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Help in keeping Pup Busy


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Hi

 

I have a few weeks to wait before Tor is able to be walked properly due to his injections.

At present we only have a small yard whilst we wait for our new house to be fixed and I need ideas to keep him out of trouble.

 

I have bought him a knotted rope to chew on and a kong and a ball and play with him lots. He is gettng the idea of 'sit' and 'down' too which is great considering he only been here since Sunday.

 

I am careful not to let my two younger children play with him as they and him are not capable of stopping any playfulness that may get out of hand. My oldest daughter is perhaps more of a handful because she is a teenager and knows it all :rolleyes:

 

I can't get him into a class until January next year which leaves me with lots of time to get him into bad habbits if I am not careful. I have read lots of books, lots of websites...but I would like MORE advice please.

 

Moon Maiden

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Tor has reached the "Socialisation" phase of his development.

 

New experiences will exert a maximal effect on his personality and temperament. Puppy preschool classes are an excellent idea! Be careful not to undersocialise or oversocialise him because he might become either fearful, or overanxious.

 

This is the optimum time for bonding with other pets and humans, even children (under your supervision, of course). Introduce Tor in a non-threatening way to vacuum cleaners, crowds of strangers, visitors in your house, cars, water, road surfaces etc. Teach him to watch you eat without being fed first. Prevent play biting every time it occurs. Teach him that it is okay to be separated from you.

 

Physically handle Tor to ensure he will not become fearful or aggressive. Make him work for everything: Nothing should be given to a dog for free... He should be expected to work!

 

Most of all have fun...!

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Thanks Doug...

 

I agree puppy classes would be great - but there doesn't seem to be any in the local area. The local classes that I have booked in January for are the only ones I have found and they work on a voluntary basis.

 

It seems a bit stupid considering I am living in a major city in the UK....but there you go. If anyone UK side knows of anywhere or anyone I can speak to about puppy classes please let me know.

 

Moon

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Hiya moon maiden...

 

Which one are you booked in for January?

 

Looking on www.obedience.com there are only two listed on here for Sheffield, Attercliffe Dog Training Club and Wadsley Bridge Dog Obedience Society. I am sure there must be more than that so I will keep a look out for you. The two above are pet obedience, with Waldsley doing the Kennel Club Good Citizen Award Scheme thing.

 

Wishing you luck in finding one sooner than January ( what a wait!!)

 

Love Lisa

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Hiya moon maiden...

 

Which one are you booked in for January?

 

Looking on www.obedience.com there are only two listed on here for Sheffield, Attercliffe Dog Training Club and Wadsley Bridge Dog Obedience Society. I am sure there must be more than that so I will keep a look out for you. The two above are pet obedience, with Waldsley doing the Kennel Club Good Citizen Award Scheme thing.

 

Wishing you luck in finding one sooner than January ( what a wait!!)

 

Love Lisa

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Buy a clicker book with how to teach the clicker and tricks/things to teach with the clicker. If you make a mistake with the clicker training it's not dramatic as if you try to teach using compulsion methods. I recommend one called "Clicking with Your Dog" by Peggy Tillman. It's easy to read, has lots of illustrations and lots of things to teach.

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You can still get Tor out and about - in the car, and in your arms if necessary. It's a real risk-balancing thing - he really needs to get out and meet people and friendly dogs in 'safe' areas - i.e. where not too many unvaccinated stray dogs have been. The socialisation window is really really important. Do you have friends with nice vaccinated dogs - take Tor to visit them. If you have friends without dogs, take hime there too. And he can be learning loose leash walking in your yard and in the house. Ask your vet if there's any way you can make contact with others with pups of a similar age to organise a puppy party.

 

I'd endorse the clicker training route - try things like www.clickersolutions.com and www.clickertraining.com for ideas and links. And Kim from these boards has a wonderful list of links at www.geocities.com/black_dog_farm/BCLinks.html.

 

Have fun.

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I've got a pup that is almost a year now and I - HANDSDOWN - 2nd the clicker suggestion.

 

Puppies and the clicker are an amazing thing to watch. You will have Tor fixing your house for you - forget the construction workers! You can teach so much and it's really neat to watch things just "click" (no pun intended) in their little puppy heads.

 

Also, after you have all your shots - can you find a park that has lots to see? Dogs, horses, water fountains, umbrellas..kids, lots of kids.. Go their often with treat loaded pockets and just allow your pup to see, smell and explore. If you get into an iffy situation, reward good behavior with the treats. It's also fun to clicker train in different places too. Really makes them think.

 

Have fun!

 

Denise

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Hi Folks

 

thanks for all the great suggestions. I spied a clicked in our local pet shop so will look into that post haste.

 

Yes we have a large local park in fact sheffield has a few. It has pond football pitch and playground. If I take him a bit further there is Rivelin Valley Nature trail. First part of that in hot weather is filled with kids and dogs because of the outdoor swimming pool and we love it up there.

As for other dogs at the moment there is my sisters Akita and they live next door. They have played with each other thru the fence but we worried about Bailey (the akita) being too rough and the territory issue.

 

Again thanks for the advice..we both appreciate it

 

Moon & Tor

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