Quote: steven lepic

I'm always stumped when someone says they have nothing better to do than get annoyed with a puppy antics.


I speak for one puppy only, but between all those things, I would have been hard pressed to find a tremendous amount of idle time in which he'd be given the chance to counter-surf, or wreck things.

Steven:

Is that what I said? Really? That I have nothing better to do than get annoyed with my puppy's antics? Quite the opposite is true. I do all of the things (plus a few) that you so condescendingly suggest. I work OB with her (reward only) at least 3 times per day, I swim her and do drive and focus work every day. I take her with me just about everywhere (you would have seen that had you actually read my OP). We play tug, fetch, "destroy the box" (as Alyssa had mentioned), and catch the towel on a string.

These activities notwithstanding, she still counter-surfs and nips at clothing and occasionally hands. She does NOT wreck things.

So, thanks for the backhanded "advice," but it doesn't help and it didn't really answer the crux of my question. Maybe you're the type who looks for ways to put others down to elevate yourself. If you are really here to help (as most are), perhaps you shouldn't be so concerned with pedantically criticizing others and actually read what they post. Or you can continue and keep looking like a fool.

To Alyssa, Connie and Randy: Thank you for the advice and tips, they were very helpful. You folks are always very helpful and well-intentioned. Sorry about the rant, but Steven really got my blood boiling with his smarmy, "Holier-than-thou" reply.

Eric,
I'm not sure Steve meant his post in quite the way you've taken it. Oh well, it's not up to me on how it was meant or recieved, but I wouldn't take it so personally however ever it was intended.
Couple of small points I quess I'd like to say (good god, what am I doing up so early?!).
On the pup and the out doors distractions. For myself, if I have a safe area, I like to let the pup go; let him chase the leaves, let him investigate things on his own terms, sometimes to he's hearts content. I enjoy watching the puppy playing and learning about the world, and I'm always there to keep him out of trouble (hint: keep a light 20 or 25 foot drag on him). At that age it also is real easy to start working and shaping a recall, they so happily come running back when called (don't get lax though, he'll out grow that too), but it's fun thing for you and your pup. Relax and enjoy watching him learn about the world once in awhile.
Enre to the post I quoted from Mike S., once again I find myself trying to delve into someone elses thoughts (shrug, I asked for it I suppose)(And Mike correct me if I'm wrong here), I'm pretty sure Mike didn't mean that 'no' literally should never be heard by the dog. Only that so often thats all puppies ever hear, they hear it so often the dog may as well be named No. That from the dogs perspective the whole world is no. When more often then not it's easier and more productive to redirect the dog and show him what he can do. He's always better than I am with explainations, but I think thats what he was trying to say.

Patience......Have fun.
If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

 Quote:

Is that what I said? Really?

No, that's why I said "someone" and not "Eric".

It takes a step back to address a bigger picture. The problems of nipping and counter-surfing are irrelevant, because it represents a greater issue of puppies in general. The other guy's puppy may "wreck stuff". Didn't mean to imply your's did.

I really didn't intend to be holy, and certainly no more than thou.

In fact, I thought I ended it on a particuarly festive note.

Hey Steve,
I never knew enough Latin to worry about letting get rusty. So would you mind letting me have a translation?

If I'm not learning, I'm not paying attention.
Randy

Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.


http://www.military-quotes.com/funny-quotes.htm

 Quote: Debbie Bruce

Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.


http://www.military-quotes.com/funny-quotes.htm

LOL!

You think they have concealed carry permits?

Heeeeyyyyy!
No fair making fun right in front me.
I know I've got big ears and buck teeth.

Dear Abby,
The bullies are picking on me.

Signed,
Dumbo

 Quote: randy allen

Dear Abby,
The bullies are picking on me.

Signed,
Dumbo

Dear Dumbo,

Can you get a CCC (concealed catapult carry) permit?

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: randy allen

Dear Abby,
The bullies are picking on me.

Signed,
Dumbo

Dear Dumbo,

Can you get a CCC (concealed catapult carry) permit?

Randy you can carry it in your back pack. Keep the rock in your pocket. Nobody will suspect a thing.

Hi Eric,

I looked at Cleo's web page. You have a really nice pup there.

My 22-week old has steadily climbed toward 60lbs and I'm going through the issues you are. This has been the hardest thing not to correct and instead redirect.

Walks are the worst. Dante's extremely hard. Three days ago at the park on a 20-foot lead he bolted past during fetch and the line went ziiiiiiiing through my hand and snapped hard around my wrist when he hit the end. I was literally pulled clear off my feet and wrecked in the wet grass. The only thing hurt was my pride when I noticed someone had watched the entire thing.

Which gets me to the prong question you had. I went in search for an answer here and found the thread titled: Prong collar on a 5 month old pup for walking only http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/182671/page/1/fpart/1

I tried many times to stop, switch direction, etc. but we couldn't get more than 50 feet in any direction and by the end he still had pent up energy which was the purpose of taking him out.

Last night after being taken for another drag which was again aborted, I put the prong on in the backyard for the first time. Let me tell you, that little demon turned into a lamb once he pulled on it. No yelp, no fear, no cowering - he simply starting walking beside me. I tried it again this morning in the outside world with a backup lead in case the prong separated.

I feel like I have a new puppy on walks and we were able to really get some exercise in this morning. He's sawing logs now in his crate and now I get a few hours of ME time. Yay! There were zero corrections on him. Once he pulled ahead a little bit, he checked himself, and stepped right back in line with his usual high spirit and step.

I can only speak from my (limited) experience but the prong put a whole new positive twist on taking him out now.

Good luck!