Our last dog was such a good friend. I know this is a different dog etc. and he's just being a puppy but he is more dominant and challenging and I'm struggling to bond with him. Will this make it hard for me to train him? should I keep him? My husband adores this this pup but doesn't have time to train it. Its a border collie and our third at that so I know how bright they are and how important training is.
2007-01-17 22:20:50 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
i was the same i think we forget what a puppy is like as we have this dog for years which gets on in the house and the puppy stage we had were years ago maybe if you think back you will remember bits of boldness from your last dog.
I got two new dogs this year a lab and a king charles and what two different pups they are the king charles is the boss of the lab but i took them to classes and they are two wonderfull dogs the classes really helped and the trainer helped out alot on other questions my two dogs will do practically anything to get a treat just keep at it .
2007-01-17 22:29:01 · answer #1 · answered by Nutty Girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually have the same issue. I have 2 year old Shih Tzu and we got her a playmate a cavalier puppy. I have found it really hard to bond with her. She is a lovely pup, but very dominearing. I have bonded with her more now, but it has taken me a while.
Try spending some one on one time with her. Take her for walks and try and train her that you are the boss. Don't let her eat before you or walk through a door in front of you and always be the one who finishes a playtime don't let her. These are all thing dogs do to show their dominance.
Good Luck!
2007-01-17 22:33:35 · answer #2 · answered by JenniferD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Male border collies can indeed be very dominant, and that very soon. Your pup probably challenges your authority because he knows instinctively you're not the boss at home, unless you get him trained by a smart trainer/educator. If your husband can't do that himself, I would suggest you get in touch with a person (I think preferably a woman) who can train him properly and transfer that on you. NO DOG SHOULD BE VIOLENTLY TRAINED, keep that in mind. Otherwise, 3 people will be unhappy: your husband, yourself, AND the dog.
2007-01-17 22:35:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've got to be pretty busy with a BC pup! Taking classes is important - you can look at the APDT website to find some positive-based classes near you. Playing tug with your dog is vital, as is hand-feeding at mealtimes. You can grow and develop behaviors that you ask for, and experienced dog people can show you how to do this.
Here's a link to a list that you might want to print out and post up somewhere where you see it a lot. This will help.
http://www.clickerdogs.com/trainingreminders.htm
I have been to 3 seminars at this place and that has done wonders for the relationship I have with my dogs. Keep at it, don't be discouraged. Go check out an agility trial and talk to people there, they will help to point the way for you!
2007-01-18 03:55:46 · answer #4 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good place to start is to find a good obedience training school.Training can be fun both for you and the dog,it also helps with developing a good relationship between owner and dog... Give it a try I'm sure you will both find it very rewarding and maybe meet some new friends too...
2007-01-17 22:44:35 · answer #5 · answered by EZ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love pup questions.
Just try some bonding techniques, the best one is:
When the pup is laying down resting, lay with him(spoon technique) Iknow this sounds stupid, but it will give him a sense of security, just relax while holding him, and start breathing as the same pattern as him (inhake /exhale) at the same time. Do this daily for a few minutes, and it will be relaxing for both of you.
But most of all its one of the best bonding techniques, and you will see immediate results.And you both will enjoy the effects.
There are books you can get on dog training & bonding techniques, "The Monks of New Skete"(of NY). I found these to be the best well written, and researched books on training , and we follow their practices with all our dogs,
Enjoy your new pup!
2007-01-17 22:40:45 · answer #6 · answered by Gianna M 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hi i have a pup she is 6 months old now and i felt exactly like you i wondered what the hell i had done but slowly we have built a good solid relationship by playing and walking together you need to show your pup who is boss as they are a pack animal you need to let him know who is top dog otherwise he will walk all over you as they are highly intelligent creatures start by standing and moving his bed as only top dog in the wild has a bed i hope this helps and you bond soon
2007-01-18 00:30:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Off to obedience school. The structure provides a lot of the success of getting your dog off on the right paw. You can take a BC early as they are so bright. Teach him to fetch so that if he's getting into a troubled spot you can divert him with a game of fetch. Plenty of outdoor time too.
2007-01-17 22:27:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's perfectly natural to feel this way. You need to give yourself time to get to know your new dog's personality. Loving a new dog doesn't come automatically. Keep working with him & just relax, it takes time to build a relationship with a new dog, just as it does with a person. You haven't known him as long as you did your old dog so obviously you don't feel the same yet.
2007-01-17 22:27:32 · answer #9 · answered by anwen55 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
make sure he understands that you are the leader of the pack and not him. feed him after you, don't let him through the door before you, and do plenty of gentle but firm training. the earlieer you start training the better for the dog. If there are to be any treats make him 'earn' them even if only to sit at first and then carry it on with other commands.
2007-01-17 22:51:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋