Three Questions I Need Advice On

[pipppy]

1st question

Our 3mth germ shep x cattle has his last vaccination in 2 days, is it like when kids have thier vacs, could the pup feel off at all or will there be no side effects? (Also going to get the vet to clip his nails, I just cant get up the courage to try it)

2nd question

Excited that we can walk him in the big wide world soon, but how far/long can we walk him for at first, I have been reading that pups shouldnt be over exersiced, bearing in mind that this is one active puppy we dont want to over do it, but i suspect walking Billy will soon become very popular in our house and I dont want to "over exercise" him and do damage, but I do want to make sure he gets lots of exercise to wear off some of his energy.

3rd question

I have been practicing in the back yard walking on lead, he takes to the lead fine no probs with just the occasional little hissy fit wanting to run in the other directin, but, trying to get him to walk beside me, aaagghhh, tried holding a treat in my left hand to keep him in position, but, he jumps at it constantly, if i move it to my right hand he runs around me in circles to get it, when he jumps i stop and tell him to sit (with no treat) and we start again, but i dont feel i am getting anywhere, and thats just in the back yard with no distractions. I have also tried getting him to walk beside me without a lead with similar results ie jumping and running around me in circles.

[PAX]

Q1, Most pups don't show any signs or symptoms after vaccination. The vet should explain what to expect but in my experience it is a non event. However try to make it a low stress day out by taking him straight home afterwards and keep an eye on him. Some dogs do get a bit of local reaction around the vacc site but usually not. Ask the vet to give you a nail trimming lesson while you're there.

Q2, You shouldn't walk your pup too far on lead because at this age they are growing so fast you can cause harm to their legs and joints. I think it is recomended to wait until the dogs are around 12 months before lengthy walks. You can and should go for short walks around the block as it is very important at this age to socilaize your pup and let him meet as many things as possible with out frightening him. I like to walk past schools and markets and lots of people places. It's best to wear him out with training and playing in the yard.

Q3, I like to tie pups up before teaching them to lead. If you tie him up to a solid post and take a seat about 6-8 metres away and watch your pup. When he stops struggling go and release him and have a play and a walk around the yard. Make sure you tie the pup up low on the post so he is less likely to get tangled and make sure he doesn't chew the lead (if he chews through the lead & gets free he will always do this). If he is a lead chewer tie up with one of those tie up cables. Try to do this a couple of times a day for a couple of days until your pup is comfortable tied up. It teaches the pup that pulling gets them no where. Only ever do it when and if you have time to watch him.

After the tie up lessons I would do what you have been doing but give him the treat, lots of treats. With my pup I shovel them out every time she looks at me while leash walking as that is what I want. If you just hold the treat but never give it he will stop trying. Pup trying to get the treat is a good thing you just need to teach the pup how to take the treat gently but that's anothert story.

Are you going to go to dog training? If you have a good club in your area they will help you with all sorts of training problems.

Edited October 6, 2006 by PAX