... We do play, but I don't think she sees me as anything more than an oversized toy or piece of furniture - don't think we've bonded yet... So far, going on a car ride is when she's alert but not hyper, and she looks to me as if to say how much fun we/together are having... She's sweet and good natured, but she's intense and single minded...lol
I don't know how stubborn or difficult she actually is - she's my first dog, but I think she's average? She settles in her crate with very little 'talking', only barks in there if she needs to go potty, sleeps at least 8 hours a night waking up only once, and uses a Porch Potty (variation on a pee pad) for poops all the time and for pee 80% of the time... We start puppy training next week but she does know sit, lay down, crawl, high five... We play for about an hour and then she is happy to nap in her crate for a while... She seems to be doing what the books say she should be able to do...
Still, I would love to hear that this is normal... Tell me that puppies seem like the most disruptive thing you can invite into your life but that they all - ALL, meaning her, will calm down and become part of the home... That when she's grown up she won't need me to hold, leash, or block her in somewhere in the house just to do a chore or run an errand... Tell me that everything revolves around her for a little while but then the rest of life gets back some say...
I don't have a regret (at least not yet...lol), but today I'm exhausted mentally from her intensity... It's making me wonder if my idea of a dog that would hang out in the house with me, like to play in front of the tv in the evening, that we could go for walks (not drags) together, that she would feel happy and content and secure here and be okay during those times I can't have her with me...
Tell me you've been there...lol
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Post by christine58 on May 28, 2016 2:07:21 GMT
What you've described is a typical puppy...yup..that's right!! Has she been spayed yet?? (probably too young at this point). MY Abbey dog settled down after that.
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Post by Woobster on May 28, 2016 2:10:43 GMT
I've been there... I totally get it. Both of my puppies grew into great family dogs that I just can't imagine my life without (even though one of them is getting up there in age). Puppies can be really tough... I can understand your exhaustion. Hang in there!
Have you tried getting into any training? I did that with my second puppy, and we both enjoyed it.
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Post by Zee on May 28, 2016 2:13:03 GMT
Start watching The Dog Whisperer (Cesar Milan) immediately. You'll learn a lot about dog psychology.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,294
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on May 28, 2016 2:15:11 GMT
From what you've posted, she's doing what she is supposed to be doing -> right on schedule.
What's her name? and please post a photo.
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jayfab
Drama Llama
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Post by jayfab on May 28, 2016 2:28:43 GMT
Yup, it all sounds pretty normal. She sure is a quick learner. It is hard work raising a pup. They're so needy! But yes, it'll settle down eventually.
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naby64
Drama Llama
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Jun 25, 2014 21:44:13 GMT
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Post by naby64 on May 28, 2016 2:34:00 GMT
Mine is now 5 mos old. I didn't think we would ever get to the point we are now and I also seriously doubted my decision on getting him. I just knew it was a huge mistake. I was told he was MY dog and I would have to take care of him. All the potty training, crate training, etc. Which I have and it has all worked.
Now he is still a puppy. A very active breed puppy but our older two dogs keep him in line. It will get better.
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Post by jojam on May 28, 2016 2:41:49 GMT
When Lucy was 18 months old, I told my vet, "If you hear me talking about getting a puppy again, say, NO!" I could get another dog that was older than 3, but not another puppy. Lucy is almost 11, and I still remember how 'busy' she was, and I don't know that I could do it again.
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Post by CarolT on May 28, 2016 2:55:37 GMT
She sounds like a completely normal, and pretty awesome, pup. I adore puppies, but I also adore 2 year olds, so that probably tells you something
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perumbula
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 26, 2014 18:51:17 GMT
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Post by perumbula on May 28, 2016 3:25:30 GMT
I'm sure our dog was absolutely adorable as a puppy, but boy am I glad that her breeder got that stage. She was 2 1/2 when we got her and it was just about right. She's still trainable and we'll have many years together but we didn't have to live with her so hyper or deal with her chewing everything in sight.
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Post by penny on May 28, 2016 4:29:47 GMT
I love you guys <3 It feels like such a horrible thing to say that you don't like your puppy right now or that you're questioning your decision... Typing it out was a relief...lol She hasn't been spayed yet - saw the vet for her second round of shots on the 17th and he said that around 5-6 months was what he usually recommends... Will see him in a couple weeks for her 3rd set of shots and he'll see how she's growing (he wasn't the vet the breeder used to he didn't have any sort of baseline for her)... He did say that smaller dogs grow faster than larger ones, meaning she's fitting18-24 months worth of growing, hormones, learning, etc, into about a year... Which probably explains the fact that she can manage pulling toddler and teenager attitude all in one day...lol Thank you for saying they're tough - no one says that! Well, they do, but it's always about how often you have to take them out or cleaning up messes... Those things don't bother me, maybe because I knew to expect them though... We are signed up for training... We start on Wednesday... I went to the puppy seminar they gave and learned about their approach and techniques, asked questions, and was able to make some helpful changes to how I was handling things just from that... I'm going to watch the first class of the puppy training tomorrow without my dog so I can concentrate on what's being taught, and then on Wednesday I'll have the upper hand against the little menace The training centre is great - they've coached world champions in agility/fly ball type stuff so they're used to working with high energy, intensely focused dogs... I'm really excited to see how it will change things... What do you like/not like about the Dog Whisperer? I read his book a few years ago, but then there was some disagreements within the breeder/training community about if his methods were best/best for all dogs... The training facility I chose doesn't like to work with the dominance (if that's what to call it), approach like he does... They - and probably because they do a lot with agility and handler/dog team competitions, prefer a different way... And there is a famous Canadian psychologist and researcher that is well known for his work with dogs and he explains in his books/papers his take on things... I think, okay fine, but they you see Ceasar's show and how it always seems to work and I wonder... Her name is Gracie... But, I want to change it...lol She doesn't seem like a Gracie now that I've spent time with her, not seeming like a Gracie means I forget her name half the time and call her Penny (my cat) to the point she obviously perks up her ears, and I feel like some of my frustration shows when I say her name - Grrrrrrrracie...lol I'll post a photo from my phone - haven't had time to sync my photos over to my Mac yet... I think she's a quick learner too! Any dog would be for me, but I got her when she was 7-1/2 weeks old and she crated well from that first night, used a pee pad from the first day (not perfectly, but has never pooped anywhere but the pee pad), and picked up those commands within days... Right now I feel like I've maxed out my ability to grab her attention to teach her more... She's just as smart/capable, but she's more independent and curious and me teaching her commands is suuuuper boring to her right now...lol I live along so she is all mine to figure out too...lol I have always wanted a great dane, and she is not a great dane...lol Everyone alway told me how much work they would be - I'd visit breeders and people that had them, saw the work involved, and thought no big deal... What were those people thinking??? This small dog, and being terrier doesn't help, needs so much more than the dane puppies did... Dane's default is sit, wait, and watch (guarding group), while most small dogs are either companions (give me attention) or ratter/hunters (chase, dig, repeat), and they are 'on' if they're awake... I'm questioning now how those people care for their small dogs, because certainly now, but even as an adult I know she will not be happy unless she's involved, stimulated, given tasks, things kept interesting... I'm not sure I could either... I think it's great because your way can be the first way they learn, but I'd have to have a good reason to choose a puppy again over an adult dog... If I ever do get my great dane it will likely be a puppy only because there aren't too many adult or rescue ones around, but otherwise I think I could give up the cute puppy faces for something that doesn't try to bite mine off...lol Yes, puppies and two years olds... I see what you're all about...lol Getting a 2-1/2 year old pre-trained from the breeder sounds wonderful... Wonder how much extra the breeder would charge if I asked them to do that? Thanks everyone... Does help to hear that she's normal and not a lemon...lol September will be 6 months old... Going to be an interesting summer
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Post by gmcwife1 on May 28, 2016 4:56:00 GMT
Normal puppy and from what I've heard, very normal for terriers!
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MsKnit
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by MsKnit on May 28, 2016 5:41:28 GMT
You can never understand what puppyhood is like until you go through it.
When we were considering Girlie, the Peas warned me that lab puppies were the devil. I was expecting difficult. She was so far beyond difficult, we left difficult 3 states behind. LOL!
Puppies are all different. Of my three, Girlie was by far my most difficult. However, she is so smart. My first pup was middle of the road as far as training goes. She was intelligent, able to learn all kinds of tricks. Little Bit was the last pup to come into the family. He's a Pom. He came to me at 11 weeks, trained and sleeping through the night. Easiest dog EVER! It's a good thing he's pretty, because he is dumb. He's 7 years old. We were doing good getting him to learn sit and it takes about 8 commands of 'sit' before it registers. Shake and roll over were hopeless.
My kittens were completely different too. Had kitten number 2 been first, there wouldn't have been a second.
Don't worry too much about confusing names either. You are going to do it. My cats are AnaChlo or ChlAna half the time, because I call them the wrong name. When I get to calling one of them I usually go through the who darned list of names--dog, cat, and sometimes including my son's name. LOL!
So, hang in there! They are so worth the time and effort. Don't feel bad if you need to put the pup in her crate because you need a break.
One word of advice, if you aren't using a halter instead of a collar, I recommend changing to the halter. The smaller breeds can do damage to their throat with a collar.
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Post by Patter on May 28, 2016 10:40:38 GMT
Yes, very normal but I wouldn't do it any other way! My boys are now 13 months and 1 1/2 years. They are still wild and learning but they are a large herding breed. I would get another 8 week old in a heartbeat. We have gotten older dogs too, and to us, the pups are the best! Hang in there, and look for those fun, laughable moments each day.
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Post by christine58 on May 28, 2016 11:31:16 GMT
Great Dane's are huge...saw one the other day...couldn't do it.
Stick with the training you have scheduled. I'd stay away from Cesar Milan to be honest.
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Post by gryroagain on May 28, 2016 12:09:23 GMT
This is why I've had many dogs but never a puppy, lol. Puppies are very terrible, and your sounds very normal! Cesar Milan is ok for those tough stubborn breeds, IMO, but overkill for many dogs (labs, terriers). Our Pyrenees needs a heavy hand and we do the "alpha" stuff with him, but many of Cesars methods are too needlessly confrontational in my experience. Just keep on doing what you are doing, and mostly it's the age and stage of your dog- they will grow of it and be a decent dog, I promise!
People tend to despair of their labs around a year, 18 months, and they end up in shelters- that is how all my siblings and I have gotten our dogs. they truly do grow out of it, just as kids do!
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Post by sillyrabbit on May 28, 2016 12:56:42 GMT
As long as your dog isn't a boxer you should be good. Boxers are crazy and stay puppies forever. But we love ours.
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2016 14:43:38 GMT
Not to get into an internet arguement, but please stay away from Milan link Find a trainer in your are who focuses on positive methods. She is a creature of pleasure and instinct right now. She has no manners and doesn't know how to behave in a human world. her mouth and teeth are her hands, they are how she explores her world. Time and patience, love and praise for when she behaves well. here is a better resource link keep up the good work, it will be worth it. Annette
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Post by iteach3rdgrade on May 28, 2016 15:38:29 GMT
My little Boston is 7 months and I had the same thoughts. I'm ready for another puppy if I can find another Boston. A few months ago I would have said I didn't need a puppy, but a puppy is what I need. It passes quickly just like the baby stage.
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Post by BeckyTech on May 28, 2016 16:19:31 GMT
Your puppy sounds as smart as a whip. And yes, puppies ... I've been surprised at the number of women with children on this board who have said that puppies are harder than kids!
Do look into at least 1/2 day daycare, socializing at this age is really important. And see if there is a dog park or off-leash area near your house. Playing with others is an important part of his exercise and growing up. Maybe there is a meetup group you can join.
Milan does have a "dominance" thing that is very out of favor, but that doesn't mean that you can't learn from him. An important thing I learned from watching his shows was that you, as the dog parent, need to become the parent, shall we say. Don the mantle of authority. If you exude that authority, your puppy/dog will pay attention to you. You do NOT have to be mean to do so. Look at any dog trainer, they do it which is why you will see a dog parent with a misbehaving, disobedient puppy become suddenly obedient for the trainer. It's all in your head. Take a deep breath and take your "power."
Another thing I learned from Milan was helpful in getting Emily to stop pulling on a leash. I had tried all sorts of no-pull harnesses, but Milan said some dogs need a job. I bought a little backpack, put a couple of mini bottles of water on each side, and in combination with my new mental attitude, took her for a walk. Bingo, she didn't pull! She was suddenly looking at me as we walked, she was carrying herself proudly because she had a job. It was fabulous!
So I agree with Zee, there is much to be learned by watching him. We don't need to reject 100% of his knowledge out of hand. For really positive training, look for Zak George on You Tube and there are many others as well.
Also, look for puppy puzzles and all sorts of things you can do cheaply from home on You Tube.
Hang in there!
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Post by coffeetalk on May 28, 2016 16:26:30 GMT
Zak George has a great series of puppy trying videos. He uses positive reinforcement and I can't recommend him enough. He has brief commercials but they worth sitting through to get to the good stuff. Here is the playlist.
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Post by mollycoddle on May 28, 2016 16:43:43 GMT
Been there, done that. It will definitely get better. Patience-and good luck! :-D
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Post by Zee on May 28, 2016 17:06:36 GMT
Your puppy sounds as smart as a whip. And yes, puppies ... I've been surprised at the number of women with children on this board who have said that puppies are harder than kids!
Do look into at least 1/2 day daycare, socializing at this age is really important. And see if there is a dog park or off-leash area near your house. Playing with others is an important part of his exercise and growing up. Maybe there is a meetup group you can join.
Milan does have a "dominance" thing that is very out of favor, but that doesn't mean that you can't learn from him. An important thing I learned from watching his shows was that you, as the dog parent, need to become the parent, shall we say. Don the mantle of authority. If you exude that authority, your puppy/dog will pay attention to you. You do NOT have to be mean to do so. Look at any dog trainer, they do it which is why you will see a dog parent with a misbehaving, disobedient puppy become suddenly obedient for the trainer. It's all in your head. Take a deep breath and take your "power."
Another thing I learned from Milan was helpful in getting Emily to stop pulling on a leash. I had tried all sorts of no-pull harnesses, but Milan said some dogs need a job. I bought a little backpack, put a couple of mini bottles of water on each side, and in combination with my new mental attitude, took her for a walk. Bingo, she didn't pull! She was suddenly looking at me as we walked, she was carrying herself proudly because she had a job. It was fabulous!
So I agree with Zee, there is much to be learned by watching him. We don't need to reject 100% of his knowledge out of hand. For really positive training, look for Zak George on You Tube and there are many others as well.
Also, look for puppy puzzles and all sorts of things you can do cheaply from home on You Tube.
Hang in there!
Thanks, my thoughts exactly. You don't have to use all his techniques but even he uses different techniques on different dogs. The point is to be in charge, to learn why they're doing what they're doing, to learn better how to treat them as dogs and not as children or people. I think he's a great resource. He has a different show now and I do notice he comes across as still dominant but a bit more "gentle", probably due to some backlash from other trainers and viewers.
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Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on May 28, 2016 18:28:33 GMT
If you want her to bond more with you take her to bed with you. and cuddle her. She doesn't have to stay there all night but this will give her a calm place to bond with you when she is sleeping.
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Post by chlerbie on May 28, 2016 19:04:01 GMT
It goes by quickly. Mine grew out of it all and is a wonderful dog. I feel like the moment she turned one, she stopped the play biting and things like that. She learned really quickly, too, about staying near us, not running away, etc. and could sit on the porch with us, without us worrying she'd run away, etc. Try to enjoy this time--you may find you look back on it with nostalgia as she "grows up."
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Post by femalebusiness on May 28, 2016 19:16:30 GMT
Human toddlers are like that too. So cute to play with for thirty minutes. For the rest of the day and night they are exhausting.
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2016 19:22:55 GMT
I'd LOVE to get a puppy. They are sooo cute. But they are also much like taking on a toddler. They can walk, they bite, they poop/pee, they eat often, the put things in their mouth they shouldn't, they have ideas about where THEY want to go and what they want to do even if it is not on your daily agenda. They explore their world by dismantling perfectly good things.
Some of it will last longer than the toddler stage because dogs don't have hands so the chewing lasts longer than just the teething stage it goes into the "kid" stage of taking things apart.
But around a year old she should be through the growing up phases and settle into a bit more "adult" where you don't have so much destruction going on; although terrier types tend to be a bit hyper by nature so she may feel the need to run "zoomies" around the house/yard from time to time and do some hunting.
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Post by anniefb on May 28, 2016 19:27:45 GMT
Yep, sounds like a normal puppy. It's a bit like having a baby/toddler but they do settle down
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Post by BeckyTech on May 29, 2016 2:16:02 GMT
Do take lots and lots of photos. They physically grow out of the puppy phase so fast!
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Post by omarakbt on May 29, 2016 3:21:47 GMT
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