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Old 01-13-2005 | 04:36 PM
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SWOSUMike
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 351
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From: the Great Plains
Default RE: Pleas help with puppy behavior

These are just puppies. My 10 month old is just a puppy, and he just now is mastering the "come" command on a consistent basis. One thing you could do to make training easier is try to utilize what the dog already does on its own. For example, every time one is already coming to you on its own, say "come." This way you set the dog up for success by telling them to do what they are already doing. This could help young dogs by developing association between action and words. Every time one of the pup comes to you, whether you called them or not, let them know that they did very good. Teach them that anytime they are with you, they are in a "safe and good" place. As mentioned above, never chase a dog, and also don't hit them for not coming. The last thing you want them to think is that if they obey, there is a chance they will get popped. When you chase a dog down and pop them for not coming, they aren't going to want to come to you anymore than they did the first time. Patience is your key. Like I said, my 10 month old is still just a pup and I don't expect perfect compliance from him all the time. If your pups are having an unattentive day, give it a rest for a while and try again later. They will get it. Also, they may not know 100% what come means yet at that age. Try not to make a command you cannot immediately reinforce. For example, only tell them to come if they are already coming or if you have them on a leash or long lead. As for the aggressive pup, this is something that you can take care of right now. No need to let puppies be puppies when it comes to aggression. My pup is about the grittiest, scrappiest pup I have seen in a while, but he is the best natured pup around people, but he wasn't when he was your pup's age. He would get very angry and try to have his way. Sometimes he would come at me like I was a littermate that needed a lesson. I say this to tell you that my pup was probably worse about all this than your puppy is, but with the method I used I now have a great dog who has a very calm nature with people. Every time your dog shows any aggression, surprise them by grabbing the scruff on the top of the neck and shaking it and growling at the same time, just like his momma would do. Don't be extremely rough, but be rough enough to surprise the dog and make them not like it. You might look a little funny to anyone watching you, but it works. Sometimes I would do this, and then my pup would get even angrier and feistier, so I got more aggressive and did it again. I was consistent and never allowed him to think he could get away with his behavior. He quickly figured out that I was not a littermate and that I was the boss. If you don't want to try this (though it works and is worth a try) you can keep a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle and mist his nose when he is misbehaving. I taught my puppy not to mouth me by spraying him and telling him "no bites." Good luck.
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