http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v125/Roguewardom/?action=view&current=2011-05-1213-24-07967.mp4

Here he is after 15 to 20 minutes of barking:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v125/Roguewardom/?action=view&current=2011-05-1213-27-36524.mp4
(funny huh over $100 in toys and he picks the milk jug! )

If I stick my hand in the pen during this fit he will try to bite it off. lol


he sometimes does this for 15 minutes. He gets a little exercise but since he's sick not that much. He did lay down but he's VERY vocal. My wife keeps asking me if he will ever stop.

The most I did was today when I decided to take him downtown. He was a trooper!!!! Licked anyone that would pet him and wasn't scared of buses or cars. He actually laid down on the sidewalk in the shade and ignored them to play with his ball.

It seems he's barking, because in his point of view, you're teasing him. If he's barking in the Xpen, I'd crate him, cover the crate, and IGNORE HIM. (don't peek in to check, leave the pup alone) Why are you sticking your hand into his pen while he's having a fit? That is asking for trouble. Seems to me you are rewarding behavior you don't like, by acknowledging it.

I highly suspect he's acting like this because of lack of exercise. I'm sure that in none of your threads were you given advice to keep him totally on the low-key side. He's a Malinois puppy- you need to literally work the poop out of that kid. A bit of soft poop (IMO) are no reason to eliminate exercise. Although, soft poop, also just my opinion, would be EVERY reason to keep him out of busy areas where there are other people and dogs. I would NOT expose him to that at this point. You need to work on your bond, and getting him healthy before taking him in public.

Why do you want strangers to pet him? You do realize that most working dog owners take the opposite approach, and don't let anyone pet our dogs, correct?


In short- he's a Malinois... so no, this will never stop with out boatloads of exercise and structured training.

Edited by Kelly Byrd (05/12/2011 09:19 PM)
Edit reason: eta... I'd take away that orbee on a rope. Great thing for him to chew up and ingest. Give him a plain orbee w/o a rope. Use one on a rope for training when he's ready. (NOT yet)

thank you!!!

My trainer advised me if we don't get him socialized he won't be a good protection dog because he will go after everything. The guy seems to think he will just want to kill anything that moves.

 Quote: Kelly Byrd

Why do you want strangers to pet him? You do realize that most working dog owners take the opposite approach, and don't let anyone pet our dogs, correct?

I am different from probably most on this list but, in the correct manner, I would definately socialize the hell out of this pup with others. Obviously, I would recommend it be done in a positive way that is not overwhelming for the puppy and to ensure that the health and safety of the pup is taken into account. I do not think it would benefit Gambit, Nick, or Nick's family for this puppy not to be socialized and accepting (within reason) of being petted by strangers when permission is granted by the owner. This is a dog that will be living with 2 young children and a home presumably that will have strange people/kids entering it on occasion.

FWIW, all my dogs as puppies are socialized in a positive and safe way with strangers and it has not affected them adversely in my opinion. So while I understand the premise of not having others touch your dog, I don't think that is the best route for Nick and Gambit IMO.

Just my two cents :-)

I totally agree with you Ingrid, especially in this case....

but do you really think that Nick and Gambit are ready for that extent of socialization already? I don't.

Nick, I can't believe that in one day you have posted FOUR separate threads. You need to prioritize.

#1 priority should be your dog's health, he looks borderline emaciated to me (and I like dogs trim), you can see all his ribs, his spine, his hips, and most of his leg muscles in that video - and he's not even doing anything!

You have a major problem, a high drive pup with an upset stomach, and you've got no clue where to even begin. I've skimmed through these threads (starting with your "apology" - actions speak louder than words, Nick), and you've learned nothing! How is your dog going to learn anything? Stop apologizing and get it together or get rid of the dog. It's not fair to him, AT ALL.

 Quote: Kelly Byrd

I totally agree with you Ingrid, especially in this case....

but do you really think that Nick and Gambit are ready for that extent of socialization already? I don't.

No, probably not. That is why I mentioned health and safety ;-) I just did not want Nick getting the impression that socialization = non-working dog.

Nick, maybe this kind of dog might not be so fun to own and work into your life.
Hi drive pups don't chill and watch TV. Its either go,go, GO! or collapsed and asleep for several months.
Exercise and work make the difference. He's just not going to entertain himself.
He sure is a handsome pup, growing since your last photos.
For example, if you had a collie pup, he'd be sleeping 4 or 5 times as much.
Just something to think about. For a year or more, this guy is going to be almost the same with his chewing and hyper-ness, he's just going to get bigger.

Couple of things:

Once again, that is pretty typical behavior.

Also, his collar is too big and could easily get caught on something in your pen set up. I'd go back to a simple puppy collar and save that one for later.

And he's too skinny. I know he has had issues, but you need to increase his caloric intake. How much rice/chicken is he eating daily?

Kelly,
the dogs genetics are the dogs genetics, petting/not petting by strangers doesn't mean anything to me. I had one that no one could touch from an early age,you could give him a steak and he'd bite your face off and then eat the steak. my current youngest loved to be touched from an early age, who cares? I see that a big deal is made out of it sometimes but I don't get it. It's just a mix of temperament, thresholds and confidence.

Nick, the pup looks like an average mali. Stop worrying about the stupid stuff and housebreak and bond with your pup.