Originally Posted by Candy5198 (Post 4143958)

Oh sweet Jesus! I'm going to lose my mind!

Originally Posted by Candy5198 (Post 4144346)

I don't really have the room for a large pen in the house... But because of the open floor plan we have it is impossible to gate off an area where he won't be alone during the day... I could gate the bathroom, but he would be unable to see anyone... I think he's getting accustomed to being tied up... I have a long retractable leash so he has plenty of room to move much more than he would in a pen I imagine...
You are probably so right about chasing him being a game... I had not thought about that... I will try the treats to get him to come... Funny thing is I think he already knows what is for him and what is not... If he gets a dog toy he'll bring it to his bed... But when he grabs one of the kids things (without me saying a word) he'll take off running! Which in his mind i suppose starts the chase! Just one of the downsides of having such a clever dog!

Originally Posted by Maximo (Post 4143970)

The first year is the most challenging, and the second year is slightly less so.

How many kids do you have and how old are they?

Your pup needs lots of structure and training.

1) Eating everything -- puppies explore everything with their mouths. This will slow down with age, but vigilance is a lifelong commitment to make sure the dog doesn't choke or eat something toxic. Training to "drop it" or that certain things are dangerous takes a lot of work. I have a very spartan home, two adults, yet my dogs still manage to get a hold of things every once in awhile. Always makes me wonder how these little guys survive in the average home.

2) Always supervise the pup with your kids, which it sounds like you are doing with him tethered. The pup needs to be taught bite inhibition and not to nip.

3) Institute a schedule/daily routine for your pup where you do the basic activities at about the same time each day -- eating, sleeping and napping, play periods, scheduled potty breaks, walks. This will have a calming effect and his body will fall into the rhythm knowing when to expect things.

4) start basic obedience/trick training if you haven't already. If your kids are old enough, involve them too. Clicker training is very helpful.

Watch videos on YouTube on training and start googling positive reinforcement training methods. Also keep in mind that a pup will mirror the level of excitement around him. So if everyone around him is excited or animated, the pup is going to do the same.

Puppies tend to play rough with their littermates, so this probably what he is doing with your kids.

Also, puppies have tons of energy and need a lot of activity to burn off the fuel.

It does get easier, but training is a must. It doesn't happen with age alone.

Originally Posted by Maximo (Post 4144128)

Definitely takes breaks for yourself during the day by putting him in an xpen or gated off small area -- a safe zone.

The problem with running after him is that he thinks that is a great game of chase. Max learned that one quickly and I played into it.

When your pup has something that he shouldn't, use a food reward to entice him to drop it. Say "want a treat?" and he should learn to drop the item and come running. When he does, praise him.

Also, when he has something naughty, say "That isn't good for you" or "uh uh uh." Establish keyphrases. My boys seem to do better with keyphrases than a simple "no." They also know "you don't want that." It's amazing how much language these little guys can pick up. You don't want to ramble on, just short phrases.

Originally Posted by dawn27 (Post 4148022)

I love a shaker can, I used it to train our pups too. You can find directions on how to make one and use them properly on my site under training tips. Some people do not agree with using them, but if done right there is no harm done. I hope your little guy is doing better. Its not easy but it worth it.

Originally Posted by Verbena (Post 4148029)

I have a little one too. He is 16 weeks. I live in a very, very small home. I bought a ex pen that is set up in the living room corner. It takes up a lot of room but trust me right now it is worth it. Setting up a place for him to have his own space and also to give a place to put him to have a break from the going on in the house. They fold up or configure to different shapes. They need a "safe space"

Originally Posted by Candy5198 (Post 4148133)

I read your training tips page and I have already been doing most of the things you mentioned... Including moving him to the side of my bed (he now stays in the living area) I also have been keeping him leashed inside mostly so I can stop having to chase him which I felt kinda guilty about but since you mention it in your tips I guess it was a good idea and feel better about doing it. I however have always kept water available while he is kenneled... I found a gerbil type water bottle for dogs which is obviously better than him stepping in a bowl... He took to it right away... I don't like the idea of him being left without water since sometimes we have to leave for part of the day. I will be trying the shaker for the next few days... Anything to promote progress is great!

Originally Posted by gracielove (Post 4148197)

Leash training works best when the pup is leashed to you. A 6' lead that is pinned to you means the pup goes every where you go. You are able to see exactly what he is doing, You can get him to the potty in time because you are watching him all the time and you can correct any bad behavior right away. It works well if you are able to do it. An x-pen is wonderful for breaks but the puppy learns the most when it is with you.

Originally Posted by Candy5198 (Post 4148218)

I have tried leashing him to me... It just doesn't work... He is constantly running in my feet which leads to being kicked and stepped on... Even though I'm watching and trying not to... The places I have found to put him in I have moved all things that could be dangerous... My number one priority is keeping him safe