Puppy Behavior

[Donna216]

Greetings!

I need some input regarding a few issues I've come across with Stryker's (11 weeks) behavior.

1) I've been using puppy pads since we brough him home. We live on the 2nd story and he drinks so much water, he pees every hour, if not more. He usually does not poop in the house anymore, and will wait until I take him outside. How long should I allow the use of puppy pads for his peeing issue? I know they say a 2 month old puppy can hold its bladder for 2 hours, but I guess that all depends on how much those puppies eat. I have tried taking away the pads and taking him out to urinate more often, but he will pee where the pads are.

2) He does not take constructive criticism very well. Meaning, if I tell him "no", he will bark and bite at my face. He does not like that answer.

3) I'd like to change his name from Stryker because his sister's name is Piper...any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks so much!

[Kristie E]

Hi!

He only pees on the pad? I guess when I was a kid we used newspaper and gradually removed the paper. I would try picking up the paper and taking him outside every hour and then extending the time by increments, maybe fifteen minutes or so.

hmm barking and biting issue... I think I ll leave that for one of our more experienced Dutch Shepherd owners (Judith? Christie??).

As for the name, why not shorten it to Stryk if it is causing issues with Piper?

[Dutchringgirl]

we used newspaper too for our pups. I used to take Sadie out every 1/2 hour just to be sure , then would extend it 15 minutes. She drank tons of water too for the first few weeks, so I would always watch her. Then every hour. Do you crate?

With the barking and biting, my thought is he is trying to be dominant over you, like a kid talking back when you tell him no. How hard is your correction when he talks back? What is he doing when you correct him and he gets mad? Do you keep a leash on him so you can keep him from getting into where he is not supposed to be?

For the name, he is still young, I dont see a problem with changing his name.

[leih merigian]

Personally, I'm not a fan of using the pee pads. Once a pup/dog gets used to them, it's not that easy to change it. You want to be teaching him that inside is not the place to go, period. So, limit his water intake. With a baby pup, I offer water as soon as we come back in from going outside, let them drink, take it up. Offer it with meals, too, after exercise. One rule of thumb I read somewhere was to offer it 10 minutes out of an hour (I didn't do it that way, but the result is the same in the end; you're limiting access). I usually stop giving water around 7 PM, and after that, give a few ice cubes.

As already asked, what are you doing when you say "no"? I guess it depends on the specific thing, but with a lot of things, you have to offer alternative non-compatible behaviors or objects, too. But, give us more of an example of how it goes with him...what you're telling him not to do, how you do it, what he does...

I went into the name thing in your intro post...I agree with the other poster that you can easily change it. The sooner the better, if you're going to, tho.

[Choochi]

I don't like the pee pads either. First you're teaching the dog to pee in the house but in one spot, then you're teaching the dog to not pee in the house at all? Just take the pup outside often and praise and treat when he goes outside. When they're young unfortunately that might mean going out every hour or so, but it gets better When you can't watch the pup, put him in a crate that's small enough that he would not be happy to pee in it.

Regarding the no.. Do you get in his face and yell NO! Are you physically correcting at the same time? Is your body language threatening, in his face, pointing finer, quick sharp motions? Does he just snap his teeth in the air towards your face or does he actually put in all effort to try to nail you on the face? Does he bark quickly and receptively at you or is it a single growly bark? Is he moving towards you, standing his ground, or backing up while doing this and how long does this last? Is his body stiff, tail down up or straight out? How do you respond and how does he respond to what you do?

Ripp did something like this a couple times when she was younger, but I felt her actions were not seriously threatening, it was a show meant to intimidate and to gage my reaction. I never did it, but I feel giving her an unfair and too harsh correction would have made things worse as it would have made this into a fight. She is a vocal dog and likes to bark right in your face, she also does the snappy thing in your face some times but always stops short. I tolerate it because it doesn't bother me. It can be intimidating, but I can see she does it in play. It's almost like her version of an evil play bow. If I feel she is crossing a line I can grab her by the scruff firmly while I say NO loud but calmly not hysterically, she will some times react to that, but I just keep my hold and look at her and she quickly relaxes and gives in then once I release her she comes over and gives kisses.

You need to know your dog and take some of these display in context.

[tedge007]

I had same problem (still have from time to time) I learned not to raise my voice say No or whatever your saying in a calm manner. No finger pointing. Also with mine, I cant grab her by the scruff. She takes this as the instigation of a "fight" she loves to fight and all I end up doing is bringing out alot more drive in her. Only making the situation alot worse. I do not have any Answers as of yet but I am working on it. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!