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Comment by Jane on July 19, 2012 at 8:15am

He is a baby. And reading through your other posts it looks like he's dealing with some pretty serious health issues too? Most dogs don't act very happy-go-lucky if they're not feeling well. He doesn't know how much money you've spent on him, or how much stress and worry he's put you through, all he knows is he feels sick and his human is unhappy. The puppy will pick on those emotions. So yeah, if you're standing there feeling angry, tugging on his leash, he's probably not going to respond much. If he can't go to puppy kindergarten because of his vaccinations I would highly recommend doing a private session with a trainer, and maybe they can help you address some of your issues with him.

 

And not to be harsh, but I really think it's irresponsible to get rid of a puppy after a month just because you don't like him or he didn't live up to your expectations. I'm seeing more and more of these posts where people get a puppy and then it doesn't turn out to be like Pudge or other well known internet corgis, and they just want to get rid of the poor thing. Give the dog a year at least to really bond with you IMO. Sometimes the best relationships are the ones you have to work for.

Comment by Sam Tsang on July 19, 2012 at 8:13am

Hi Brooke, you have a 3 month old puppy (2 year old human age) with pneumonia and mange. He is on medication, away from mom and siblings, living with a human that gets mad and saids No for some reason (Billy doesn't understand). 

Every dog is different, you should know that from having tons of dogs before Billy.

Love is giving without expectation.

Puppies are expensive, your first year of pup ownership is at least 2K + emergency vet expense. (4K)

Every puppy owner goes through this, take a deep breath. Your pup needs solid structure, boundaries, exercise, discipline THEN affection. In THAT order.

Crating is not cruel, it is for HIS safety, providing him with a refuge, a place for himself and himself only. 

Read and reread the FAQ, educate yourself in varies topics, especially potty training.

Take the word "No" out of your vocabulary, re-direct the unwanted behaviour with positive reinforcement. Rethink your caliber of treats. Whenever your dog makes a mistake, remind yourself he is a toddler. 

Again, Dog needs solid structure, boundaries, exercise, discipline THEN affection. In THAT order.

We are here for you and Billy, epic success comes from countless failures, it takes time and patience.

Comment by Bev Levy on July 19, 2012 at 7:21am

He is a baby living in a strange place with a strange person that speaks a foreign language. I wonder if your expectations are just too high for his age and the confusion is making him hold back. Maybe you should find him a home with someone that is better with puppies, it doesn't sound like you even like him.

Comment by Mai on July 19, 2012 at 4:18am

Hi! I just got my Chuckie also on May 25 when he was 10 weeks old.  Now he's 4 months and already lost the puppy fat and fur and losing teeth! He's growing so fast!

Anyway, he's my first dog ever. My family members has dogs but, I never cared about/for them so, I kinda walked blindly into getting a puppy and what it entails.  But, like John Wolff said I didn't have any expectations of the dog besides getting a dog.  I never thought about what I want the dog to give me only about what I want to give the dog.  I know, selfish of me but, I think it really helped in the sense that I'm not disappointed in my dog when he doesn't meet my expectations or requirements.

The first 3 days to a week he was very sad and sorta listless. He didn't really want anything to do with us for a bit. I now understand that he was feeling homesick and out of his element. I didn't push him to play if he didn't want to. I played if he wanted to play though.  We did things at his pace, not mine.  Not because I knew what I was doing but, because I was just grateful for the break.  To me it was like, "YES! I could take a break since he doesn't want to do anything!" LOL!

Do you give him affection when he's earned it or do you just give him affection whenever you see him?  Maybe you could try doing the opposite of what you're doing? Give him affection only when he does something that pleases you. Make him earn the affection and maybe he'll be more eager to please and want more affection.

Mine has problems too. He eats his own poop if I don't watch him carefully, he's finally walking on the leash, stopped biting as much and as hard but, still goes crazy over my hair, etc. etc.

I get frustrated and angry too but, I've noticed that when I am like that and try to discpline/correct him he resists even more.  So, anger and frustration doesn't help and won't get you anywhere.                                                

Comment by Geri & Sidney on July 19, 2012 at 3:46am

Have you gone to puppy class yet? Going to training really helps in bonding, and you will both learn a lot. Sidney and I have been taking Rally classes and it's amazing how mush more in tune and responsive he's been to me since we started.

Comment by Brooke Busteed on July 19, 2012 at 1:58am

He is 13 weeks old.  He responds to treats most of the time, that is the ONLY time he responds.   He just finally learned his name.  He just seems so distant, I know puppies are a pain in the butt and I accept that part but his distance is just alarming.  I have tugged and tugged on his leash it still just gets that same distant glare.  

I have had him for a month now, I live in a studio apartment he is with me 24/7, I take him to the office with me because I wont leave him cooped up in a crate while I work that is just cruel.  

Comment by Brooke Busteed on July 19, 2012 at 1:52am

I have done nothing but give him what he wants...besides let him eat dog poop every five feet we walk.  Are you saying let him eat it? cause honestly that is all that makes him happy..

Happiness doesnt seem to be contagious to this lil man, he is one stubborn lil brat.

Comment by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on July 19, 2012 at 1:51am

Your pup seems very young still.  How old is your pup?  I would start with short training sessions every day.  Being sick isn't helping the poor little guy out either.  Time and patience and lots of tender care is what he needs. Does he respond to treats?  Does he know his name? 

What kind of issues is he giving you besides not coming when called?  To help him learn to come to you, you can put a leash on him and call his name, if he doesn't respond, give a gentle tug towards you while calling his name.  Reward him with a treat when he comes. 

How long have you had him, he could be just getting used to the place, it takes time.  Pups should not be given the run of the house right away.  If you have a small area to gate him off, like a kitchen, that would be more comforting to him then a whole house.  A whole house is too overwhelming for pups.

Are there other issues that are bothering you?  It sounds as though he needs time to get healthy and to be trained.  I hope this helps.  We are here to help, let us know if you have any other questions with your new pup. 

Comment by John Wolff on July 19, 2012 at 1:43am

Banish any feelings of disappointment or sorrow.  You cannot hide your true feelings, and he WILL sense them.  B e happy with him, it is contagious.

Comment by John Wolff on July 19, 2012 at 1:32am

Let go of your expectations.  They are getting in the way of the relationship.  Look at what you've got, not at what you expected.  Love that dog.  Give it what it wants, forget about what you want.  Give someone what they want, and that's how love starts.  

The pup is maybe still in shock?   Be patient.  Strange place, away from Mom and littermates for the first time.  Load it with expectations, and it will disappoint you.

Find ways to play with it.  Watch for what it wants, and then give it what it wants.  You'll find what it responds to, and it will learn that when you show up, fun follows.

I'm just speculating.

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