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One question though, is it okay to let the pup chew on his drag lead? I know he will want to...???

No! You will want to end that ASAP. Think if you take him out to a cafe with you and attach him to a table and he decides he can chew thru it to leave as you are ordering.

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One question though, is it okay to let the pup chew on his drag lead? I know he will want to...???

No! You will want to end that ASAP. Think if you take him out to a cafe with you and attach him to a table and he decides he can chew thru it to leave as you are ordering.

I was picturing a nibble here and a nibble there, forgetting all I have read about puppies. Now that you say this, I do recall an internet friend (on this board) whose dog actually did that. He was sitting around a pool talking with other dog folks after a trial, and his dog chewed completely through the lead while he was quietly waiting under his owner's chair. Never left or moved or anything -- just didn't care for having the leash on, I guess. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It can literally take them 10 seconds to chew a leash up. I always spray leashes(for puppies) with Bitter Apple. Well, I do more than spray it I douse it. When they put the leash in their mouth I tell them "mine" in a calm voice.I don't pull it or do anything else. The taste alone makes them spit it out. Sort of teaches two things at one time.

Debbie

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It can literally take them 10 seconds to chew a leash up. I always spray leashes(for puppies) with Bitter Apple. Well, I do more than spray it I douse it. When they put the leash in their mouth I tell them "mine" in a calm voice.I don't pull it or do anything else. The taste alone makes them spit it out. Sort of teaches two things at one time.

Debbie

That is so cool! There you go, Amy!! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

You mention a kennel. Did you mean a crate? I see them as two different things - a kennel being outside, a crate inside. If it's a crate you mean, I'd put him in the crate before your guests come into the house - with a treat so he would associate good things with the crating even while guests are there.

I'd tell everyone pay no attention whatsoever to the pup. Go about your business and, after having guests over several times, I'd progress to taking him out of the crate while guests are there but ONLY if he has been quiet during his time in the crate. I'd have him sitting/lying at your feet. Not 5' from any guest. Right next to you. I think he's too young to expect him to be very near a guest and not inch his way over to investigate.

I'd take him out and give him something to do first, like sit or lie down (whatever position he prefers) still not allowing him to make any contact with your guests. I'd also try this when you only have 1 or 2 people over. Doing this with several guests in the house would be difficult, I think. I'd have the drag line on him as you're taking him out of the crate too.

If it were my pup, and he was sitting/lying/relax as he was told (outside the crate) I'd reward him with another treat. A toy would probably motivate him to break the sit/down/relax and, of course, that's not good. Also, since he's so young, I wonder if asking him to sit outside the crate for anything great length of time would be unfair. I don't know. Other posters would know. If it is not fair to ask him to sit/down/relax for an extended period of time, then I would wait until your guests are in the last few minutes of their visit and do it then.

I wouldn't move pass this until you can say you are proud of his behavior while you have guests over!

Hi Amy. I've found all of the DVD's I've purchased here to be very useful. I probably shouldn't even comment since I have not seen the particular one recommended here. (but get it!!)

We found it WAY more productive to "set up" company situations with our dogs LONG before we allow any of them loose during *real* company visits. This came to mind as the planning is underway for the big family holiday get together.

We are fortunate to have a couple of neighbors who are more than willing to come over, knowing in advance that it's a dog training situation. They help us train, and we cook dinner. This planned situation just for the dogs allows us to "set up" the situations and work on things gradually rather than have a free for all when "real" company is present, and we're distracted.

Best Wishes,
Beth