| MaddiesMommie | 04-02-2010 09:27 AM | Quote:
Originally Posted by kjc
(Post 3066668)
I posted 2 links in one of your other threads, they basically explain each week of developement and what they learn during that time. Did you happen to read them? Frustration occurs when you expect too much from one too young to learn certain behaviors.
This is the time in his life when his biological mom would be teaching him potty habits. She is not there with him, so you need to fill that void. Serious potty training (when they are most likely to 'get' it, begins at 12 weeks. If you begin earlier, it will be hit or miss, but very unfair of you to expect perfection in one so young. Main thing too is never ever correct inappropriate potties. No negatives, no 'bad dog, look what you've done' etc. The trick to training is catching them doing it right and giving praise immediately. If you are negative with him, he may not potty in front of you and resort to hiding it. Totally ignore his accidents... no response at all. And please keep in mind, pottying is a good thing... it means their system is in good working order. If he ever doesn't potty, you may have to physically stimulate him to produce with a warm, moistened cotton ball on his penis, and anus. (do one area at a time, not both at the same time.) Dab/rub gently mimicing his mom cleaning him. May be able to use this in training too, stimulate him after meals on a pee pad and praise him when he goes.
Just like human babies, their brains need to develope to a certain point in order to learn. They don't just pop out of Mommy knowing all they need to know. Follow the guides in the other thread and work on teaching him what is appropriate for his age. You'll be less frustrated and he'll actually be able to learn something! Also, while he's young, you may get a better response if you growl at him for discipline, as his bio mom would, instead of using human language. When he's biting, replace your body part with a toy. Redirecting his attention, rather than always telling him 'no', keeps your interactions with him more positive, and you'll both be happier. Cuddle with him after playtime and meals, he needs down time to rest. :D | Quote:
Originally Posted by kjc
(Post 3066680)
Also, you need to allow playtime, for his muscles and coordination to develope properly. Drag toys in front of him so he can chase and pounce on them. Invent ways to get him focused on learning... be creative, but safe. Never leave him alone with anything he can get tangled in, or climb on and jump off of. Introduce him to different objects around the house, and watch him explore, protecting him from danger at the same time. Keep in mind... he would be playing with his littermates... you should act like one to help him develope his skills. | Quote:
Originally Posted by kjc
(Post 3066714)
The fact that he sees you and recognizes you and is happy to see you by wanting to bite and play with you is love. It's the only love he knows how to show you at his age. Being a Mom involves a lot of work before you see any benefits. Try to coordinate his down (quiet) time with cuddling. Let him fall asleep in your lap, he'll appreciate the warmth, and company. Trying to do this before he plays and gets tired is pointless, and will never work. Appreciate the little things he does. A tail wag, a lick on your hand or cheek, peeing on the pad, bringing his toy to you, eating his food. Remember, you are his entire world. You are mommy, sister, food, safety, helper, teacher, playmate, and his first human. Because and as long as he is a baby, his needs must come before yours. You are now his Mommy, are you up for the job?
Honestly, what did you expect when you planned to get him? You don't have to give me the answer, but you should be aware of what you really expected, and define what you actually have and work towards compromise. In time (a year) it will come together, and if you teach him well, your love will be returned, a zillion times over. And if all this sounds like alot, it is. But if you cannot or are not willing to put in the time and work for him, put your needs aside for at least a year, you really should consider rehoming him, and get an older dog, before he gets too messed up in the head. He needs everything I've mentioned and more, as I'm sure I've left some things out. I'm not trying to be mean or rude, I just don't want to see him ending up in a shelter somewhere because he doesn't turn out to be what you wanted. | Wow! What excellent responces. You did an excellent job covering it all.:) |