I rescued a 5 or 6 mos. old puppy from an auto garage where he was immaciated. Long story short his physical health is fine now that I have him, it is his behavior that I need advice with. I realize that it will take him time to trust me; he is very lovable but very hardheaded. Any advice.
2006-10-20 07:57:09 · 11 answers · asked by Charlotte C 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Well, what type of issues are you having? I work with rescue dogs all the time. Drop me an email and I'll see what I can do for you.
wss66ill@yahoo.com
2006-10-20 08:00:24 · answer #1 · answered by Dalmatian Rescue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're not specific enough on the problems you're having. But, given this puppy's age, past experience and I'm thinking you haven't had him too long, I would say do not take him to obedience classes. Classes are very high-stress for dogs - there's a lot of yelling, dogs barking and so on and this dog sounds like he needs more time. You can and should be doing some training with him at home. He may not be totally bonded with you yet and he likely has trust issues, so you need to be firm, but also very patient. Start with the simple commands - sit, stay, heel, and most important, come. Make your lessons very short, varied and fun and use a LOT of praise plus treats. Take it slow to build up his trust and I'm sure the hardheaded behaviour will disappear in time.
2006-10-20 08:13:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
TRAINING!! I have 2 dogs that I adopted, my most recent is the female and she was abused badly and then locked in a shelter for 18 months. She is very hardheaded as well. I had private training with my male dog last year, and now doing it with the new female. I have waited about 4 months though. She is the sweetest thing, but did not listen. It took her a while but slowly but surly she trusts us more each day and is loving her new home. Training and socialization is the best thing. We go to socialization class every week (comes with the training) and I am seeing a huge difference. She is still a bit scared/shy of other people and dogs, but she is coming along. Good luck! And a HUGE THANK YOU for taking and rescuing that dog! We need more like you and more people to adopt.
2006-10-20 08:09:11 · answer #3 · answered by Mickey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well done for taking this poor wee mutt under your wing, sounds like he has had it very rough but hopefully that time in his life is now over and he can have many happy and healthy years in your care. The only thing you can do is give him all the things he needs and love him to bits.
If by hardheaded you mean he likes to get his own way, you must be quite firm about this. Puppies like this have a habit of not being disciplined and growing up to be the boss of their owners. Just because he has had a bumpy start to his life, doesn't mean he ccan have it all his own way. By no means am I suggesting you don't give him any freedom, but be firm with him. Yes, it will take him time to trust you, but trust works both ways. You can't just have him knowing he can trust you, and you not being able to trust him. Spend a lot of time with him reassuring him that everything is going to be good for him from now on.
Although this must not interfere with your training of him, remember he is a DOG, an animal, and he will get the better of your sympathy for him if you let him. Teach him what is right and what he is allowed to do and what he can't do because it's bad.
If you train him well and make sure he knows he must behave well, then you will end up with a good dog.
The very best of luck, and well done for taking him on, we need more people like you for animals that need our help.
2006-10-20 08:08:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Charlotte, We rescued a dog that was caged for 4 years. We could not touch her and she did not interact with us. After 6 mos of continuous praise and love she now sleeps with us and loves playing. We gradually taught her how to cuddle and kiss. When we went to pet her and she backed away, we did not. We continued to pet her in a loving way to show her that we were the bosses and very loving bosses. She needed to know her limits. Never, ever hit the dog. Praise his good efforts and firmly tell him when he is wrong. He'll know when you are displeased with him without shouting. Give a command and don't back down from letting him do it. He will learn with firm and loving guidance/
2006-10-20 08:11:29 · answer #5 · answered by nancy s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dog obedience classes are a great place to start. But also, set boundaries. Remember to be firm. If you're to lenient with him he's going to get the idea that he can get away with whatever. Believe it or not, scolding, or some other form of punishment is a good way to tell him that this is not acceptable. Be gentle with him at first. Rewarding is good too. Remember to praise him strongly when he accomplishes something; scratch his ears, give him a small training treat.
2006-10-20 08:05:37 · answer #6 · answered by jessi.swimchick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your description of loveable, but hardheaded is pretty normal for a pup. Now, you just have to survive puppyhood!
Patience above all else! They are like 2 yr olds!
The reason they bark, chew, run around like nuts, is -
they like it!
So, hitting them or yelling at them just doesn't make any sense to them! It simply confuses them, and makes them insecure.
If you can give him calm, repetitive directions, over and over -
he will, eventually understand and obey.
I foster dogs occasionally.
And, I make a point of having several (short) "quiet times" with a new dogs.
Just sitting and slowly petting them, while keeping my voice soft.
At first, some jump around or pull at the leash. I just keep quietly petting them.
Next thing I know, they lay their head in my lap, and relax.
With time, they start looking forward to it.
Best to your and your new pet.
2006-10-20 08:55:14 · answer #7 · answered by OShenandoah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, seems as though every rescue dog comes with some kind of baggage. If it were me, I would seek the advice of a reputable dog trainer to help you with him. Good Luck to you and your new pup. God Bless.
2006-10-20 11:25:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obidience classes, keep in mind too you don't know what the puppy exprienced before you found him...So be patient, loving, and like most rescue's I have taken in they will respond to loving firmness.
2006-10-20 08:04:48 · answer #9 · answered by Peanut 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without knowing the behavior problems you are facing it is difficult to offer advice. Obedience classes are probably a good place to start, though. Set boundaries; make sure the dog knows what is expected of him; praise him when he behaves, help him to behave when he doesn't; be consistent!
2006-10-20 08:00:58 · answer #10 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋