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Post by Pawsforthought on Feb 22, 2014 20:31:40 GMT
She's a little whiny when she's in her big pen/home whether she can see us or not. Hopefully it doesn't become a habit. Any tips for ensuring that it doesn't continue? On a similar note, my man has work on Monday and I have to be out for a few hours, three at most. I have a Kong with meat frozen into it, and know to feed her beforehand and exercise her so she's exhausted and will hopefully sleep through me being away, does anyone have any tips for other things to do to try and ensure it goes smoothly? 1. (whining in pen) Ignore completely, or she'll learn bark/whine/howl = attention, even if it's you saying no! Provide her with a chew, stuffed kong or frozen carrot beforehand though, and encourage her to lay with it. Leaving her with an item of clothing you have worn would also probably be comforting. Obviously though, it's important you are spending a lot of time with her, building a bond. You can't leave her alone all day or most of it (I'm sure you're not but saying just in case) 2. (leaving her) Leave a TV/radio on, practise it before you do it (with TV and radio on, stuffed kong etc. exactly how it'd be when you leave her,) for short periods (ie. 10 mins-half an hour) and reward her for good behaviour at the end of each time. A blanket over a crate can really help too. If you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to leave her, then obviously do, but try not to be gone for 3 hours. That is likely to be quite a shock for her if she's not used to being left and not handling it well (whining.) And I forgot to mention before, it is actually best to let sleeping puppies lie. They have a lot of growing to do, and experiencing new things can be tiring!
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Post by smilesbetter on Feb 22, 2014 20:57:18 GMT
Thanks! She won't be left alone much, I only have German class during the day for 4 hours weekdays, and my man is home during that time but often sleeping as he works nights. She sleeps in the living room which is right across to for the bedroom and since she's in a big pen we have been leaving the doors to the rooms open so she can still hear us and knows we're there. The breeders had started taking the puppies places individually and it seems typo have helped a bit, I'm just so scared that she'll end up with separation anxiety haha! I can get Monday off German class so will try spending the next two days trying to get her used to being alone for gradually longer periods with me always coming back and calmly praising her. I'm just so scared I'll do something wrong haha, even though I've had a whole life of studying and working with dogs, I've never brought a puppy up by myself before and I want her to be a totally happy dog haha. And thanks, will start doing the ignoring thing. My neighbours saw her today coming up the stairs (not realising at the time that we were neighbours) and were cooing over how adorable she is, so hopefully that can buy us a few days of occasional night time whining (which doesn't last too long so far thankfully) at least. It seems to be going mostly great so far anyway, she's already quite good on the lead, although being so young she is quite easily distracted. I had her out on her first city walk in the dark tonight and she was a little shy and a lot more distracted than during the day, but once we got back onto our street (we hadn't gone that way before) she had most of her attention on me again which was great. Since I wanna get her as sleepy as possible before bed then she'll be coming on quite a few night time walks/plays so I'm sure she will get used to it in no time. Haha sorry, it's all so exciting!
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Post by Pawsforthought on Feb 22, 2014 21:14:32 GMT
I'm sure you'll do well nobody is perfect, most people have things they end up wishing they had or hadn't done, and setting out striving for perfection ends up not really working your dog will be happy if she is loved, which she will be, so try not to worry too much! There are a few must-do rules, like no feeding at LEAST hour before or after walking, walks (until 18 months) should be 5 minutes in total per day for each month of life (so 25 minutes for a 5 month old,) don't start things like agility or other physically exerting activities until at least 18 months, decide what your rules and boundaries are now and stick to them (make a list if needed ) Get her used to all things like handling her feet, ears, cleaning ears, clipping nails, man-handle her A LOT, you will be thankful later! My boys can be rolled around all over the place, handled anywhere etc. and they don't care! Has she had her final vaccinations? FYI she shouldn't be going out without her vaccs! Sorry just trying to give advice as some puppy things are important to do when they're young
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Post by smilesbetter on Feb 23, 2014 0:15:51 GMT
Thanks, we'e been sticking to house rules (although my man isn't very happy about it and thinks I'm evil haha) like not letting her jump up or go on furniture etc, and the breeders had already been doing training like that with her before so she seems to be okay at sticking to them most of the time.
She has had her first vaccinations and is fairly soon to get her second. The breeders had been taking the puppies on walks to the forest for weeks before we got her and said that as she eats raw she has a much tougher immune system, and they said it's okay to take her out before the second vacs.
I asked the dog training place this to double check and they said that with the first vacs she's protected (but only till her just after booster is due with the first ones) and that socialisation is so important that it's okay.
That said, she mostly goes out in the square "garden" at the back of our flat (totally surrounded by flats). No other dogs ever go to the toilet there. Other than that she goes up and down our street and a few surrounding ones for short walks on the concrete and doesn't get to go to where other dogs usually go to the toilet.
The breeders actually took the puppies out for hour long small walks with a huge off lead play in the forest every morning, with is she has only got one walk a day and frequent indoor plays.
I've looked it up and saw a lot saying that it's okay to take them out after the first vacs. If not though I can keep her to the back garden but for the time being. She enjoys walking but I obviously don't want her to catch anything. It's just that so many people have said it's alright and actively encouraged me to take her out.
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Post by smilesbetter on Feb 23, 2014 1:02:31 GMT
Eek now I'm super worried. I had thought the not taking them out till after vacs was true but the breeders (who generally really know their stuff) were taking them out before any vacs and continue to now they're fully weaned. And told me I have to take her out to meet loads of dogs and people in this time as it's super important.
I wasn't totally convinced but when the dog training place (which is the best in the city) also said it was okay then it seemed right.
Ugh, I don't know what to do then really :/
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Post by BorderTerrier on Feb 23, 2014 9:47:05 GMT
She is absolutely beautiful smilesbetter - congratulations on your lovely new addition! Dogs make wonderful pets and hopefully you will have many happy years together
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Post by smilesbetter on Feb 23, 2014 9:59:03 GMT
Thanks BorderTerrier she's been a joy so far! Been doing done "separation training" with her so far and she's already doing great. I think it helps that she sleeps in a big pen in the living room. Last night I only heard a tiny bit of very quiet whining (sounded almost more to herself than anything) and then heard her amusing herself with her toys before falling asleep again. This morning I found no accidents at all! She's such a fast learner, I've been walking her around the flat on the lead and she constantly looks up at me to see what I want from her, she's already learning the "sit" hand signal (I suspect the breeders did some training with this) and she's sort of okay at fetching a ball! So proud of her! Just worried about the injection thing and feel as though I've sentenced her to death or something for taking her out, but I was only following the advice of the breeders and the training place my man thinks I'm being a hypochondriac and wants to take her to the park, but I really couldn't bear to lose her and will be on edge till she's fully vaccinated haha. Been carrying her around instead now and going to take her for her first train ride today. She was totally fine on a bus and in the car so I'm sure she'll be okay, and she'll get to see all sorts of mad people and objects there. Sunday is flea market day, so we often see people carrying huge painting, lamps, stuffed animals, tables and all sorts of weird other stuff on the train.
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Post by BorderTerrier on Feb 23, 2014 9:59:34 GMT
Eek now I'm super worried. I had thought the not taking them out till after vacs was true but the breeders (who generally really know their stuff) were taking them out before any vacs and continue to now they're fully weaned. And told me I have to take her out to meet loads of dogs and people in this time as it's super important. I wasn't totally convinced but when the dog training place (which is the best in the city) also said it was okay then it seemed right. Ugh, I don't know what to do then really :/ I'm not convinced either!! Car rides can be extremely beneficial to young puppies before they have completed their course of puppy vaccinations. I would stick to these - take Rosa out in the car, strapped in with a good car harness (a crate may restrict her view, which you do not want right now) and let her take in all the busy sights around her. Drive around busy areas such as the town/city, shop car parks etc. She should see here other animals, people, a range of different looking people, e.g. adults, children, people with hats, walking sticks, beards etc. If you do this, she will be happier when she comes into direct contact with these things later on in life. The car should make her feel safe from things outside which she may not be accustomed to, and also stop her from picking things up from the public floor before she should (her vacs). Also, carrying her around is perfectly fine, as long as she doesn't come into direct contact with other animals etc, nor the floor. This would, for me, be the next step after the car rides and she is confident enough with these. When you do start walking her, try and start her out meeting friendlier dogs, like friend or family dogs, and people too. Harnesses are a good idea as many puppies pull, which using a collar, could hurt or potentially damage the neck, depending on the extent of the pulling. Obviously different people have different opinions on what is right, and every dog is different of course. If you'd prefer to play safe instead of sorry, then steer clear of walking Rosa until the end of her vacs! Socialisation doesn't have to be direct contact all the time. Of course this is vitally important, however only when it is safe to do so. It can also be activities such as car rides, carrying, etc. The puppy is still getting used to everything the world has to offer and in which she will come into contact with a lot later on in life. She is adapting to her world, her life - she can do this more effectively after her vaccinations, where she is safe and protected, and can explore things through touch (and possibly taste!) as well as just sight and smell. That is my take on things, and I did keep Earl in until the end of his vaccinations, and he is a friendly, well reared dog now an adult. I will continue to do this with my next dog I will be getting from a puppy.
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Post by BorderTerrier on Feb 23, 2014 10:00:59 GMT
Been carrying her around instead now and going to take her for her first train ride today. She was totally fine on a bus and in the car so I'm sure she'll be okay, and she'll get to see all sorts of mad people and objects there. Sunday is flea market day, so we often see people carrying huge painting, lamps, stuffed animals, tables and all sorts of weird other stuff on the train. Lol, looks like we posted the same idea at the same time! Great minds think alike I suppose
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Post by smilesbetter on Feb 23, 2014 10:02:58 GMT
Yup, I'll carry her around everywhere. We don't have a car unfortunately but the breeders took her out in the cat a lot, including without her family, and she's already quite confident I think.
Just so worried she could have caught something already!
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Post by BorderTerrier on Feb 23, 2014 10:07:27 GMT
Just so worried she could have caught something already! Juts keep an eye on her. There is NOTHING you could possibly do anyway - taking her out where she was exposed to the world before fully completing her pup vaccinations was entirely the choice of the breeder. If she DOES end up with anything, go straight to the breeder and tell her! She could do with knowing so she can change her mind and put no future litters at risk! Hopefully Rosa is OK, I am sure everything will work out fine - and if it isn't, you have the vet at hand, plus the forum who can give you any little tips.
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Post by smilesbetter on Feb 23, 2014 10:16:00 GMT
Thanks! So worried for her, she's so wonderful and I'd hate for anything bad to happen to her. I really love dogs and am so well read on them, I feel quite stupid for just accepting what these two groups said without thinking it through myself. Anyway apparently parvovirus shows within 3 - 7 days, so I'll have to do my best not to start posting paranoid pics of her poop for you all to check haha! She has actually only pooped once a day since we got her, and the first two were miniscule. She eats loads a day and has three meals!! She didn't eat anything from us on the first day and on the second she didn't eat the veg pate stuff in her meal. Today was the first time she's had a normal poop and she doesn't seem to have any kind of schedule for it. Hopefully she'll get into one soon! Sorry, tmi perhaps, no one I know outside this forum except my man is willing to go into more depth than "AWWW PUPPY" with me haha! Anyway off to play with her for a bit now
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Post by BorderTerrier on Feb 23, 2014 10:24:16 GMT
Thanks! So worried for her, she's so wonderful and I'd hate for anything bad to happen to her. I really love dogs and am so well read on them, I feel quite stupid for just accepting what these two groups said without thinking it through myself. Anyway apparently parvovirus shows within 3 - 7 days, so I'll have to do my best not to start posting paranoid pics of her poop for you all to check haha! She has actually only pooped once a day since we got her, and the first two were miniscule. She eats loads a day and has three meals!! She didn't eat anything from us on the first day and on the second she didn't eat the veg pate stuff in her meal. Today was the first time she's had a normal poop and she doesn't seem to have any kind of schedule for it. Hopefully she'll get into one soon! Sorry, tmi perhaps, no one I know outside this forum except my man is willing to go into more depth than "AWWW PUPPY" with me haha! Anyway off to play with her for a bit now You can do the poop check independently I am sure Her eating may just be how she is as an individual animal. My friend's dog sometimes eats everything, and sometimes leaves the bowl and never ends up eating a day's worth of food when put out for him, whereas Earl also gets his required amount of food and never leaves a crumb if he can help it! It may take a while for a pooping schedule to form, just like it will for her and you to build an overall routine together. She's only still very new to your family, and worrying is all a part of owning a pet. However, try to enjoy her and if/when a problem arises, THEN worry more and sort it out! Non of us want anything bad to happen to our pets, of course… however if we do all we can to prevent things, what more can we do than take her to the vet and do everything to get her better? Enjoy her!
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Post by SarahHound on Feb 23, 2014 13:00:06 GMT
She's so adorable
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Post by SarahHound on Feb 23, 2014 13:01:41 GMT
Thanks BorderTerrier she's been a joy so far! Been doing done "separation training" with her so far and she's already doing great. I think it helps that she sleeps in a big pen in the living room. Last night I only heard a tiny bit of very quiet whining (sounded almost more to herself than anything) and then heard her amusing herself with her toys before falling asleep again. This morning I found no accidents at all! She's such a fast learner, I've been walking her around the flat on the lead and she constantly looks up at me to see what I want from her, she's already learning the "sit" hand signal (I suspect the breeders did some training with this) and she's sort of okay at fetching a ball! So proud of her! Just worried about the injection thing and feel as though I've sentenced her to death or something for taking her out, but I was only following the advice of the breeders and the training place my man thinks I'm being a hypochondriac and wants to take her to the park, but I really couldn't bear to lose her and will be on edge till she's fully vaccinated haha. Been carrying her around instead now and going to take her for her first train ride today. She was totally fine on a bus and in the car so I'm sure she'll be okay, and she'll get to see all sorts of mad people and objects there. Sunday is flea market day, so we often see people carrying huge painting, lamps, stuffed animals, tables and all sorts of weird other stuff on the train. Don't worry too much about the injections. Puppies naturally have mothers immunity until around 16 weeks, which is why many now recommend not vaccinating until then. My pup hasn't been vaccinated at all yet, but I have been taking him out for socialising.
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