rexiam Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 I was wondering if anyone has some advice. My dad has a Kelpie pup, he is about 15 weeks old. He already seems to be a very determined soul. Most of the time he just pretends he can't hear you and totally ignores you. I had him for a about 4 days while my folks were away and he was fine here in the end, he came to me about 95% of the time. He was jumping at the kids 7 and 4, but we got him out of that. Now he isn't too bad with the kids when we visit, but if he wants to start chewing on you he just keeps coming back no matter how hard you yell or push him away. on the whole his personality is very gentle, I can not fault him. He is a lovable pup how much obedience training could you do with a dog of that age? My dad is a very soft soul and I worry that he is going to run into trouble with Baz. Hoping someone has some ideas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spot. Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 (edited) You can start teaching puppies the basic commands, such as sit, drop, stay, down, recall, go to bed and so on as soon as you bring them home at around 8 weeks old. Training should only be a few minutes at a time for a young pup. Has your dad considered puppy pre-school or an obedience school? I am pretty sure most puppies have selective hearing Your dad (and everyone else who has contact with the puppy) needs one single word to signify to the puppy that his behaviour is not acceptable (eg. No or Don't) and he needs to be consistent and firm. However, avoid yelling and getting worked up. Avoid saying "No Baz" as you don't want the dog to associate his name with discipline. Also keep in mind dogs can't understand English, so there is no use in giving the pup a lecture. The pup will soon learn that No means No, it just takes patience and consistency. He is at the age when he is teething and a lot of puppies chew everything they can get their mouth on, and that includes you. It is important to provide him with appropriate chew toys and bones, but the pup needs to know what they are for. So next time when he chews on your hand, tell him 'NO' firmly and give him a chew toy straight away. You need to keep on repeating this everytime he chews on your hand or an object you don't want him to rip to shreds. When you see the pup out in the yard playing/chewing with his toys go to him and praise him with lots of pats under the chin and say "good boy" as if you are so so proud. Again, like most things with puppies it will take time and it is important to be consistent, but when your dad sees results he will be pleased I recommend that you take a look at K9s Puppy Development Calender because it is very helpful for new puppy owners :D ---> http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=117592 Edited January 29, 2008 by spotty.spot.spot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 (edited) Yep, puppy has most likely come into Rank & shaping period where they will test you, now is the time to make sure puppy doesn't get away with anything. Selective hearing is common at this age as well. Have a read here: http://www.k9force.net/index.html?row2col2=develop.html everyone in your family has to abide by a set of rules when it comes to the puppy otherwise you'll not get anywhere. In regards to training, generally people keep it to no more than 5 minutes at that age per day. Their attention span is pretty much non exsistent LOL Pushing & Yelling can become a game to the puppy, I'd either serve the puppy with a repremand that the puppy will listen to.....each dog is individual or give puppy a 2 minute time out each time it plays up. Edited January 29, 2008 by sas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garloch Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Hi Rexiam, Have a look at the topic at the top of this forum - puppy calendar - its very helpful, and may give you a handle on why a dog suddenly changes behaviour. Kelpie's are really smart - sounds as if the little pup is giving you the run around, and trying to move himself up the command chain. Sensible advice already given, so I'll leave it at that - excpet to say stick to your training, and good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rexiam Posted January 30, 2008 Author Share Posted January 30, 2008 Thanks so much for the replies.There is lots of good advice. We all use no - so thats one good thing! My worry is that as my Dad is such soft person, I don't want his pup to think he is the top dog. I will look at the links and pass on the info. Will let you know how we are going Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rexiam Posted February 2, 2008 Author Share Posted February 2, 2008 We had Baz for a play date with my dogs on Friday. They all love to play together. He was very well behaved, and if he didn't, well I used the suggestions here. He caught on very quickly . So, have been trying to relay it to my dad. Thanks so much to you all! :D I now feel abit better armed with some info to help him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvsdogs Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Your dad's pup would still benefit from a good positive method obedience club. I think he's now too old for puppy pre-school. The main way to get over problems is to ignore what you don't want & praise & treat what you do want. When a puppies jumping, don't push away, look at or touch because it will see it as attention. Just turn your back & stand still. If a puppy jumps on your lap, stand up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Obedience is a must plus being the breed it is ensuring it has alot of mental stimulation.Kelpies do make great pets but there not lap dogs & get bored & frustrated very quickly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rexiam Posted February 4, 2008 Author Share Posted February 4, 2008 Your dad's pup would still benefit from a good positive method obedience club. I think he's now too old for puppy pre-school. The main way to get over problems is to ignore what you don't want & praise & treat what you do want. When a puppies jumping, don't push away, look at or touch because it will see it as attention. Just turn your back & stand still. If a puppy jumps on your lap, stand up. I agree, he would do really at obedience. The only problem is where we live there is nothing. When my now 8 yr old dog was a puppy they had a puppy preschool. We used to go every week. It was great. So, my goal is to try and see him at least twice a week and keep at my Dad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle wrangler Posted February 4, 2008 Share Posted February 4, 2008 Kelpies are working dogs so need to have their minds well-exercised. You don't want to overexercise a pup's body yet, though. What about a training book or DVD? Your Dad just needs to be consistent. Training doesn't mean being harsh and controlling. It's OK to be soft, but letting your pup get away with something one day, then not another is not being "soft", it's confusing the hell out of the poor animal! Training's meant to be fun. A way to communicate better with your dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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