Connie, I already apologized for not being clear. Like you said, if I dont want to hear comments about certain things, stop bringing it up. Why would I clarify a topic that you all have expressed why you guys dont agree? For one thing, I wasnt booting the pup out any time soon, but whats the sense of even explaining at this point?

You talk about not being "confrontational", but with remarks like "Stomping off" and "cowboy up", that doesnt help anything..lol


I read up on my posts from 3-4 years ago. The way advice was administered was different from what it is today.

Most of you dont agree with some of the things I wrote. This was simply an "update" type of posting. I wasnt looking for advice. My last statement was "thanks for the help" meaning I got some input and am thanking those who gave sensible advice. If you think Im welcoming "confrontation", by all means, ban my account. I wrote up an update thread, and was referred to as "silly" by one user, another hinted that I was faking being a leader.

I could clarify a whole bunch of stuff further, but at this point it feels as if all Im going to get in return is a further bashing on what I write up.

Point taken. I thought I was being funny. Of course, I often think I am being funny when no one around me seems to be laughing hilariously. LOL

I will assume the poop is better, though. Post back if you need help.

hey, it's about the dog...

I'm just an idiot that has almost 500 lbs of female dogs living in my living room so that really proves how much I knew about 11 months ago......

anyway probably not my place to say anything but it is obvious this board cares about other peoples dogs

if you want an argumentive board, sign up for a Bi-polar site when the mods are skiping meds, thats good for a bit of back-n-forth

 Quote: Dave Owen

... if you want an argumentive board, sign up for a Bi-polar site when the mods are skiping meds, thats good for a bit of back-n-forth

I know a couple of dog boards where the members regularly get together and agree to skip their meds (I think). Then toss back a few dozen shots. I have to say that as excited as we can get here, we got NOTHIN' on some boards. Thank goodness.

Hi Colin

We are passionate about the dogs and sometimes our people skills are lacking. Well lets be honest, sometimes they just downright stink.

But on the whole you will not find a better group of educated, caring dog owners that will go the extra mile into help.

-

My reference to "training wise being good" was meant in the sense that he pees and poops in the grass rather that concrete. When I use "yuck", he spits the item out and takes the treat.

"Dominance" IS the wrong term I chose to use. I try to have him sit before I serve him food. I tend to walk thru gates and doors first.

I constantly redirect when he nips and bites at my hands.

"Living outside soon" was a reference to how big he's gotten. It wasnt meant in a sense that Im booting him out to his kennel this week, or even this month.

As far as his poop, yeah no worries, its good now.

Anything I forgot? (meaning anything from the original post that I had left vague)

"Anything I forgot? (meaning anything from the original post that I had left vague)"


Nope! All covered.

Hi Colin

I just wanted to say that regarding your original post - I can totally relate to where you were coming from. I have a GSD puppy, just turned 13.5 weeks. I was in the same space as you (as indeed I posted here in exasperation at the time) a few weeks ago.

I felt my puppy, Sasha, was ehibiting dominance because her biting was so full on. She regularly punctured through my skin, left bruises all over me, and even ripped some clothes. I was at my wits end as I felt I couldn't touch her without being hurt.

Anyway, the great news is that in the next 2 weeks it was as though a lever was switched in her brain. I persistently swapped items for her to chew when she bit me. Also I think I changed my attitude. Instead of withdrawing my hand (or body part) from her mouth with a No or Ouch exclamation, I let my hand remain in her her mouth and decided to train her to let go. So I rewarded her when she let go. I rewarded her for being clam. All the Marker loading was for when she was calm and looking at me in the eyes. I also tethered her to me. Within about 2 days her behaviour had changed significantly and the tether really made a difference.

Anyway, she is 13.5 weeks now and seems like a different dog. She still mouths me, but only occasionally does it too hard. SHe is a lot calmer, and a lot easier to deal with.

Good luck, I'm sure that in a couple of weeks your puppy will have grown beyond this v v annoying and 'painful' bitey stage.

BTW after reading stuff etc at that point I had convinced myself that I had a "hard" puppy who was going to be impossible for me to deal with - I was SO wrong!

Enjoy!

BTW
Regarding kennel outside, my sister had her Labrador pup in its' outside kennel within a week of coming home ie. 9 weeks of age. This was on the advice of her trainer, who said 'start as you intend to continue'.

It is not the choice I have made, as I want Sasha to sleep indoors at night, though not near me but by the front door. She has been sleeping in her crate, out of sight, but not out of 'sound' from about 9 weeks as well. The first week I had her in the crate in the bedroom.

She is completely bonded to me, follows me like my shadow and is very playful and loving, but she adores her crate, and often drags her favourite toy or treat into the crate - her special place!

All the best