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Originally Posted by kaiatbh  I have been trying to train Yoni (he's 12 weeks). Simple things, like sit. So far he knows sit and stand. I always make him sit before I feed him (he also eats AFTER the family). I also make him sit before I give him any affection or attention. I initiate play time, and I decide when it's over. I try to keep on on a leash when he's in the house (it's been helping to keep him calm most of the time, and to keep him from entering a room before me). That being said, he just won't learn. When we took him for his needles, the vet informed us that he's dominant and that he "probably runs the household"... and then she sort of giggled. Doesn't seem like anything to laugh about, in my opinion. I want a well behaved dog that respects my family. He can't play normal. He bites a lot and it hurts. When I say "NO" in the firmest, most assertive voice I possibly can, it makes him bite me more. When I walk away, he follows me and bites my feet or my pants. If I manage to escape, he's not phased at all. We are taking him to a professional dog trainer as soon as possible, but I want to know if there's any hope for him. Has anyone else had to deal with a puppy like this? We aren't very experienced with dogs.... I mean, I'm doing so much research. I read "A Member of the Family" by Cesar Millan, and it makes everything seem so easy. For Yoni, nothing is easy. Please help. |
I think your biggest problem here is perception. You say you want a well behaved DOG, but you have a PUPPY. These are two totally different things. You wouldn't confuse a two year old child with an adult, but you seem to have the impression that a 12 week old puppy should behave like an adult dog. Ain't gonna happen. For one thing, a 12 week old puppy has the focus and attention span of, well, a BABY!
Have you ever watched puppies play? They bite, they put everything in their mouths, and if they have been properly taught by Momma dog and their littermates, they know not to bite too hard, or in other words, they've learn bite inhibition. It doesn't mean they don't bite. Since it is such a strong instinct, it takes a ton of repetitions to train it out of them and as they mature, especially after teething, it should be easier going. He can start learning not to bite, but it isn't going to happen in just a few training sessions. Also, use different sounds to make him quit. After telling him "NO" a gazillion times, it becomes background noise. Scream, make a gagging sound, like ack, or use the sound Cesear makes. When you startle him and he stops, praise him. Then throw a toy to get him away from you and praise as he goes to get it. I have bulging pockets all the time for the puppy I have right now.
I don't think Yoni is necessarily dominant, but I do believe he is probably a very intelligent, high energy puppy that a lot of trainers would envy you having. He is going to turn out to be a fabulous dog if you get through puppyhood with him. You need to learn training techniques. And I happen to believe that no one trainer or method is "the way to train," that it's good to know different ways to get a dog to do something. Overall, positive methods are the only way I'll train. Have you ever watched Victoria Stillwell? She has a bag full of methods. Sometimes she has people using the clicker, other times, other things, including preventing unwanted behaviours. You have a few more weeks before he has all his immunizations and it's safe for him to socialize with a lot of other dogs, but rather than taking him to a trainer, you might consider taking a class with him or working with the trainer showing you how to train your puppy, but please if you go with a trainer, make sure they use positive reinforcement.
Maybe try clicker training in the meantime? With a little guy who has the energy level of Yoni, it might be the way to get him to focus a little more during your training sessions. Start with the "touch" command, as I think that is the easiest to train. I'll try to write instructions under training later today.
Honestly, I think Yoni will mature into the dog of your dreams if you can stand puppyhood. But that might take a couple years, even, for him to really mature fully, although it will get better before then. I have a seven month old IG foster with me right now and what I wouldn't give to trade her for a seven year old foster a lot of the time! She is very high energy and can jump a lot higher than Yoni, and get into a lot more things than my little low rider Lizzy ever could. And she jumps and will grab at my shirt and hands to get my attention. She is a lot more demanding and time consuming, for sure, than an adult would be.
Hang in there, you'll be glad you did .... eventually.
