Puppy is a disaster

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP again.

Here are some toy ideas that will keep him entertained for a bit.

Everyone talks about kongs but my pup has difficulty with them. This alternative can also be filled with things like peanutbutter or greek yogurt. I mix kibble, plain greek yogurt, and some shredded cheese, stuff a couple of these, and freeze them. Pull them out when I need 20 minutes to myself. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N54E9MI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Snuffle mat with treats. https://www.amazon.com/PAW5-Snuffle-Encourages-Foraging-Washable/dp/B01N1FV55I/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=snuffle+mat&qid=1608261580&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-5

Dog puzzle with treats https://www.amazon.com/Outward-Hound-Ottosson-Twister-Puzzle/dp/B0719Q89X8/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=dog+puzzles&qid=1608261611&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-2

I don't know what this is called, but you can play tug of war with it while just sitting and watching TV: https://www.amazon.com/ANG-Extendable-Replacement-Interactive-Training/dp/B07CLMYY4G/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=dog+toy+fishing+pole&qid=1608261748&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=A1VMNBKI2YSR1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFGRVdENVNTQTdQMlAmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5MDg1MzExTkZKRFhDSFBPU05SJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MDg5MTgyOFc1TTZIMFhJNkUxJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Not the OP, but someone getting a puppy soon and I just wanted to say you're awesome poster with these recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all who offered suggestions. We will work harder. We had a trainer come to our yard at the beginning and that gave us all the basic commands. He is a pretty good loose leash walker and we continue to practice that skill. A group puppy class we took was all the same basic commands and sort of a waste. I would be up for puppy day care but I am not sure he would like being dropped off in a strange place. I think it has been a combo of his adolescent defiance. He knows he is not supposed to put his paws on the table or try to break in to the toy area so that is what he is just waiting for the opportunity to do. He is not into kongs and we got a bunch of food puzzles but he solves those super easily. He likes bully sticks and other natural chews in the evening (ignores nylabones, rubber chews) when he just hangs out with us but we have to mix those up or he gets sick of them. I am surprised at the backlash on the crate time since that is really what all the books and trainers recommend. He is used to it so we can safely leave the house to grocery shop or go to doctors appointments. I think also the dark and bad weather has made it so we spend less time in the yard playing fetch or kicking a ball around. Think it is frustration with all the negative behaviors we are getting despite the effort. But obviously the message is more effort, more stimulation, more attention.

There are many books and trainers that do not recommend locked crates.

+1

Including ours.

As a first time puppy owner (4mos) am just curious: how do you keep a puppy or young dog safe when you can’t supervise, without a crate? We have not met with our trainer yet (start in two weeks...she just had her last puppy vaxes today) so I don’t know what he will recommend. But I don’t see what I would do with her when I can’t supervise, if not the crate? She is in there at night when we are sleeping, and for a few naps etc during the day (and during that time I get things done that I can’t do when she is out). It would not be safe for her to have free run of the house. Also, we don’t go out much lately, but what would I do with her when I have to run to the store for an hour? Ideally DH or our (older) kids are with her but that isn’t always possible. I guess this just does not make sense to me...

Our puppy likes her crate and will go lie down in her own...after we got home from the vet today she went to the crate herself and fell asleep. I did lock the door behind her because I had some chores etc to do, out of earshot.

It’s hard for me to imagine never using a crate, I guess...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all who offered suggestions. We will work harder. We had a trainer come to our yard at the beginning and that gave us all the basic commands. He is a pretty good loose leash walker and we continue to practice that skill. A group puppy class we took was all the same basic commands and sort of a waste. I would be up for puppy day care but I am not sure he would like being dropped off in a strange place. I think it has been a combo of his adolescent defiance. He knows he is not supposed to put his paws on the table or try to break in to the toy area so that is what he is just waiting for the opportunity to do. He is not into kongs and we got a bunch of food puzzles but he solves those super easily. He likes bully sticks and other natural chews in the evening (ignores nylabones, rubber chews) when he just hangs out with us but we have to mix those up or he gets sick of them. I am surprised at the backlash on the crate time since that is really what all the books and trainers recommend. He is used to it so we can safely leave the house to grocery shop or go to doctors appointments. I think also the dark and bad weather has made it so we spend less time in the yard playing fetch or kicking a ball around. Think it is frustration with all the negative behaviors we are getting despite the effort. But obviously the message is more effort, more stimulation, more attention.

There are many books and trainers that do not recommend locked crates.

+1

Including ours.

As a first time puppy owner (4mos) am just curious: how do you keep a puppy or young dog safe when you can’t supervise, without a crate? We have not met with our trainer yet (start in two weeks...she just had her last puppy vaxes today) so I don’t know what he will recommend. But I don’t see what I would do with her when I can’t supervise, if not the crate? She is in there at night when we are sleeping, and for a few naps etc during the day (and during that time I get things done that I can’t do when she is out). It would not be safe for her to have free run of the house. Also, we don’t go out much lately, but what would I do with her when I have to run to the store for an hour? Ideally DH or our (older) kids are with her but that isn’t always possible. I guess this just does not make sense to me...

Our puppy likes her crate and will go lie down in her own...after we got home from the vet today she went to the crate herself and fell asleep. I did lock the door behind her because I had some chores etc to do, out of earshot.

It’s hard for me to imagine never using a crate, I guess...

There are different philosophies on that just like there are raging debates on how to sleep train your kids. Some things work better for different dogs. Crating your dog is just fine, it's excessive crating and never giving them enough stimulation that is a problem. My last dog never "outgrew" her desire to be in her crate sometimes. She knew that nobody would bug her, that the kids wouldn't come pet her or disturb her sleep if she went in there. My current dog doesn't like it as much, but she's also more social in the sense that she loves the attention at any time, even if it wakes her up. They're the same breed dog. Just keep your dog out and about with you as much as possible, and crate her when necessary. At least until she's older and you know that she won't chew through an electrical cord or do anything else that might cause her to harm herself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For anyone wondering why rescues are hard to deal with, this thread is a perfect example of why.

?

Yeah. It’s obvious to me that OP got some sort of designer doodle dog, not a rescue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all who offered suggestions. We will work harder. We had a trainer come to our yard at the beginning and that gave us all the basic commands. He is a pretty good loose leash walker and we continue to practice that skill. A group puppy class we took was all the same basic commands and sort of a waste. I would be up for puppy day care but I am not sure he would like being dropped off in a strange place. I think it has been a combo of his adolescent defiance. He knows he is not supposed to put his paws on the table or try to break in to the toy area so that is what he is just waiting for the opportunity to do. He is not into kongs and we got a bunch of food puzzles but he solves those super easily. He likes bully sticks and other natural chews in the evening (ignores nylabones, rubber chews) when he just hangs out with us but we have to mix those up or he gets sick of them. I am surprised at the backlash on the crate time since that is really what all the books and trainers recommend. He is used to it so we can safely leave the house to grocery shop or go to doctors appointments. I think also the dark and bad weather has made it so we spend less time in the yard playing fetch or kicking a ball around. Think it is frustration with all the negative behaviors we are getting despite the effort. But obviously the message is more effort, more stimulation, more attention.

There are many books and trainers that do not recommend locked crates.

+1

Including ours.

As a first time puppy owner (4mos) am just curious: how do you keep a puppy or young dog safe when you can’t supervise, without a crate? We have not met with our trainer yet (start in two weeks...she just had her last puppy vaxes today) so I don’t know what he will recommend. But I don’t see what I would do with her when I can’t supervise, if not the crate? She is in there at night when we are sleeping, and for a few naps etc during the day (and during that time I get things done that I can’t do when she is out). It would not be safe for her to have free run of the house. Also, we don’t go out much lately, but what would I do with her when I have to run to the store for an hour? Ideally DH or our (older) kids are with her but that isn’t always possible. I guess this just does not make sense to me...

Our puppy likes her crate and will go lie down in her own...after we got home from the vet today she went to the crate herself and fell asleep. I did lock the door behind her because I had some chores etc to do, out of earshot.

It’s hard for me to imagine never using a crate, I guess...

There are different philosophies on that just like there are raging debates on how to sleep train your kids. Some things work better for different dogs. Crating your dog is just fine, it's excessive crating and never giving them enough stimulation that is a problem. My last dog never "outgrew" her desire to be in her crate sometimes. She knew that nobody would bug her, that the kids wouldn't come pet her or disturb her sleep if she went in there. My current dog doesn't like it as much, but she's also more social in the sense that she loves the attention at any time, even if it wakes her up. They're the same breed dog. Just keep your dog out and about with you as much as possible, and crate her when necessary. At least until she's older and you know that she won't chew through an electrical cord or do anything else that might cause her to harm herself.

I agree there are different philosophies. I am old school on this. I've raised many dogs and never used a crate. They normally had the run of the house at all times. When our latest puppy was chewing a lot, I puppy-proofed a room with a window, a couch, his dog bed, and toys, and when I had to leave him, he would stay in there and nap or look out the window. We also had a wonderful dog walker, when I was working. You just have to make sure there is nothing dangerous that they can get into, in the space where you leave them. And a long walk first really helps. Having more space is important for dogs, so they can stretch, change position, wander around, and even do their business on some paper away from their beds, if they feel sick or have an emergency need to go. Dogs don't want to soil their beds, so keeping them in crates may be useful for training puppies, but it can also add to stress if they are left in crates too long. Hang in there, puppy will be a model citizen in a year or so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all who offered suggestions. We will work harder. We had a trainer come to our yard at the beginning and that gave us all the basic commands. He is a pretty good loose leash walker and we continue to practice that skill. A group puppy class we took was all the same basic commands and sort of a waste. I would be up for puppy day care but I am not sure he would like being dropped off in a strange place. I think it has been a combo of his adolescent defiance. He knows he is not supposed to put his paws on the table or try to break in to the toy area so that is what he is just waiting for the opportunity to do. He is not into kongs and we got a bunch of food puzzles but he solves those super easily. He likes bully sticks and other natural chews in the evening (ignores nylabones, rubber chews) when he just hangs out with us but we have to mix those up or he gets sick of them. I am surprised at the backlash on the crate time since that is really what all the books and trainers recommend. He is used to it so we can safely leave the house to grocery shop or go to doctors appointments. I think also the dark and bad weather has made it so we spend less time in the yard playing fetch or kicking a ball around. Think it is frustration with all the negative behaviors we are getting despite the effort. But obviously the message is more effort, more stimulation, more attention.

There are many books and trainers that do not recommend locked crates.

Crates are to puppies as cribs are to infants. A safe place for them when we can't closely supervise them. Used properly, they are lifesavers for both dog and human.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread has persuaded me not to get a puppy. Unfortunately it’s really hard to adopt a rescue now that is safe for kids at home. (Based on my searches)

I'm the pp with a puppy the same age as OP's. I've always had older rescues and this is my first puppy. I agree with you. Puppies are hard work. I will never get one again, although I love this little guy to death. They are a lot of work. I prefer rescues about 1 year old. I haven't had any issues adopting though....have you tried http://www.paw-rescue.org ? I've gotten two wonderful pups from them over the past 20 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all who offered suggestions. We will work harder. We had a trainer come to our yard at the beginning and that gave us all the basic commands. He is a pretty good loose leash walker and we continue to practice that skill. A group puppy class we took was all the same basic commands and sort of a waste. I would be up for puppy day care but I am not sure he would like being dropped off in a strange place. I think it has been a combo of his adolescent defiance. He knows he is not supposed to put his paws on the table or try to break in to the toy area so that is what he is just waiting for the opportunity to do. He is not into kongs and we got a bunch of food puzzles but he solves those super easily. He likes bully sticks and other natural chews in the evening (ignores nylabones, rubber chews) when he just hangs out with us but we have to mix those up or he gets sick of them. I am surprised at the backlash on the crate time since that is really what all the books and trainers recommend. He is used to it so we can safely leave the house to grocery shop or go to doctors appointments. I think also the dark and bad weather has made it so we spend less time in the yard playing fetch or kicking a ball around. Think it is frustration with all the negative behaviors we are getting despite the effort. But obviously the message is more effort, more stimulation, more attention.

There are many books and trainers that do not recommend locked crates.

Crates are to puppies as cribs are to infants. A safe place for them when we can't closely supervise them. Used properly, they are lifesavers for both dog and human.

Well, you don't leave the baby in the crib and go out for hours. Also the baby doesn't stress about using a diaper, and a crib is usually more roomy and open compared to the average dog crate. There are a lot of important differences.

[Anonymous]

OP, you will get through this. My puppy is nearly the same age and I want to rename him Kondo. He has helped me let go of so many things I have forgotten to put away.

[Anonymous]

Is there an update from op?

You really have no idea what you are doing and I hope you returned the dog.

I have a 5 mos old puppy who spent exactly one night in a crate. With covid and us home the crate has been in the garage after first night.

Then again, this is my 5th dog; fostered over 20, and I grew up with them; so I know what I am doing. OP does not know what to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all who offered suggestions. We will work harder. We had a trainer come to our yard at the beginning and that gave us all the basic commands. He is a pretty good loose leash walker and we continue to practice that skill. A group puppy class we took was all the same basic commands and sort of a waste. I would be up for puppy day care but I am not sure he would like being dropped off in a strange place. I think it has been a combo of his adolescent defiance. He knows he is not supposed to put his paws on the table or try to break in to the toy area so that is what he is just waiting for the opportunity to do. He is not into kongs and we got a bunch of food puzzles but he solves those super easily. He likes bully sticks and other natural chews in the evening (ignores nylabones, rubber chews) when he just hangs out with us but we have to mix those up or he gets sick of them. I am surprised at the backlash on the crate time since that is really what all the books and trainers recommend. He is used to it so we can safely leave the house to grocery shop or go to doctors appointments. I think also the dark and bad weather has made it so we spend less time in the yard playing fetch or kicking a ball around. Think it is frustration with all the negative behaviors we are getting despite the effort. But obviously the message is more effort, more stimulation, more attention.

There are many books and trainers that do not recommend locked crates.

+1

Including ours.

As a first time puppy owner (4mos) am just curious: how do you keep a puppy or young dog safe when you can’t supervise, without a crate? We have not met with our trainer yet (start in two weeks...she just had her last puppy vaxes today) so I don’t know what he will recommend. But I don’t see what I would do with her when I can’t supervise, if not the crate? She is in there at night when we are sleeping, and for a few naps etc during the day (and during that time I get things done that I can’t do when she is out). It would not be safe for her to have free run of the house. Also, we don’t go out much lately, but what would I do with her when I have to run to the store for an hour? Ideally DH or our (older) kids are with her but that isn’t always possible. I guess this just does not make sense to me...

Our puppy likes her crate and will go lie down in her own...after we got home from the vet today she went to the crate herself and fell asleep. I did lock the door behind her because I had some chores etc to do, out of earshot.

It’s hard for me to imagine never using a crate, I guess...

Puppy pen by us. She can bop around and be involved and do her food puzzles without us tripping over her. If you have space outside for a dog run, that should work, too, for an hour or so at a time. I can see mine from my window where I work on the first floor. We enclosed our deck so she can run around there, too, and watch us through the windows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there an update from op?

You really have no idea what you are doing and I hope you returned the dog.

I have a 5 mos old puppy who spent exactly one night in a crate. With covid and us home the crate has been in the garage after first night.

Then again, this is my 5th dog; fostered over 20, and I grew up with them; so I know what I am doing. OP does not know what to do.

Did you really ask me for an update after 2 days, tell me I don’t know what I am doing, you know everything but not offer any advice? I am now working with the suggestions others have offered and doing better but know it’s going to take sometime.

[Anonymous]

OP- take him to doggie daycare. It's fine and good training to drop him off and leave him, even if you think he won't like it.

Eventually when we all get to travel again, you may need to board your dog, so it's good to get them used to daycare, grooming, and an overnight stay somewhere.

Doggie daycare will give you a break as well. Some puppies are as difficult to have at home as a toddler, and it can last for a year or two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there an update from op?

You really have no idea what you are doing and I hope you returned the dog.

I have a 5 mos old puppy who spent exactly one night in a crate. With covid and us home the crate has been in the garage after first night.

Then again, this is my 5th dog; fostered over 20, and I grew up with them; so I know what I am doing. OP does not know what to do.

Did you really ask me for an update after 2 days, tell me I don’t know what I am doing, you know everything but not offer any advice? I am now working with the suggestions others have offered and doing better but know it’s going to take sometime.

OP don't waste your time with the ugly posts. They are probably sitting at home and miserable. And I feel sorry for them. But no need to engage.

Good luck with the pup.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP- take him to doggie daycare. It's fine and good training to drop him off and leave him, even if you think he won't like it.

Eventually when we all get to travel again, you may need to board your dog, so it's good to get them used to daycare, grooming, and an overnight stay somewhere.

Doggie daycare will give you a break as well. Some puppies are as difficult to have at home as a toddler, and it can last for a year or two.

Agree 100%. This is what we intend to do with ours, starting after Christmas. We will start with maybe 2 mornings a week and see how it goes. I think she will like it! Also, as this poster said, I’m looking towards the future and want to get her used to daycare (this is where we will board her if we go out of town- which isn’t often, but we will need care occasionally).