Puppy/Dog Training

[heartbren]

New Puppy

I just got an 8 week old puppy through the Humane Society last Saturday.

I never had a dog before personally, we have always had cats, so this is all new for us. I have been reading books for the past year and some studying about breeds, etc. and frankly thought I was not a lab person, but this little guy stole my heart.

What techniques did you use? What books helped you the most? I realize that I am starting at a disadvantage, since my pup, Buddy, was probably taken at 6 weeks (he was carted from TN) and he has not had the socialization of his mother teaching him manners, but I was willing to take a mutt/ rescue. I grew up with one and he was a fantastic dog.

Right now, I am using the methods from "My Smart Puppy" by Brian Kilcommons and Sara Wilson. So far, I have been successful with some things. I got Buddy crate trained, sitting, and laying down. he sleeps through the night without crying. We have had some issues that concern us, but all in all, I think I am on the right track to a well rounded, obedient and nicely mannered dog. Tomorrow I bring Buddy for a meeting with a trainer for some more insight.

Tell me your experiences and what worked for you. I have been finding that everyone has a different opinion. :roll: But, I do like the methods from my Smart Puppy. I starting reading one of the books from the Dog Whisperer and got a headache.

Hi! I am a professional pet sitter of 16 years. When I saw Buddy's little face he reminded me of 2 labs I took care of in N.O. starting when they were 6 mos. old until about 3 years. One was a yellow lab that looked like Buddy except she would have been a Bubbette! LOL In my 16 years of taking care of animals I never met a mean lab and I am so in favor of adopting a mutt (as you said) than anything. There are so many animals to be adopted and so few people to adopt them. Labs are smart guys and as others have said eager to learn and please their person. They are also high energy as I am sure you already know so they need lots of exercise. It has been my experience that they don't know when they need a break. They are kind of like the Ever Ready Rabbit, they will keep on going and going and going ..... You have to tell them when it is time for a break or they will go until they collapse.

He is such a CUTIE!!! That face ... so adorable. I had always been a cat person also and have 3 cats and then I adopted a dog. Wow, what a difference. It had been so long since I had one and he is just wonderful. It has been about a year and my cats still give me a dirty look, but they are getting used to him. I still love my kitties just as much. If you need any help or have any questions I might be able to answer feel free to call (850) 622-3352 or (504) 231-5358. I am not trying to solicit work, just saw your ad and that face and he reminded me of Sunshine (my yellow lab I took care of from N.O.) and wanted to say hello and wish you the best. I'm sure you won't be sorry. I was wondering one thing about what you said and that is that you had a few concerns, but that all in all things were good. I wondered what those concerns were in case I might be of help. I am not an expert, but you never know what someone may have heard or come across that another has not. Animals are so wonderful, unconditionally loving and ever appreciative. Have a great day.

 

[Franny]

Oh Mangy he is adorable!

 

[Mango]

wanted to say hello and wish you the best. I'm sure you won't be sorry. I was wondering one thing about what you said and that is that you had a few concerns, but that all in all things were good. I wondered what those concerns were in case I might be of help. I am not an expert, but you never know what someone may have heard or come across that another has not. Animals are so wonderful, unconditionally loving and ever appreciative. Have a great day.

Thanks for the offer, but it turns out our fears were justified as we discovered that Buddy has aggressive tendencies and is not properly suited to be a family dog. This was told to us by a trainer/behaviorist and our vet.

The good news is that Buddy is extremely intelligent and driven, a characteristic needed in search and rescue dogs. Buddy will be going to live with a specialized trainer so he can become a working dog and channel his never ending energy and drive into something productive.

It will be difficult for us to give him up, but who knows, maybe he will be instrumental in saving a life and we feel he will be much happier with a purpose.

My recommendation is that whenever you look at a potential dog, that you enlist the assistance of a trained professional, or do not adopt a dog if the environment or shelter does not have a written ok from a professional who evaluated the dog. Also, if none of the above, make sure you know what to look for and are given the opportunity to do a FULL evaluation. There are behavior tests online. Obviously, my puppy was not evaluated or this would have been picked up very quickly under the correct circumstances. Buddy is lucky that we became his advocate to find him the proper home, most other dogs are not so fortunate and returned or euthanized when they bite.

 

[scooterbug44]

Wow! I just checked in for a puppy fix and saw the sad news!

Is this aggressive tendency from him being abused?
Special place in hell for people who abuse animals! :angry:

One of the Scooterhounds was abused and she is bat-sheet crazy and has some chronic health issues as a result, but we love her and tolerate MOST of her idiosyncrasies.

Please don't let this discourage you from having a dog or from labs - they are great family dogs.................as one of the Scooterlings and a Scooterhound would like to demonstrate!