tryamartimmy

Even for little dogs? Is there much difference between putting down newspaper and the pads?

Hi, I'm new at the whole toilet training thing as I've never had to raise a young dog by myself, so am a little unsure about the puppy training pads. My pup will be an indoor dog, so I'll need to use the wee pads, but I don't know how long they last for, how often I need to change them etc. Does anyone have a routine that they use (especially for a toy size dog)?

You're right in not encouraging the pup when it displays 'fearful' behaviour. The less attention you pay to that behaviour, the better. Some trainers suggest that when you introduce new things/people, you don't drag the dog towards them, but leave them where they are and you yourself go and investigate the new thing. Play with it, play with their toys around it and make it look like a really good time. They say that the pup will usually come towards you and tentatively examine the new object once they can see that YOU don't find it fearful. Once they show interest in it, approach or even touch it, reward them profusely. When meeting new people, ask the dog to sit and then try not to look down at it (don't make eye contact as some dogs find this treatening). Make sure that the only time you praise or give any attention is when it's doing the right thing. Lots of dogs respond better to visitors and strangers if you give them treats to calmly present the dog upon meeting. Just make sure they kneel and offer it palm out, but don't go for the big pat over the head. Stroking under the chin or along the sides of the body is a lot less offensive to the dog. Hope this helps- I'm no expert by any means, but I have been doing a lot of research into this lately....

Wow. There are so many options. I think my little dog's head is going to be spinning with them You guys are champs!

Thanks for that! Is tucker time a brand? Where do you buy it? Also, with the mince, can I use the stuff you buy at Coles? (We don't actually have a butcher where I live)

Thanks guys. There are some excellent suggestions in here. I can't wait to get my baby home now to start trying stuff out.

I heard that chicken necks are good for their teeth. I'll definitely be using them I think. I can freeze them, right?

I'm getting my very own Chi at the end of the month and am already studying up on training tactics. I don't want my pup to contribute to the bad wrap the breed so frequently cops. My question is this: What treats should I give her during training, along with praise? I've heard that cheese works, but I thought that most animals are lactose intolerant. I don't want her getting sick (or fat!). Does anyone have a tried and true favourite?

Hi. I'll be the proud 'mum' of a 12wk old chihuahua puppy at the end of this month. I've been advised by the breeder to give her puppy kibble, vegetables, rice, mince and boiled chicken. Sounds good. I AM a little confused as to how to incorporate the vegetables/fruit into her diet though. Any suggestions you have would really be appreciated!

I'm getting a puppy at the end of the month, so I've been doing a lot of reading up on problem behaviours and how to combat them (not that it makes me an expert in any way, shape or form). Here's something I found in one of my books to teach your dog that you don't like to be nipped. Puppies use thier mouths to investigate things, much the same way humans use their hands. They also use their mouths in play, and sometimesk, to vent their high spirits. But needle-sharp teeth hurt, so puppies must be taught that nipping isn't nice. Caution: Resist the urge to jerk your hand away from your puppy when he clamps down on it. That's the canine version of an invitation to play, so pulling away just makes him come back for another nip. It's fine to pet your puppy as he licks and mouths you, but if he clamps down with his teeth, tell him it hurst. How? Say OUCH! And say it like you mean it. Screech it out ina high pitched voice that lets them know that he/she hurt you. Most pups lick you in apology. If a week or two of yelping OUCH doesn't make a different, use a different command that means "Don't bite". Then say it every time he touches you with his teeth, while putting your finger on his button nose and pressing gently. The last resort is dabbing Bitter Apple ont he part of you your puppy nips. It works especially well on sock and shoelace chasers. I hope this helps you a little. I'll be trying it out on mine too, if it's a problem....