New puppy owner...discipline question - YorkieTalk.com Forums

RockysMommy08 · 12-05-2008, 12:48 PM

My husband & I say, "NO" very firmly when we catch Rocky in the action of doing something bad. Sometimes, he'll stop when we say it, wait a few seconds & go back at it again.....so then we'll say it a little louder, till he gets the point, but nothing too crazy.
My question is this. I have done some research online about the best way to discipline a new puppy. They said that while you say no, you are supposed to tap firmly on their head......is this true? I can't imagine lifting a finger to my puppy.....I don't want to hurt him or make him see me as a monster. What is the best way to discipline a Yorkie puppy when he won't stop nibbling or tries to go after the wires in our living room???

Lucia · 12-05-2008, 01:02 PM

I do the same as you - a firm 'NO', sometimes accompanied by a clap of the hands or manually picking her up and moving her away if she's being very persistent I personally wouldn't tap her on the head xxx xxx

RockysMommy08 · 12-05-2008, 01:26 PM

Thanks....didn't think it was right, but wasn't sure...this is my first puppy, so I'm still learning....thank you so much!

clc · 12-05-2008, 01:26 PM

Hi, We tried puppy school at our local pet store to learn what to do. I'm no expert but it worked for us. She's a puppy, she needs toys or something to do to burn off her energy. When she did something wrong we would scold her, usually with normal voice but at a lower octave saying "bad girl". She knew she did wrong and looked like she understood me. I would pull out a toy and offer it to her and when she would play with me with the toy instead of the phone wires I would keep telling her "good girl". She loves to play tug -a - war and after a 1/2 hour of that she's tired out and curls up next to me and takes a nap. We got her to shake hands at 7 months old, it took a week of intense work and it was like watching Helen Keller understand and put 2 & 2 together but when she did it right I made such a big deal of it and gave her a treat. Now she will shake hands whenever I ask! Also remember....she's little and young, what you wouldn't leave around for a 2 year old child you don't leave around for our furbabies, they find everything! Enjoy your little one and have fun!

AvyQuinn · 12-05-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clc

I would pull out a toy and offer it to her and when she would play with me with the toy instead of the phone wires I would keep telling her "good girl".

This worked for me!
Something else I do when he has something he shouldn't (sock, wrapper, etc) I have a treat cup that I shake to get his attention and trade him a treat for the item - take the item with one hand and offer with the other.

If I'm sweeping in the kitchen or, he's at the garbage bin, or something like that, I yell at the object! 'Bad dust!' or 'Bad garbage!' or 'Bad whatever' I don't look at him, and I point at the thing. He then avoids it like the plague. Usually I don't have to do it more than once.

RockysMommy08 · 12-05-2008, 01:54 PM

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the input!!!

Nancy1999 · 12-05-2008, 02:01 PM

I don't think you should ever hit them, even a tap to the head. I guess with some dogs they think you have to do that to get their attention, but most will give you the attention without hitting. Many people have found success using an aversive noise, a clap will do it with a young puppy. For an older puppy, if you put some pennies in a can or a "tin" and shake it, this sound is usually enough to get their attention. Always say the word "no" first, and shake the can. The word "no" becomes associated with something bad, and has more meaning. Don't overuse the word either; pick your battles. I didn't really need to use the pennies in the can until Joey was older, 6 months or so, and this is very effective in reducing barking.

For wires, I would try to hide them, it could be dangerous. Make sure they have plenty of good things to chew on.

JenniferLeigh · 12-05-2008, 02:04 PM

I have to disagree with the whole hitting thing. Don't get me wrong I don't beat my dogs, nor do I condon hitting hard. If Lexi (or any of the other dogs for that matter) do something really wrong, they get a smack on the butt.

chachi · 12-05-2008, 02:22 PM

When mine would bite on me I would say no bite and put a toy in their mouth. Now when they are doing something I dont want them to do I clap my hands and that gets their attention. For barking I use pennies in a can

Nancy1999 · 12-05-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JenniferLeigh

I have to disagree with the whole hitting thing. Don't get me wrong I don't beat my dogs, nor do I condon hitting hard. If Lexi (or any of the other dogs for that matter) do something really wrong, they get a smack on the butt.

If you do more reading about this, you might change your mind. Injures from butt smacking are not uncommon, dogs really don't have a butt like humans, no real padding, and even small "pats" can turn into spinal injuries. If you are hitting because you think it's effective punishment, you're wrong here too. Dogs associate you with the hitting, and the behavior will sometime stop when you are around, but in your absence, the behavior will occur. Dogs who have been hit also have been shown to have more aggression problems and are fearful of their owners. There are much better ways to control behavior than corporal punishment.

JenniferLeigh · 12-05-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

If you do more reading about this, you might change your mind. Injures from butt smacking are not uncommon, dogs really don't have a butt like humans, no real padding, and even small "pats" can turn into spinal injuries. If you are hitting because you think it's effective punishment, you're wrong here too. Dogs associate you with the hitting, and the behavior will sometime stop when you are around, but in your absence, the behavior will occur. Dogs who have been hit also have been shown to have more aggression problems and are fearful of their owners. There are much better ways to control behavior than corporal punishment.

Nancy, I can see how people can take smacking too far, but I can assure you I'm doing none of my dogs harm by the way I discipline.

Nancy1999 · 12-05-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JenniferLeigh

Nancy, I can see how people can take smacking too far, but I can assure you I'm doing none of my dogs harm by the way I discipline.

I'm glad to hear that, and it just that when someone "recommends" a method, they really need to be sure of all the repercussions of the method.

MIZBROWN · 12-05-2008, 03:01 PM

Well... just as with human children. There are people who feel that you should never lay a hand on your child and those that feel you should... IMO..do what ever is best for you and yours

Nancy1999 · 12-05-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIZBROWN

Well... just as with human children. There are people who feel that you should never lay a hand on your child and those that feel you should... IMO..do what ever is best for you and yours

Please remember that dogs aren't built like human children, of course you are all free to discipline anyway you see fit, I think it's important to understand the risks you take with any punishment. Just as important, experiment after experiment shows it's not effective. Behaviorists don't say this because they "love the dogs", and don't want to see them hurt, they do clinical trials, and look for what's effective, and there is no question about it, corporal punishment is probably the worse method you can choose. Not only is it not effective, in reducing bad behavior, it has terrible side effects. So you have several things going, possible risk of injury to spine, and it's not as effective as other methods including noise aversion. That coupled with the fact that dogs become much more likely to become aggressive after being hit by their owner, it makes me wonder why people still insist upon doing it. While there may be no one "best" way of disciplining a dog, they is one "worse" way. You never want your dog afraid of you.

lemonlauren · 12-05-2008, 06:14 PM

So far I've had relatively decent results with a quiet but lower-pitched and disappointed sounding "NO" and then a distraction with a cool chew toy like a bully stick. They smell a little gross, but I keep one non-chewed side down into my pocket like all the time for this reason. The second chewing commences with the bully stick instead of the bad object, I praise the crap out of my boy: "oooooo it's so delicious oooooo you just love it so much oooooo you're such a good boy." I've started noticing now that when he just chooses on his own to chew on a bully stick, he looks up at me like, "aren't I doing good mommy?" Hahaha, and we've only had him a little less than two weeks. :-)

Lauren & Nikko

12-05-2008, 12:48 PM	#1
RockysMommy08 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 206	New puppy owner...discipline question My husband & I say, "NO" very firmly when we catch Rocky in the action of doing something bad. Sometimes, he'll stop when we say it, wait a few seconds & go back at it again.....so then we'll say it a little louder, till he gets the point, but nothing too crazy. My question is this. I have done some research online about the best way to discipline a new puppy. They said that while you say no, you are supposed to tap firmly on their head......is this true? I can't imagine lifting a finger to my puppy.....I don't want to hurt him or make him see me as a monster. What is the best way to discipline a Yorkie puppy when he won't stop nibbling or tries to go after the wires in our living room??? __________________ ~~Emy~~ Mommy to Rocky

12-05-2008, 01:02 PM	#2
Lucia Twinkle & Wicket's Mum Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kent, England Posts: 2,197	I do the same as you - a firm 'NO', sometimes accompanied by a clap of the hands or manually picking her up and moving her away if she's being very persistent I personally wouldn't tap her on the head xxx xxx __________________ Love from Claire (Me!) mummy to skindaughters Mia and Lucia, furdaughter Twinkleand fursons Wicket and Ozzy 'Treat stressful situations like a dog; pee on them then walk away.'

12-05-2008, 01:26 PM	#3
RockysMommy08 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 206	Thanks....didn't think it was right, but wasn't sure...this is my first puppy, so I'm still learning....thank you so much! __________________ ~~Emy~~ Mommy to Rocky

12-05-2008, 01:26 PM	#4
clc Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Apopka, FL, USA Posts: 10	Hi, We tried puppy school at our local pet store to learn what to do. I'm no expert but it worked for us. She's a puppy, she needs toys or something to do to burn off her energy. When she did something wrong we would scold her, usually with normal voice but at a lower octave saying "bad girl". She knew she did wrong and looked like she understood me. I would pull out a toy and offer it to her and when she would play with me with the toy instead of the phone wires I would keep telling her "good girl". She loves to play tug -a - war and after a 1/2 hour of that she's tired out and curls up next to me and takes a nap. We got her to shake hands at 7 months old, it took a week of intense work and it was like watching Helen Keller understand and put 2 & 2 together but when she did it right I made such a big deal of it and gave her a treat. Now she will shake hands whenever I ask! Also remember....she's little and young, what you wouldn't leave around for a 2 year old child you don't leave around for our furbabies, they find everything! Enjoy your little one and have fun! __________________ Haley's Momma - CLC

12-05-2008, 01:54 PM	#6
RockysMommy08 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 206	Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the input!!! __________________ ~~Emy~~ Mommy to Rocky

12-05-2008, 02:01 PM	#7
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	I don't think you should ever hit them, even a tap to the head. I guess with some dogs they think you have to do that to get their attention, but most will give you the attention without hitting. Many people have found success using an aversive noise, a clap will do it with a young puppy. For an older puppy, if you put some pennies in a can or a "tin" and shake it, this sound is usually enough to get their attention. Always say the word "no" first, and shake the can. The word "no" becomes associated with something bad, and has more meaning. Don't overuse the word either; pick your battles. I didn't really need to use the pennies in the can until Joey was older, 6 months or so, and this is very effective in reducing barking. For wires, I would try to hide them, it could be dangerous. Make sure they have plenty of good things to chew on. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals Last edited by Nancy1999; 12-05-2008 at 02:02 PM.

12-05-2008, 02:04 PM	#8
JenniferLeigh YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Calgary Posts: 357 Blog Entries: 1	I have to disagree with the whole hitting thing. Don't get me wrong I don't beat my dogs, nor do I condon hitting hard. If Lexi (or any of the other dogs for that matter) do something really wrong, they get a smack on the butt.

12-05-2008, 02:22 PM	#9
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	When mine would bite on me I would say no bite and put a toy in their mouth. Now when they are doing something I dont want them to do I clap my hands and that gets their attention. For barking I use pennies in a can __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

12-05-2008, 03:01 PM	#13
MIZBROWN Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,293	Well... just as with human children. There are people who feel that you should never lay a hand on your child and those that feel you should... IMO..do what ever is best for you and yours __________________ Mommy to Meka "MeMe" Brown aka Meka the Diva Member of the Spoiled Rotten Club & CA Yorkies www.dogster.com/dogs/567943

12-05-2008, 06:14 PM	#15
lemonlauren YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nevada Posts: 454	So far I've had relatively decent results with a quiet but lower-pitched and disappointed sounding "NO" and then a distraction with a cool chew toy like a bully stick. They smell a little gross, but I keep one non-chewed side down into my pocket like all the time for this reason. The second chewing commences with the bully stick instead of the bad object, I praise the crap out of my boy: "oooooo it's so delicious oooooo you just love it so much oooooo you're such a good boy." I've started noticing now that when he just chooses on his own to chew on a bully stick, he looks up at me like, "aren't I doing good mommy?" Hahaha, and we've only had him a little less than two weeks. :-) Lauren & Nikko