New Puppy: First Day

By joining our community you will have the ability to post topics and access other forums reserved for members. Registration is quick, simple and absolutely free. Join our community today by clicking here.

Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 11:51 am

As much as I hate to agree with Craig on anything animal-related...

Socialization is the number one priority (people AND other animals), followed by exposure to as many new places, surfaces, sounds, smells, etc. as possible.

We see it every day at the shelter--the less socialization the dog had, the greater the risk of fear-based aggression. Many times over the years I have seen dogs die as a result of lack of socialization (fear biting, attacking other animals); I have never seen a dog die as a result of lack of obedience training. An untrained dog can pick up new commands in days to weeks--but trying to make up for lack of socialization can literally take months to years (if it is even possible.)

Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 1:40 pm

Chewed plastic things ... been there ... hard to tell after the event what it was in the first place.

My staffy x chewed through a steel tube broom handle, he was useful like that.

*** BANNED *** Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Posts: 2049

A doggie who-done-it Laughing

Hilarious

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2011 6:45 am

Who knew that training puppies would be much like baiting lads... it's all about patience!

Not only do I need time and patience to train Eddie (and my lads), I've got to train my kids to help me train or at least not un-train the puppy. My kids have to learn that it has to be OK or not OK for the puppy all the time, and that's the hard part. Even though it's funny when he plays tug-o-war with my son's pants, he has to be stopped when he does it. It's hard enough for me not to laugh, but nigh impossible for 3 gradeschool boys!

Fortunately, patience is something that can be learned. Just like money, you can always use a little more.