This is topic Need Puppy advice in forum General Support at LymeNet Flash.


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/3/31999

Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
 
I posted about him when I got him because I couldn't decide what to call him. I finally settled on Jasper. He is about 8 weeks old now and weighs over 20 pounds.

I haven't had a puppy in 18 years so I don't remember how to deal with all the energy. When he is awake he wants A LOT of attention and play time. He leaps and snaps and sometimes accidentally draws blood on me. I tell him "no bite" and redirect his attention to his toys, which I shake and throw. He prefers that I shake them so he can go crazy attacking them. He hasn't figured out fetching.

How are you supposed to play with puppies and for how long? He is ready to go at 6 AM. Around 9 he settles down for a nap. Then he is up and at it again. I ordered a puppy training book but it has not come yet. He got a pig today that grunts when he bites it and it is the only toy he will play with by himself. Thank goodness for that pig!
 
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
lpkayak may be able to help!!

I haven't had a puppy in SO LONG!!!! (darn!) Have you also tried watching Animal Planet? They have good shows about pets.

He sounds so cute! [Smile]
 
Posted by linky123 (Member # 19974) on :
 
Can you post a photo? Would love to see him.
 
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
 
Good luck!

We are stupid (meaning full up) with puppies! Two Boxers - 1 and 2 years old.

They are insane! (Or maybe we are insane. Hadn't considered that possibility.)

Daily walks, training sessions (practicing commands), puppy manners class and dog daycare help. Dog park once he is fully vaccinated. (Don't know how rural you are. Maybe everything is a dog park.)

Ours do not fetch, but love running! And they are more compliant when they are tired. We take them to the school field in the evenings and on weekends. Again, hard to do until fully vaccinated.

Now that the weather is warmer, I can leave the sliding door open. They run between the house and yard all day. And they entertain each other, which is great, but two pups are still tons of work.

Mostly, enjoy this stage. They grow like weeds. The soft fur and puppy breath don't last long.

And run the crap out of him.
 
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
 
Lots of exercise to wear Jasper out and toys, toys, toys. Chewing toys are great when the bitting thing starts. I use Nylabones.

My dogs love the dinosaurs and the Y bones the most.

Also, if he gets out of control, you can use a small kong and put a little bit of natural peanut butter in it. It will keep the dog busy for a long time and they love it.
 
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
 
Thanks. This morning he is not so crazy as most mornings. I just play with him for a few minutes and then he plays alone. THen i give him more attention. It is not constant like before - as though I were a litter mate.

When he settles down, I tend to think something is wrong. You know how it is when you have a newborn sleeping baby - at least how it was with me - you want to make sure it is still breathing and ok. WHen he is quiet, like he is right now (sitting on my foot), I tend to think he is feeling neglected or something. THat happy exuberance is not there. So I will will play with him some more.

Boxer Mom, having two puppies might help them wear each other out. I thought about getting another shelter dog that is already trained - still thinking but if the dog was not big enough he could hurt it. He is learning not to attack the poor cats. I have to get on his case about that because they are so old.

The place is full of toys. I just got him a harness so he can learn to walk on a leash. I take him for walks but he is so distracted he wants to stop and investigate everything. He loves to be outside with the warm weather. I would like to get one of the screen doors that open easily (advertised on TV( because leaving the door open for him is bringing flies in the house.

He sure is adorable resting his head on my foot right now - better make sure he is ok.
 
Posted by Ellen101 (Member # 35432) on :
 
Longs are a great toy for puppies. http://www.kongcompany.com/101/how-to-kong/

There are some great chew toys as well. Puppies need to chew. You want to stay away from rawhide and toys with stuffing unless you are supervising. They make bones specifically for puppies. Buy from a reputable place, not Walmart. When I haduppies I would soak a wash cloth and place it in the freezer and then give it to them to chew on.

Crates are essential for puppies as well. http://dogchow.com/articles/1325/how-do-i-crate-train-my-puppy-or-dog?utm_campaign=always+on&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=dog-dog+chow-Tablet%7CGoogle%7CNonBranded% 7CDogCrating%7CExact&utm_term=crate+training
 
Posted by OtterJ (Member # 30701) on :
 
I've always gotten older dogs from the shelter, but there are differences between breeds, too.

Milo, my last dog was part lab and the vet said they have a need to be part of everything you do.

Compared to Jagger who was part wolf (my dog before Milo)and I do not recommend that breeding

practice, Jagger would play and then go off by himself. I agree with the tire him out

philosophy. He is a growing baby and toddlers are the same way--needing constant attention. Milo

loved his oinking pig toy. He wasn't happy until the stuffing was out of his toys. He never ate

the stuffing (A growing puppy might be different)he just got pure pleasure from gutting

it and breaking the squeeker. Once it was "dead", he pretty much lost interest in it.
 
Posted by linky123 (Member # 19974) on :
 
As mentioned above, the 'Kong' toys are great. Put some peanut butter in it and it will keep him busy for a while.

Have fun!
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
-
Can you hire or otherwise entice a teenager to come and play with the puppy - run like the wind, etc.

A dog trainer may have more suggestions and names for you, too.
-
 
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
 
My dog loved playing frisbee. It was a good way to completelty wear her out and get her to run hard when I didn't feel we'll enough to go for a walk.

We both had a lot of fun with that game. She was even able to run ahead of the frisbee, catch it in her mouth, and bring it back to me.

She loved frisbee game so much that she would even play it in the deep snow (and she hated snow!)!

Nefferdun, have fun with your new pup. Pets are such wonderful blessings.
 
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
 
A puppy sitter would be great but I don't know of anyone to hire. I got the name of a dog trainer and maybe she will know. I could not go on a trail ride yesterday because my husband was gone and I would have to leave him too long (3-4 hours). It was a beautiful day so I really missed getting out with my horse.

We have Kong toys. I bought a couple of things you can put treats in and several other things he likes. We just went to town again and he had a good time meeting people - especially a little boy.

Otter, I had a couple of hybrid wolves when I was young too (don't recommend them either). They were unusually smart but only one of them would accept other animals (other than dogs and people) and not react to them like prey. They were very loving with people - all people.

He is awake again. Have to get him outside.
 
Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
 
I so love reading about jasper. To tire out the boys when they were puppies we played the "come" game. I would stand on one side of the house my husband would stand as far away as possible, armed with treats. We would call Jasper Come! Back and forth til the running slowed down. A nap usually followed. It also was a great start at learning the command Come.

Cash was my nipper. We trained him to kiss instead of bite. Rub some butter on the back of your hand and when he goes to nip your fingers say no bite! Offer him the back of your hand and say kiss. As he licks say good kiss.

Good luck. I do wish this were a more photo friendly site.
 
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
 
I love that Kudz. I am going to try the butter. That is a great idea about how to teach him to come to. Right now he only comes when he feels like it. Sometimes when he is investigating something (like in the barn) he pays zero attention and will even run away. I always praise him when he comes but there have been times I had to catch him which he didn't like one bit.

I have read Mastiff's can be stubborn. I hope he takes after the Lab side of the family. Our last dog was half lab, half husky. He was dumped around the age of 3. If he saw something he would take off running and nothing could get his attention to come back.

Shortly after we acquired him, we were at an animal wildlife sanctuary and he jumped over the kids heads to get out the car window - to chase an antelope. The ranger threatened to shoot him.

We had to always keep him on a leash if we took him anywhere, even out of the back yard on our own property. It was even hard to keep him in the fenced yard as he would tear the fence down. One day I saw he butting the fence with his head like a bull.

That kind of dog is so hard to live with. He also tore things up if he was left alone in a storm or he heard gun shots. He ripped up carpeting, tore the bottom of the couch out (luckily he took the cushions off first) and even ripped a hole through the train of my daughter's wedding dress.

He died last summer around the age of 16. We adored him in the end. He was nearly deaf so loud noises did not bother him any more and he was just too old to run away any faster than we could keep up with him. He loved going "bye bye" and would just sleep.

I get worried about training.
 
Posted by Ellen101 (Member # 35432) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by nefferdun:
A puppy sitter would be great but I don't know of anyone to hire. I got the name of a dog trainer and maybe she will know. I could not go on a trail ride yesterday because my husband was gone and I would have to leave him too long (3-4 hours). It was a beautiful day so I really missed getting out with my horse.

We have Kong toys. I bought a couple of things you can put treats in and several other things he likes. We just went to town again and he had a good time meeting people - especially a little boy.

Otter, I had a couple of hybrid wolves when I was young too (don't recommend them either). They were unusually smart but only one of them would accept other animals (other than dogs and people) and not react to them like prey. They were very loving with people - all people.

He is awake again. Have to get him outside.

3-4 hours is not too long to leave a puppy . That's why crate training is good.
 
Posted by KentuckyWoman (Member # 38894) on :
 
nefferdum
Sorry, I didn't read all above me. Purina.com has a tab under "Dogs" for training tips etc.

I remember when I got my Ginger back in 2005, this site was very helpful for training ideas. Puppies are so fun. Enjoy !!
 
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
You can post photos here by going to Photobucket or picmonkey. Pretty easy!
 
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
 
when i got etta 2 yrs ago she was only 3lbs. by the time she was 6 lbs i couldnt keep up with her. i started taking her to doggie daycare and it was really good for both of us. but i found a very reasonably priced one where they were really good to the dogs. they introduced them one at a time and the dogs always had a person with them. she got rid of energy, became socialized and was exhausted when she got home. i only took her half day-4-5 hrs.

but when i moved she had a bad experience when they let 4 greyhounds in to meet her...shes 9 lbs...they all had muzzles on...but she freaked...and what a bout their feet???

she got in the corner and snapped at them and has not been the same since.

so i would suggest some daycare...but you really have to be careful of the quality of care because a bad experience can make things much worse.

also-altho she has a lot of energy (shes part yorkie and maltese...i am glad the shihtzu in her makes her like to sleep alot too...mostly on me...but thats ok.

good luck. i did think of dogwalkers and dog parks etc...i think merrygirl on here knows a lot about dogs...

my daughter works long hours and has someone come to walk her schnauzer and give her a snack in the middle of the day and i remember with my other dog a neighbor who loved dogs came to my house everymorning at 9...opened the door and took my kris out for a walk...because i am very slow in the morning.

i also used to drive the car arond parking lots that were empty and hold the long leash and he would explore and trot along ...

good luck. you need to use your imagination i guess
 
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
 
See if this works.
http://s412.photobucket.com/user/nefferdun/media/BabyBlu3.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

http://s412.photobucket.com/user/nefferdun/media/Jasperportrait.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

If that works, here is one of my cats, Franky, who was very nice trying to share a gopher with Jasper today.
http://s412.photobucket.com/user/nefferdun/media/frankiemoving.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6

And one of my horses - the one I ride the most, Sonny.
http://s412.photobucket.com/user/nefferdun/media/Turbo.jpg.html?sort=3&o=5

Hope it works!
 
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
 
There is another soft toy that you can put an empty water bottle into. Make sure you keep the cap on the bottle to keep the air in the bottle.

There is a velcro closure after you put the bottle in and the toys come in all different animals. My littlest dog loves to play with that by himself or have me throw it. Loves the crinkle sound the plastic makes.

When the bottle wears out, just put a new one in the toy.
 
Posted by Dove7 (Member # 39546) on :
 
We took our rescued golden puppy, who was only seven weeks old, to a week long puppy training course that had two trainers and four other dogs. Training and socialization in one, plus he had homeowrk each night for the two weeks of the course.

Also found a boarding place that had "daycare" that he went to one day a week for a month. The place also had doggy playtime each Friday night.

Finally, goldens are puppies for about two to three years really, so we adopted a second older golden. The two are best buds, playmates, and the older ones is almost like a mommy to him.

Besides playing and caring for each other, they give my DH a reason to walk each morning. (One of my hopes/goals is to be able to do that again.). Allso, they sense my energy and health and provjde great comfort and love during the times of bedrest that happens sometimes.

There on the floor with a stuffed doggy by the side is the older one while the younger sprawls out in the hall able to see all three bedrooms and his human family.

Enjoy Jasper, and if you haven't consider crating him for a bit each day or at night for awhile. Our vet told us that puppies often find a crate like swaddling. Think of how lucky you both are to have chosen each other!
 
Posted by KentuckyWoman (Member # 38894) on :
 
Found this on FB
It's very entertaining. It has music to it, so prepare your speakers. [Smile]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=503328163066991&set=vb.154798851253259&type=2&theater
 
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
THOSE ARE BEAUTIFUL photos, neffer!!! I love all 3 of your pets!!

Jasper is HANDSOME and the kitty and horse photos are incredible!!!

Thanks for sharing!!!! [Smile]

I agree about training to a crate. I wish that had been popular when we had our dog. My brother's dog LOVES to sleep in her crate at night. She feels very safe in it.

--

Thanks, KWoman! Have you ever seen the one from Mexico with the dancing dog? It's amazing!
 
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
 
O....M....G.

He is the cutest thing on four feet. Those eyes!!

And he has a dirty muzzle from rooting around!!!

He looks like trouble in a Lab/Mastiff suit. You are seriously in for it with this guy.

[Big Grin] [Big Grin] [Big Grin]
 
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
 
So true! He does look like serious trouble. Glad you guys liked the pictures.

Love the video. My horse will do some fun things on the ground - for treats. The trouble with lyme disease is you lose sight of having fun - and energy.

Jasper has a baby pen instead of a crate. It is about 5 feet across and he can see out. I line it with old bath mats topped with towels because he can't get through the night. The towels are like diapers and wash easily.

My husband is a night owl so he stays up with him and I get up early. My husband is gone for a few days so Jasper is by himself a lot longer. I can't sleep with animals because of insomnia - anything wakes me up.
 
Posted by Kudzuslipper (Member # 31915) on :
 
Oh wow. Jasper is one lucky puppy. Horses, kitties, a barn! Dog heaven. He is adorable and very handsome. Looks like he is gonna be BIG!

You ride that beautiful, fast horse? What a stunning animal.
 
Posted by tickled1 (Member # 14257) on :
 
Amazing pictures! I think I want to move to Montana!
 
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
 
He is half mastiff so he might be very big. The vet said about 80 pounds and I hope he doesn't get any bigger than that.

That was Sonny (the horse) showing off for another gelding. I have never seen him exert himself like that before. He is very calm with me - thank goodness.

Montana is beautiful in the summer but the winters are extremely cold and cloudy. Here it is almost May and the trees are just beginning to leaf out. It is even snowing this evening. There is a lot of wildlife though, which I love.
 
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
The only part of Montana I have seen is West Yellowstone. I just love the beauty of that area.
 


Powered by UBB.classic™ 6.7.3