As promised a pic of my puppy!
- Thread starter janie1234
- Start date
wake up eager
Cathlete
Use a Bell on the Door...
Your baby is beautiful. And you're gonna have great fun with him. Two things that have really made our relationship with Oscar so wonderful:
1) Hang a bell on the door and hit it with this paw, every time you go out. And take him out ALOT - just as instructed here. He'll begin to associate his need to go out with the bell and he'll use it to tell you, when you've missed the signal. With the bell, we had Oscar trained-potty-wise, in a week. Use the bell.
2) Walk him, take him to play, give him plenty of outlets for play, rough housing and burning energy. He needs to play - it's his workout - and he'll drive you crazy without. When work's been crazy and I didn't have the time to walk/play as much as he needed. I took him to doggy day care. My neighbor gets to frustrated with her vivacious high-energy big dog cause he tears thing up, but she never walks him and does not give him an outlet. They need to move their body, to smell the yard and other's pee and to roughhouse. Do it everyday - it's your job- you'll and he'll be happier for it.
Can you tell I feel strongly about these two??
I didn't do these two things so well with my first adult dog. He was great and we loved him well, but when he was gone I vowed to be a better doggie 'parent' the second go 'round.
Celebrating with you. Pets are always connected and happy, and they bring so much happy and love. Yea,
All the Best, and More!
Suzie
Your baby is beautiful. And you're gonna have great fun with him. Two things that have really made our relationship with Oscar so wonderful:
1) Hang a bell on the door and hit it with this paw, every time you go out. And take him out ALOT - just as instructed here. He'll begin to associate his need to go out with the bell and he'll use it to tell you, when you've missed the signal. With the bell, we had Oscar trained-potty-wise, in a week. Use the bell.
2) Walk him, take him to play, give him plenty of outlets for play, rough housing and burning energy. He needs to play - it's his workout - and he'll drive you crazy without. When work's been crazy and I didn't have the time to walk/play as much as he needed. I took him to doggy day care. My neighbor gets to frustrated with her vivacious high-energy big dog cause he tears thing up, but she never walks him and does not give him an outlet. They need to move their body, to smell the yard and other's pee and to roughhouse. Do it everyday - it's your job- you'll and he'll be happier for it.
Can you tell I feel strongly about these two??
I didn't do these two things so well with my first adult dog. He was great and we loved him well, but when he was gone I vowed to be a better doggie 'parent' the second go 'round.
Celebrating with you. Pets are always connected and happy, and they bring so much happy and love. Yea,
All the Best, and More!
Suzie
Poochy
Cathlete
Such a cutie pie!!! he looks sweet and a bit mischievous . . but he is supposed to be .. LOL .. I am sure you will have some funny stories about him. Congrats!
As for advice IA w/both the posters about potty training and bathing. I dont think a bath will traumatize him .. well he might think so to begin with .. but the earlier he gets used to it .. it will become the norm .. I can tell my big babies they stink and they go to the bathtub to get their bath .. LOL!
the only other advice I would offer is lots of CHEW TOYS.. pups are gonna chew .. and if he does have lab in him he is gonna chew on EVERYTHING ..
as for the breed .. ?? .. could have some german sheppard .. maybe some lab ... looks like he maybe kinda taller so ??? ... whatever breed or mix of breeds he looks like a sweet baby and I am sure he is going to make a wonderful addition to your family!!!
he looks sweet and a bit mischievous . . but he is supposed to be .. LOL .. I am sure you will have some funny stories about him. Congrats!As for advice IA w/both the posters about potty training and bathing. I dont think a bath will traumatize him .. well he might think so to begin with .. but the earlier he gets used to it .. it will become the norm .. I can tell my big babies they stink and they go to the bathtub to get their bath .. LOL!
the only other advice I would offer is lots of CHEW TOYS.. pups are gonna chew .. and if he does have lab in him he is gonna chew on EVERYTHING ..
as for the breed .. ?? .. could have some german sheppard .. maybe some lab ... looks like he maybe kinda taller so ??? ... whatever breed or mix of breeds he looks like a sweet baby and I am sure he is going to make a wonderful addition to your family!!!
ElaineP
Cathlete
Very Cute!! Love the look on his face.
Chew toys!!! Our 18 month old puppy is a big chewer.She chews through about everything. We got her an Everlasting treat ball. It has been
great. As soon as she gets out of her kennel in the morning she looks for it. Keeps her occupied for a long time.
Chew toys!!! Our 18 month old puppy is a big chewer.She chews through about everything. We got her an Everlasting treat ball. It has been
great. As soon as she gets out of her kennel in the morning she looks for it. Keeps her occupied for a long time.
janie1234
Cathlete
Thanks again everyone. After reading Linda's post yesterday I gave him a bath, . . .or should I say he gave me one. He was not too keen on the idea but I agree he just has to get used to it. I'm getting nervous because overall he's been just great and I don't know if I'm going to pay for it later. He doesn't bark when the doorbell rings, plays nicely with the nieghborhood dogs both big and small. Loves people, . .he has some mouthing issues so we've given him some chew toys that we trade a lot so that he doesn't get bored of them. He is not a velcro dog either. He's happy in the little area that he has designated right when he got home.
http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo127/seelizrun/012.jpg
He walks well on a leash, pulls a little but we're working on that. We're using the sensation harness. Does not beg for food. I'm scared that after a few weeks his true colors will show. Either way I'm commited. I think I may have over walked him yesterday. I took him out 10 times for house training and walked him a bit each time. By 8pm he was pooped. He pretty much has slept through the night except I woke him up at 5:30 for a potty break. Well keep the advice coming. I'm taking notes and am willing to try anything. I'm digging out my Christmas bell to tie to the door.
Here he is again, . . .just have to share more pics. He hates the sound of the camera.
http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo127/seelizrun/009.jpg
http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo127/seelizrun/012.jpg
He walks well on a leash, pulls a little but we're working on that. We're using the sensation harness. Does not beg for food. I'm scared that after a few weeks his true colors will show. Either way I'm commited. I think I may have over walked him yesterday.
I took him out 10 times for house training and walked him a bit each time. By 8pm he was pooped. He pretty much has slept through the night except I woke him up at 5:30 for a potty break. Well keep the advice coming. I'm taking notes and am willing to try anything. I'm digging out my Christmas bell to tie to the door. Here he is again, . . .just have to share more pics. He hates the sound of the camera.
http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo127/seelizrun/009.jpg
fit44
Cathlete
Janie,
He is so soft looking!
It's been a while since I've had a puppy in the house. We are planning a puppy sometime in June/July, and in the meantime DH and I are reading Cesar's new book, "How to Raise the Perfect Dog". It's a great book about the development of a dog from birth through adolescence. I highly recommend it.
Funny story.....I trained Mercedes to ring the bell to go out, but I had to take the bell away. The girl realized I was at her beck and call, and well.....took full advantage of it!! I felt like her butler.She would ring, and I would come running, "You rang madame?" She rang the bell when she wanted my attention! LOL She was something else.
He is so soft looking!
It's been a while since I've had a puppy in the house. We are planning a puppy sometime in June/July, and in the meantime DH and I are reading Cesar's new book, "How to Raise the Perfect Dog". It's a great book about the development of a dog from birth through adolescence. I highly recommend it.
Funny story.....I trained Mercedes to ring the bell to go out, but I had to take the bell away. The girl realized I was at her beck and call, and well.....took full advantage of it!! I felt like her butler.
She would ring, and I would come running, "You rang madame?" She rang the bell when she wanted my attention! LOL She was something else.
janie1234
Cathlete
Janie,
He is so soft looking!
It's been a while since I've had a puppy in the house. We are planning a puppy sometime in June/July, and in the meantime DH and I are reading Cesar's new book, "How to Raise the Perfect Dog". It's a great book about the development of a dog from birth through adolescence. I highly recommend it.
Funny story.....I trained Mercedes to ring the bell to go out, but I had to take the bell away. The girl realized I was at her beck and call, and well.....took full advantage of it!! I felt like her butler.
Thanks Cynthia. I'm going to go and order that book. You are the second person who reccomended it. Are you thinking of getting another boxer? I'll be eagerly awaiting pics. That is so funny about the bell. I was actually worried that he would chew it and swallow it. Having a new dog is like having a new baby. That scared feeling that you get after you have a baby when you are worried about the first drive home. I just want to do what is right for Georgie.
MadnNatsmom
Cathlete
He is ADORABLE!!!!!!
My advice is regarding chewing. Accidents I can deal with but, a chewer? To save yourself a lot of grief, ESPECIALLY if he's got labrador in him (like my baby) chew toys galore. Some dogs prefer soft, but for my Kirby, the harder the better, so get different types.
Two great sites I'd recommend for products:
Drsfostersmith.com - we got a gallon puppy shampoo that smells sooooooo good and we've had this thing for 2 years now and only 1/2 way through. A small amount goes a looooong way.
Dog.com - you cannot beat their prices for chew toys, accessories, treats, etc.
I am so glad this all worked out for you!!!
My advice is regarding chewing. Accidents I can deal with but, a chewer? To save yourself a lot of grief, ESPECIALLY if he's got labrador in him (like my baby) chew toys galore. Some dogs prefer soft, but for my Kirby, the harder the better, so get different types.
Two great sites I'd recommend for products:
Drsfostersmith.com - we got a gallon puppy shampoo that smells sooooooo good and we've had this thing for 2 years now and only 1/2 way through. A small amount goes a looooong way.
Dog.com - you cannot beat their prices for chew toys, accessories, treats, etc.
I am so glad this all worked out for you!!!
Carmen829
Cathlete
George is very cute. I have four dogs. Here's what has helped me. Puppies have to go out frequently. I would take a handful of treats and encourage the dog to go. whenever he did what I wanted I gave him a great and lots of praise. My dogs go pretty much on command now. I tell them "do your business" and everyone starts squatting, its so funny. And very helpful when at the vet and they need a pee sample.
Get a crate. That one you have looks more like a traveling thing. Crate I have is metal and dog can see out of it. Get something large enough doggie can grow into. You can get used one on craigslist or pretty reasonable at walmart.com. Adjust the back wall so he can get in and turn around. Dogs naturally want to keep their den clean, so this will help with accidents. I would keep crate in the living area so doggie could see us and other dogs but would not wonder around house leaving surprises. Dont put a blanket in there he'll pee on it. Put only sturdy chew bones. Train him to like it by leaving a few treats in the crate and encouraging him to go in it. My dog Bella loves her crate (den). whenever she hears the cookie box open she automatically goes in and waits for her cookie.
In the crate puppy is good for about 3-4 hours. This was my routine. I'd take him outside to do business before I left for work, put him in crate, come back at lunch time to take him out; spend a few minutes in yard with him, back in crate till I got home at 5:30 to let him out right away.
Potty training is the toughest part, but they will learn. My dogs are big so it was important that they had manners. All my dogs went through puppy kindergarten and basic dog obedience. The only dog that made it up to advance is Bella and she is now received her Good Citizen medal. I have a white boxer, white american bulldog, pit/lab mix, and American pitbull terrier (That's Bella the good citizen).
Good luck.
Carmen.
Get a crate. That one you have looks more like a traveling thing. Crate I have is metal and dog can see out of it. Get something large enough doggie can grow into. You can get used one on craigslist or pretty reasonable at walmart.com. Adjust the back wall so he can get in and turn around. Dogs naturally want to keep their den clean, so this will help with accidents. I would keep crate in the living area so doggie could see us and other dogs but would not wonder around house leaving surprises. Dont put a blanket in there he'll pee on it. Put only sturdy chew bones. Train him to like it by leaving a few treats in the crate and encouraging him to go in it. My dog Bella loves her crate (den). whenever she hears the cookie box open she automatically goes in and waits for her cookie.
In the crate puppy is good for about 3-4 hours. This was my routine. I'd take him outside to do business before I left for work, put him in crate, come back at lunch time to take him out; spend a few minutes in yard with him, back in crate till I got home at 5:30 to let him out right away.
Potty training is the toughest part, but they will learn. My dogs are big so it was important that they had manners. All my dogs went through puppy kindergarten and basic dog obedience. The only dog that made it up to advance is Bella and she is now received her Good Citizen medal. I have a white boxer, white american bulldog, pit/lab mix, and American pitbull terrier (That's Bella the good citizen).
Good luck.
Carmen.
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janie1234
Cathlete
Great thanks so much!! What great reccomendations. I'm going to check these out for sure!
janie1234
Cathlete
Thanks Carmen! How helpful. I do the same thing with treats and potty, . .but for how long do you give treats? He's only been home for 3 days. I don't think I should treat all the time because then I would have to limit his food intake? Right? Do you follow the food reccomendation on the bag? I have been but he's sorta skinny. He's got bones showing. Today I did that and tonight his poo was sorta on the soft side. Is that normal? What kind of doggie food do you use? What kind of treat? Thanks sorry to bombard you with a bunch of questions. I'd be happy to hear other advice or reccomendations from everyone else.
Yeah I'm going to get another crate for my room. I got all twitchy at the pound and that was the only crate they sold. They probably could have sold me dirty underwear and I would have bought it.
They gave me a discount so it only cost me $50 which was not that bad. He'll go into it but he doesn't love it. He'll sleep in it at night with no protest.One more thing, . .sorry everyone that I keep asking. What do you use for travel in the car? I don't have an SUV I have a honda accord 4 door and 2 kids so no space really for a crate. Thanks
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janie1234
Cathlete
To funny. Yeah he's got a bit of sass in him.
fit44
Cathlete
Janie,
I used Cherios for training treats. One Cherio per wanted behavior so the calories do not add up. I prefer natural treats. You can buy generic cherios at the health food store and they will last you forever. You don't have to use treats for everything. You can reward by playing with a ball, walking, petting, etc.When you get to puppy class and obedience school you will need a food treat.
Cesar recommends bully sticks for the crate. They are all natural....ummm, dried up bull penis. They come in several sizes(LOL). You can find them a Costco pretty cheap. They smell awful, but they are a wonderful treat for chewing and relaxation. That is why Cesar recommends them for crate training. It will teach the puppy the crate is comforting, relaxing, and a really wonderful place to go! I would avoid anything rawhide.
I used Cherios for training treats. One Cherio per wanted behavior so the calories do not add up. I prefer natural treats. You can buy generic cherios at the health food store and they will last you forever. You don't have to use treats for everything. You can reward by playing with a ball, walking, petting, etc.When you get to puppy class and obedience school you will need a food treat.
Cesar recommends bully sticks for the crate. They are all natural....ummm, dried up bull penis.
They come in several sizes(LOL). You can find them a Costco pretty cheap. They smell awful, but they are a wonderful treat for chewing and relaxation. That is why Cesar recommends them for crate training. It will teach the puppy the crate is comforting, relaxing, and a really wonderful place to go! I would avoid anything rawhide.
carres1973
Cathlete
My only advice is if you have carpet to get a carpet shampooer. I have one of the spot cleaners that runs by itself. BEST investment I ever made!
As for travelling in the car, I have a harness (the type that has the hook/clip on the back). I then bought a seatbelt kit for the car. The seatbelt goes through the loop and the loop is clipped to the hook on the back of the harness. It works pretty well.
Carrie
As for travelling in the car, I have a harness (the type that has the hook/clip on the back). I then bought a seatbelt kit for the car. The seatbelt goes through the loop and the loop is clipped to the hook on the back of the harness. It works pretty well.
Carrie
mspina
Cathlete
Cesar recommends bully sticks for the crate. They are all natural....ummm, dried up bull penis.
Oh. My. God. I had no idea what bully sticks were!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eddie freakin' LOVES them. BTW, there ARE bully sticks out there with no odor - and I'm not kidding - NO odor. Our first set stunk so bad we wouldn't let him chew them in the house anymore. Our local natural pet store had odor free (all natural, no bleach or chemicals used, etc.) and they are AWESOME.
Janie - He's beautiful! He looks a lot like my sisters puppy, I agree he could be some kind of shepherd/lab mix.
I haven't read all the previous response, but here's what was helpful for me when Rascal was a pup:
1. Definitely get into an obedience class, preferably one that uses positive reinforcement techniques (treats, clickers). It's good for bonding and building confidence for you and the puppy.
2. Crate train. I got religion on crate training after my first Boxer ate my couch (not kidding). I like Kongs filled with peanut butter for occupying in the crate. I'm not a fan of bully sticks, pigs ears or raw hide, as my dogs have gotten these things stuck in their throats.
3. Get a lot of chew toys. Kongs are great, marrow bones, rope toys. They don't tend to break into small pieces when chewed.
4. In the car, I use a canine seat belt in the back seat. Something like this:
http://www.canineauto.com/
You can usually find something similar in most pet supply stores. Works great! It keeps Rascal from jumping in the front seat and being a safety hazard.
Enjoy him!!!
I haven't read all the previous response, but here's what was helpful for me when Rascal was a pup:
1. Definitely get into an obedience class, preferably one that uses positive reinforcement techniques (treats, clickers). It's good for bonding and building confidence for you and the puppy.
2. Crate train. I got religion on crate training after my first Boxer ate my couch (not kidding). I like Kongs filled with peanut butter for occupying in the crate. I'm not a fan of bully sticks, pigs ears or raw hide, as my dogs have gotten these things stuck in their throats.
3. Get a lot of chew toys. Kongs are great, marrow bones, rope toys. They don't tend to break into small pieces when chewed.
4. In the car, I use a canine seat belt in the back seat. Something like this:
http://www.canineauto.com/
You can usually find something similar in most pet supply stores. Works great! It keeps Rascal from jumping in the front seat and being a safety hazard.
Enjoy him!!!
Poochy
Cathlete
Janie ..
the new pic is just adorable!! what a sweetie pie ..
dont worry ... if he is being good take it as a blessing!! having a new pup is kinda like having a new baby .. you worry about everything ... heck mine are older and I STILL worry about everything!!!
Chew Toys .. I love the Kong chew toys .. the ones you can put treats in .. will keep them entertained for a long time!! the Kong toys are the only ones my big babies could not tear to shreds .. LOL but they also have their soft plush toys too .. they like their baby dolls
Cynthia .. LOLOLOLOLOL ok .. I will never be able to look at a or hear the word bully stick again without breaking out in laughter!!!
the new pic is just adorable!! what a sweetie pie ..
dont worry ... if he is being good take it as a blessing!!
having a new pup is kinda like having a new baby .. you worry about everything ... heck mine are older and I STILL worry about everything!!! Chew Toys .. I love the Kong chew toys .. the ones you can put treats in .. will keep them entertained for a long time!! the Kong toys are the only ones my big babies could not tear to shreds .. LOL but they also have their soft plush toys too .. they like their baby dolls
Cynthia .. LOLOLOLOLOL ok .. I will never be able to look at a or hear the word bully stick again without breaking out in laughter!!!