kerry1 Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hiya every1 we got a Border Collie puppy called Jasper 10 days ago and we have some problems with him: 1: he is teething just now we got him toys but he would rather chew on the furniture 2: he likes to bite people's skin and there clothes 3: he does not sleep at night and he is getting into the wires Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remy Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hiya every1 we got a Border Collie puppy called Jasper 10 days ago and we have some problems with him:1: he is teething just now we got him toys but he would rather chew on the furniture 2: he likes to bite people's skin and there clothes 3: he does not sleep at night and he is getting into the wires Hi I'm sure you will get alot better ideas then mine on here! there are many people with way more experiance then myself, but my two cents: 1) get on the floor and play with him, dont give him the chance to eat your furniture 2) I wouldnt let him get away with biting at your skin as such a young age, I would take two fingers and tap his nose and teach him thats not good, focus the attention to somethng else and then give Immediate praise 3) keep him awake during the day a littel more, they still need lots of sleep though, have him sleep in your bed and plan on getting up every two or three hours to take him outside to do his thing, or keep him in a small kennel, they need there down time regarless. BC will keep going and once mine gets tired shes gets naughty. 4) good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanillalove Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 Do you crate him at night? Or ever? A crate will seriously solve 90% of your problems with him. For the first issue, if you can't provide him complete attention and if he might get into trouble with chewing when you're not there to watch him, then it's perfectly fine and not cruel to let him hang out in a crate with appropriate toys for him to chew on. When he is out and you are able to watch him with attentive eyes, divert his attention from chewing the furniture to an appropriate toy that he's allowed to chew on. If he doesn't get it, give him a little "Aht, aht!" and then give him a toy for a fair trade. When he gets nippy when you're playing with him, make a yelp noise and don't push him away or anything as this may cause him to play rougher but just stop playing. He'll learn that nipping stops play time. If he really continues, you can put him in his crate with appropriate chewing things. I'm not sure if you crate at night, but crying at night is common for the first few nights. Let him sleep in his crate and put in some chew toys and a blanket that smells like you, and just let him get used to it. He'll eventually love his crate and find refuge in it. If you don't crate at night, start, this way he'll stop getting into the wires. Other people who have raised more puppies than me will probably chime in, but they'll probably all repeat the crate suggestion. Try using the search function in the top right corner of the site and search for crate training or nipping, and you'll find tons of information from other people who have the same problems. Just remember, he is just a puppy, a little baby, and he'll understand with time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silhouettestable Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 One more thing about crating. When he's this young and just getting used to the crate, at first try to time it so you put him in when he's sleepy. He'll go through the whole eat, potty, play routine and then be ready for a nap. If you put him in when he's ready for a rest he'll be much less likely to fuss about being in there, especially if you give him something like a stuffed kong to occupy himself. I always have my pups crated beside my bed at night so that I'm there for them and so I can hear them if they need out. If he fusses at bedtime and he's already been out, if you ignore that he'll figure out pretty quickly that it's not getting him the desired result and then he'll settle down. If he wakes up in the middle of the night and cries, he probably needs out to potty, he won't want to soil his crate. Take him quickly out to potty then right back in the crate and lights out so he doesn't think it's playtime. I find that usually after the first week or two (definitely by the end of the first month), my pups have rarely/never needed out at nighttime, they sleep right through. Crates really are the best tool you can have for a pup, for keeping your pup safe when you can't supervise (away from the wires etc.), for protecting your house from damage, and for housetraining the pup. And the pups get to love their crates usually too, it's their bed, their place. Whenever I crate a pup I always toss in a biscuit for them and say "go to bed" and they're happy to oblige. If it's during the daytime hours and I'll be away for a little while I also give them something to chew, either a big smoked bone or a kong. RE: the biting and chewing - as already suggested for biting, try a yelping noise, that usually works quite well. For chewing on things, tell him "Jasper no!" or "Jasper no chewing!" and then get his attention away from whatever he's at and substitute one of his own toys. Be sure to engage him with the toy, squeaking, gently tugging or rolling it, depending on what you use. Make it seem more fun than what he was doing. This has always worked well for me. I have a friend/neighbour who's had dogs all her life and yet she can't believe that when I've got pups around I have "stuff" all over that they don't get into (eg. gloves on the bench just inside my front door, things on the coffee table etc.) The thing is, I'm home with my dogs all the time, they have constant supervision so I can immediately re-direct them if they get into anything they shouldn't and they've got tons of their own toys. They learn the boundaries of what's allowed and what's not. And if I go out to town, they're are crated when they're young, until I'm certain that they're trustworthy to be left out of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afrancis Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hiya every1 we got a Border Collie puppy called Jasper 10 days ago and we have some problems with him:1: he is teething just now we got him toys but he would rather chew on the furniture 2: he likes to bite people's skin and there clothes 3: he does not sleep at night and he is getting into the wires Congratulations on your new puppy and welcome! Here is a piece that was posted back in May when someone new was asking about puppies, esp. puppy chewing "I am a Puppy, This means that my intelligence and capacity for learning are the same as an 8-month-old child. I am a Puppy; I will chew EVERYTHING I can get my teeth on. This is how I explore and learn about the world. Even HUMAN children put things in their mouths. It's up to you to guide me to what is mine to chew and what is not. I am a Puppy; I cannot hold my bladder for longer than 1-2 hours. I cannot "feel" that I need to poop until it is actually beginning to come out. I cannot vocalize nor tell you that I need to go, and I cannot have "bladder and bowel control" until 6-9 months. Do not punish me if you have not let me out for 3 hours and I tinkle. It is your fault. As a Puppy it is wise to remember that I NEED to go potty after: Eating, Sleeping, Playing, Drinking and around every 2-3 hours in addition. If you want me to sleep through the night, then do not give me water after 7 or 8pm. A crate will help me learn to housebreak easier, and will avoid you being mad at me. I am a puppy, accidents WILL happen, please be patient with me! In time I will learn. I am a Puppy, I like to play. I will run around, and chase imaginary monsters, and chase your feet and your toes and 'attack' you, and chase fuzzballs, other pets, and small kids. It is play; it's what I do. Do not be mad at me or expect me to be sedate, mellow and sleep all day. If my high energy level is too much for you, maybe you could consider an older rescue from a shelter or Rescue group. My play is beneficial, use your wisdom to guide me in my play with appropriate toys, and activities like chasing a rolling ball, or gentle tug games, or plenty of chew toys for me. If I nip you too hard, talk to me in "dog talk", by giving a loud YELP, I will usually get the message, as this is how dogs communicate with one another. If I get to rough simply ignore me for a few moments, or put me in my crate with an appropriate chew toy. I am Puppy; hopefully you would not yell, hit, strike, kick or beat a 6-month-old human infant so please do not do the same to me. I am delicate, and also very impressionable. If you treat me harshly now, I will grow up learning to fear being hit, spanked, kicked or beaten. Instead, please guide me with encouragement, and wisdom. (For instance, if I am chewing something wrong, say, "No chew!" and hand me a toy I CAN chew) better yet, pick up ANYTHING that you do not want me to get into. I can't tell the difference between your old sock and your new sock, or an old sneaker and your 200$ Nikes. I am a Puppy, and I am a creature with feelings, and drives much like your own, but yet also very different. Although I am NOT a human in a dog suit, neither am I an unfeeling robot who can instantly obey your every whim. I truly DO want to please you, and be a part of your family, and your life. You got me (I hope) because you want a loving partner and companion, so do not relegate me to the backyard when I get bigger, do not judge me harshly but instead mold me with gentleness and guidelines and training into the kind of family member you want me to be. I am a puppy and I am not perfect, and I know you are not perfect either. I Love you anyway. So please, learn all you can about training, and puppy behaviors and caring for me from your Veterinarian, books on dog care and even researching on the computer! Learn about my particular breed and it's "characteristics" it will give you understanding and insight into WHY I do the things I do. Please teach me with love, and patience, the right way to behave and socialize me with training in a puppy class or obedience class, we will BOTH have a lot of fun together. I am a Puppy and I want more than anything to love you, to be with you, and to please you. Won't you please take time to understand how I work? We are the same you and I, in that we both feel hunger, pain, thirst, discomfort, fear, but yet we are also very different and must work to understand one another's language, body signals, wants and needs. Some day I will be a handsome dog, hopefully one you can be proud of and one that you will love as much as I love you. Love, Your Puppy." <May be posted, Reposted, cross-posted and used with permission as long as credit is given. © 2000 J. Ellis- Southern Shadows Rottweilers> You can also visit this link for some good reading suggestions from the library (visit the "puppy" section): http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/publications.html There is so much to raising a puppy, never mind a border collie puppy, that it can't be all addressed in one go. However, the most important thing has already been suggested: a crate. This ensures everyone's health, sanity and safety until the dog is old enough to be trusted (in my Skye's case, around 10 months -- although there were accidents until about 1 1/2 years). Good luck and keep us posted, Ailsa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 I strongly recommend that you buy a copy of "Before and After You Get Your Puppy" by Ian Dunbar. Dunbar himself feels so strongly about this that he actually makes the first half of the book available free for download here: Before You Get Your Puppy. This book addresses all of the issues you are having. After you read it, you may decide to invest in the other half of the book, but at least take a look at the free half. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms.DaisyDuke Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 You've gotten lots of great advice already, so I'll just say crating it the best thing in the world! As for the chewing of the furniture...well, I used a little tiny bit of cyenne pepper on the parts that Daisy would chew and she stopped immediately. I did however give her suitable things to chew on. For a while, sticks were her favorite. Fine by me! I also used a clean dish towel soaked in water and frozen, I would let her chew on it until it thawed. I had a couple in the freezer so I could rotate between freezing and washing them. I thought of it when my mom mentioned that when I was teething the only thing that would work for me was a frozen face cloth. It's hard, but not too hard that is has some give, so the pressure would sooth the gums. Just an idea! Welcome by the way! j Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc4ever Posted October 10, 2008 Report Share Posted October 10, 2008 You've gotten lots of great advice already, so I'll just say crating it the best thing in the world!As for the chewing of the furniture...well, I used a little tiny bit of cyenne pepper on the parts that Daisy would chew and she stopped immediately. I did however give her suitable things to chew on. For a while, sticks were her favorite. Fine by me! I also used a clean dish towel soaked in water and frozen, I would let her chew on it until it thawed. I had a couple in the freezer so I could rotate between freezing and washing them. I thought of it when my mom mentioned that when I was teething the only thing that would work for me was a frozen face cloth. It's hard, but not too hard that is has some give, so the pressure would sooth the gums. Just an idea! Welcome by the way! j We used a product called Bitter Apple Spray that helped with the chewing, but it's really just part of having a puppy in the house. Watch that he doesn't chew bad things, like electrical cords, etc. It's a lot like having a toddler in the house! LOL! We also did the frozen wash cloths--good for chewing, and also when they start losing their baby teeth and you see little drops of blood on the floor! Remember to enjoy this time--they grow so fast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc4ever Posted October 10, 2008 Report Share Posted October 10, 2008 "I am a Puppy, This means that my intelligence and capacity for learning are the same as an 8-month-old child. I am a Puppy; I will chew EVERYTHING I can get my teeth on. This is how I explore and learn about the world. Even HUMAN children put things in their mouths. It's up to you to guide me to what is mine to chew and what is not. I am a Puppy; I cannot hold my bladder for longer than 1-2 hours. I cannot "feel" that I need to poop until it is actually beginning to come out. I cannot vocalize nor tell you that I need to go, and I cannot have "bladder and bowel control" until 6-9 months. Do not punish me if you have not let me out for 3 hours and I tinkle. It is your fault. As a Puppy it is wise to remember that I NEED to go potty after: Eating, Sleeping, Playing, Drinking and around every 2-3 hours in addition. If you want me to sleep through the night, then do not give me water after 7 or 8pm. A crate will help me learn to housebreak easier, and will avoid you being mad at me. I am a puppy, accidents WILL happen, please be patient with me! In time I will learn. I am a Puppy, I like to play. I will run around, and chase imaginary monsters, and chase your feet and your toes and 'attack' you, and chase fuzzballs, other pets, and small kids. It is play; it's what I do. Do not be mad at me or expect me to be sedate, mellow and sleep all day. If my high energy level is too much for you, maybe you could consider an older rescue from a shelter or Rescue group. My play is beneficial, use your wisdom to guide me in my play with appropriate toys, and activities like chasing a rolling ball, or gentle tug games, or plenty of chew toys for me. If I nip you too hard, talk to me in "dog talk", by giving a loud YELP, I will usually get the message, as this is how dogs communicate with one another. If I get to rough simply ignore me for a few moments, or put me in my crate with an appropriate chew toy. I am Puppy; hopefully you would not yell, hit, strike, kick or beat a 6-month-old human infant so please do not do the same to me. I am delicate, and also very impressionable. If you treat me harshly now, I will grow up learning to fear being hit, spanked, kicked or beaten. Instead, please guide me with encouragement, and wisdom. (For instance, if I am chewing something wrong, say, "No chew!" and hand me a toy I CAN chew) better yet, pick up ANYTHING that you do not want me to get into. I can't tell the difference between your old sock and your new sock, or an old sneaker and your 200$ Nikes. I am a Puppy, and I am a creature with feelings, and drives much like your own, but yet also very different. Although I am NOT a human in a dog suit, neither am I an unfeeling robot who can instantly obey your every whim. I truly DO want to please you, and be a part of your family, and your life. You got me (I hope) because you want a loving partner and companion, so do not relegate me to the backyard when I get bigger, do not judge me harshly but instead mold me with gentleness and guidelines and training into the kind of family member you want me to be. I am a puppy and I am not perfect, and I know you are not perfect either. I Love you anyway. So please, learn all you can about training, and puppy behaviors and caring for me from your Veterinarian, books on dog care and even researching on the computer! Learn about my particular breed and it's "characteristics" it will give you understanding and insight into WHY I do the things I do. Please teach me with love, and patience, the right way to behave and socialize me with training in a puppy class or obedience class, we will BOTH have a lot of fun together. I am a Puppy and I want more than anything to love you, to be with you, and to please you. Won't you please take time to understand how I work? We are the same you and I, in that we both feel hunger, pain, thirst, discomfort, fear, but yet we are also very different and must work to understand one another's language, body signals, wants and needs. Some day I will be a handsome dog, hopefully one you can be proud of and one that you will love as much as I love you. Love, Your Puppy." Ohhh..I love that. Similar to Dog's Ten Commandments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsnrs Posted October 10, 2008 Report Share Posted October 10, 2008 My Aussie is 4 yrs old and she still loves her crate at night. We both get a good night's sleep. JMO Narita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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