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Originally Posted by Aliya  Hello,
I love this site, and wanted to post to say hello and thank you for this great resource. I have had my 9-wk-old Dora for one week now - she is also my first dog ever! I am reading through the tons of information on this site, but it'll probably take me some time, since I've never been on a forum before. I have some questions, but please feel free not to answer them if there is a glaringly obvious answer already posted somewhere. Thank you!
1) Dora came to us crate-trained, and has slept through the night (a full 8 hours) from the moment we got her. I actually think she could go for longer, since she doesn't pee immediately when I take her out in the early AM... however I don't want to push my luck. What does this mean? Judging by other posts, this isn't normal! I'm counting my blessings, but want to make sure there's nothing wrong. She does pee normally outside throughout the day, and also at least twice a day on my carpet...
2) Dora was relatively irritable and sort of restless today - not as cuddly and up-close as she usually is. Granted, I was irritable too. Is she picking up on that? Or is it because she went to the vet today? Or, is it because she's sleepy? I've been wondering if I keep her awake more than I should. Should I try to make sure we have some time apart - e.g. crate her regularly even when I'm in the house? We hang out a LOT together (i'm at home full time).
3) My biggest worry right now is her temperament. I want her to be a sweet, confident, and obedient dog - like I said, she was NOT obedient today, and overall has a majorly hard time learning not to bite fingers, toes, wrists, arms, and jeans! What is the BEST way to make her safe and happy? |
First, welcome!
You will hear a lot of talk about your baby coming home early, this may be a reason for some disobedience, there are many links on how to teach bite rules, and proper behavior at a young age. My baby came home at 9 weeks (the norm is 12), and turned out fine, but proper training must be done immediately. Things like saying a squeak like ouch that a dog would make when the teeth touch you skin. it'll will deter biting. Also socialization is the key, there must be a strong socialization with other dogs and other people, especially children (I'd start with mature children)
Harley lasted 4 hours the first night home and then 8 hours every night since. So don't worry about that, some babies are just good with the crate training.
With your baby coming home early, make sure you don't take her outside (away from your home) until the second set of vaccines is complete, some even argue the third set, even then avoid high traffic areas like pet shops, and don't put her on the floor at the vet for a while (all places diseases can be picked up before thier immune system kicks in)
I'm interested in competition, so for me training was really important to me, here are some basic life skills I learned with Harley, my first dog.
- teach "drop it" immediately, do this by starting with a toy, push slightly towards the dog and the second they release give a treat and praise, after you get an instant response add the word drop it, next start trading early so that you can say the word and drop occurs without touching the item
-teach leave it, I didn't and now am trying to teach it, it becomes really important when you drop something on the floor and they can't have it
- start "come" really early, again, I didn't and regret it, it's our biggest training challenge today.
-start grooming, teeth brushing, bathing, running clippers (no need to actually cut hair) NOW, don't wait, the sooner they are desensitized and treated for these actions the sooner they'll learn to behave and like it.
Start puppy class as soon as you can (once vaccines are completed)
Good luck, hope this all helps.