Dont know what to do!

[lindsalou3]

Our 4 month old pup likes to chew on things including me at times... I know he plays around but sometimes he gets obnoxious about it and I'm not really sure how to stop him. I tell him no and put a toy in his mouth but he continues to do it.

He also is stubborn doesn't listen to no very often. What are we doing wrong? How do we get him to listen better?

Thanks, Lindsay

[ferJenna]

Make sure you're saying it like you mean it! If he does it when you're sitting on the couch, say "NO!" and put him on the floor. Keep doing it until he realizes your not joking around anymore. Biting is not okay, and he has to learn that. Don't be afraid to discipline him. You're not 'hurting his feelings' as so many people seem to think.

[lindsalou3]

I do say it with a stern voice usually and he still looks at me like I'm crazy! Or he'll stop and then wait and go back to do it again. I know he's still a baby but I want him to learn!

[ferJenna]

Then you keep doing it. Over and over. Repetition is your best friend. He'll learn, it might just take some time.

[lindsalou3]

I feel like he's never going to learn... same with potty training and not barking at my cat either.... it seems like he just doesnt care :confused:

[_Lisa_]

You need to make sure that everyone that interacts with your pup is sure to also be just as strict. Your puppy is so very young, and is probably teething! He needs to chew, just not on you. Just be sure that everyone is consistent, or someone else may be undoing all your hard work!

[lindsalou3]

I'm trying to make sure my husband is on the same path too but he does things different, I will admit that... but I tell him to try something and he does it his way....bleh I dont know

[ferJenna]

I would try sitting down and talking to your husband. You both have to be on the same path as far as discipline and training goes. I'm going through the same thing with my hubby! Trust me, I know exactly what you mean. All I can say is make sure that you're puppy knows that you and your husband are top dog. If he thinks that HE is alpha, that is where all the issues come from. Make sure if you go anywhere, that you are always first. Make him do something for his food, for example.. Before you put the food down, make him sit. He doesn't get it until he sits and you say "OK." This is another thing that will take patience.. But it's SO much better than fighting him to get to the food bowl. It also shows him that you are the boss. If he wants something, he has to ask first.

[lindsalou3]

ironically he sits down before we put his food or give him a treat... we try to tell him to sit all the time but he will be already. He's very smart which is what is frustrating 'cause he does try to test us to see who's in charge. I will definitely talk with my husband though! thank you!

[ferJenna]

No problem!! That's cute :) If he sits already, then start with the "Lay down" command (Or down, whichever you prefer). That way he'll start laying down automatically.. Then you can teach him "Sit." :) Take advantage of how smart he is, that will definitely help and it will keep his mind sharp.

[ferJenna]

Edit, I meant to take advantage by teaching him a lot of tricks.

BTW, what kind of dog is he?

[lindsalou3]

thanks! He knows lay down also when he wants to listen,LOL. They told us he was lab/shar pei mix but we aren't sure what else is in him. This is Matthew :-)

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u51/magoo83/Matthew/matthew12407.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u51/magoo83/Matthew/matthewatSheryls.jpg

[ferJenna]

He's very cute!!

[lindsalou3]

He's very cute!!

thank you!

[lindsalou3]

is it normal for a 4 month old pup to pee everytime he drinks something, he doesn't even try to hold his bladder. IS there something my husband & I are doing wrong?

[ferJenna]

A lot of dogs pee right after they drink. If they do it everytime, it actually makes potty training easier. Right after he's done, take him outside. Eventually he will learn that is what happens when he drinks. So he'll wait for you to take him out. Same thing with eating. Most dogs will poo when they are done. You should wait about 10-20 minutes then take him out. Chances are, he will go.

Do you have him on a routine feeding schedule? Twice a day is preferred, unless he's being free fed. Which is alright when they are puppies, but once he gets older and his metabolism slows down having a schedule would be best.

[cyclade]

is it normal for a 4 month old pup to pee everytime he drinks something, he doesn't even try to hold his bladder. IS there something my husband & I are doing wrong?

My wife has been a long time dog trainer. This is one thing she has good advice on when it comes to puppy potty training.

Yes, it is very normal for a puppy to pee after drinking, and especially pooping right after eating. Sadly, as a puppy owner, you have now taken on a small child... and to be honest... a small child might be easier.

First word of advice and a question... do you have a crate for your puppy? (I'll come back to that) Never leave water out for a new pup. You are just asking for a carpet cleaning rental if you do.

What I recommend, is getting a cat claw device that you can hang from your door knob or patio door.. whichever door you want you dog to go to when they need to go out. Attach a bell to it.

When you are ready to feed and water the pup, put both down (food and water) and let her go at it. As SOON as she is done (and you have to watch her), take her immediately to the bell, ring it a few times and use a word like "out". We use "out" and it works great because it's a word that is loud and 1 syllable. (I don't have scientific proof that dogs respond to 1 syllable words, but I am not a scientist and I have amazing success). Give her a cookie treat and promptly take her out to the grass or wherever you have assigned as a potty spot.

Once she has done her business, again, repeat the word over and over with petting, scratching and once again a cookie treat. Let her know it was a good "out".

Each time she wants to go out, ring the bell, do the things over and over and after enough repetition, she will be ringing the bell when she wants a good "out" and cookie treat. Eventually... she won't need the cookie treat, and she won't pee on your rug.

Now back to the crate. When you are fixing dinner, or going for grocery's or just don't have time to watch her, put her in the crate. Not too big, not too small.. just something that belongs to "her". It's her little castle. She won't pee or poop in there as dogs won't defecate where they sleep. I know some people say "omg you want me to lock my dog up" -- my answer is simple. Yes. It is nothing more that putting your pooch in a confined spot that belongs to them in the first place. You are not neglecting your dog by doing this... don't listen to the yayhoos who tell you otherwise, cause you'd put your child in a play pen and it would be the same thing.

As soon as you want to get her out or she wants out.. immediately take her our to the potty spot, NO TREAT.. and tell her "good out" "good out'.. lots of love and scratches. Most likely she will need to pee and will soak up the love with wiggly tail.

The thing about puppy's.. like I mentioned before.. they are small kids. you have to be on them EVERY second. You are the boss, don't baby them..let me say that again DO NOT BABY THEM. (I know they are cute and cuddly and helpless and blah blah blah.. NO!!!!!) They will be eager to work for you. So each time you bring them in after a good "out".. make her sit at the door while you walk in first..... after all, it's your home, and you are the leader. Once you walk in, ask them to follow. Do not let them go in first. If you let them go in first, they start learning that they are the leader and it will be harder for you to enforce rule, as they will start thinking it is their house and it is you that needs rules.

Since dogs need structure, you need to be consistent... and after a few weeks of that... your little tyke will be doing as you wish. One big misunderstanding when it comes to dogs, is that they understand what you are saying. They don't. They understand your energy. Be dominant, like I said before do NOT baby them. Make them go out and pee even after they pee'd on your grandma's best rug. When you come in, make them sit while you come in... then ASK them to follow.

I know quite a few people who believe puppy's/dogs are above the law, but that is a bad way to think when you are raising a dog. You must must must be the leader and you must understand, that what you teach them is what determines how they act. Be a good pet owner and be responsible... like I said.. small children might be easier.

Just some words of advice from a long time puppy trainer/owner.

[lindsalou3]

wow thank you so much for the advice! I'm going to show that to my husband!

[Flyleaf6688]

no i dont think you are doing wrong. i have just recently gotten a puppy and she does the same thing.. she is about 8 weeks old. and she is already biting at my face when i pick her up and when she wants to play. she doesnt bite my face everytime i pick her up .. but if she is doing something wrong and i pick her up. she growls and nips at me.. but it seems more playful. so i just tell her no and tap her on the nose with my finger. but i dont think the finger taping is a good idea b/c she just goes a nd tries to bite my finger. like others said. he is probably teething. my puppy pees a lot too.. and chases my cats..

[lindsalou3]

no i dont think you are doing wrong. i have just recently gotten a puppy and she does the same thing.. she is about 8 weeks old. and she is already biting at my face when i pick her up and when she wants to play. she doesnt bite my face everytime i pick her up .. but if she is doing something wrong and i pick her up. she growls and nips at me.. but it seems more playful. so i just tell her no and tap her on the nose with my finger. but i dont think the finger taping is a good idea b/c she just goes a nd tries to bite my finger. like others said. he is probably teething. my puppy pees a lot too.. and chases my cats..


thanks! I'm glad that someone else understands how I feel. I feel like such a baby mommy because it's easy to get frustrated with him or the things he does I should say. Thanks again!