Comment

Comment by Sam on March 26, 2008 at 10:25pm

Raising a pup in an apartment presents many challenges as you have already learned. Not having an outlet for exercise is one of them. Pups generally learn to walk quickly on lead with encouragement. Try bribing with small treats or a squeaky toy. Do a few steps at a time and really praise. You may even find that tossing the toy a few steps ahead will encourage him. Seems like once they figure it out the battle is over. You are going to need good regular walks to help expend his energies. A tired puppy is a good puppy.
Barking is a way for him to interact. Some are far more vocal then others. I think I would be far more inclined to use a spray bottle then the can of pennies. Sounds like your pup is quite the youngster and this may contribute to noise reactivity as he grows. Pups face some pretty heavy fear periods. Once again plenty of exercise will help with his vocal outbursts.
Regarding allergies it is a tough call. You will have to check with an allergist and a battery of tests to know for sure.
Regarding the housebreaking you must remember that his immature body has little control to hold it for long periods. Once again frequent and routine outings are going to be your best help here. I find that most pups tear up potty pads and dont use them with a regularity. I also find that this is most confusing to them if you also expect them to potty outside.
To be a success is going to require lots of time and dedication on your part. While he may not be able to go to places frequented by other dogs it would be a grand time to take him places to meet people and experience new environments. Many areas offer walking paths for leashed dogs. Our dog club accepts pups at 12 weeks. Most have had at least 3 of their series of pup vaccines. I think waiting until they are 16 weeks is a bit later then I would like to start socializing my pups. I know our dog club requires vaccine proof on dogs that attend so I feel safe starting them at 12 weeks.

Comment by NoClaws4Alarm on March 26, 2008 at 5:00pm

It depends on your sensitivity, of course, but allergies can cause welts, rashes, bumps, hives, dizziness, stomach upset, congestion, fever, inflamation and swelling.... all kinds of different things... in addition to sneezing and flu-like symptoms.

My son (for example) would get red looking welts and bumps on his skin (almost hives) after playing with my cat. His eyes would get red and his nose would stuff up. We thought for years he was just allergic to cats, but it turned out that Daemith (who was an indoor/outdoor kitty) simply liked rolling in the moss on the creek bank... which was loaded with MOLD. All it took was the cat to brush up against something Tim would touch, and Tim would be a mess of red welts and bumps. He didn't even have to PET him!

After years of misdiagnosis (and having to avoid cats... sniff) we finally took him to an allergist who pinpointed the real problem. Turned out that my son has a mold allergy, not a cat allergy :) He now plays with Loki (an indoor kitty) with no symptoms or problems.

Not saying that's what's going on here... but the allergist told us that more than half the people he treated who thought they were allergic to their pets... were really allergic to what their pets brought in on their fur.... so it's not out of the realm of possibility :)

Comment by Charlie on March 26, 2008 at 4:51pm

Many, many....many....years ago, I learned that people can be allergic to a specific breed to dog, but not all breeds. I purchased two Shi Tzu's and every time I played with them my eyes swelled shut, I couldn't breathe, sneezing fits, and hives and itching. When I went to the office or anywhere out of the house, my symptoms dissappeared within 30 minutes. Hmmm. The breeder took them back after I had them a week and refunded my money. I've never been around any other dogs and had the reaction. At that time I was too young to afford and allergy specialist. You know best about your symptoms...and I'm happy you can get to an allergist. : - )

Comment by Suresh on March 26, 2008 at 4:41pm

I'm not denying I have other allergies as well, but I'm pretty sure the major cause atm must be the dog - it has happened with other dogs as well. I don't think pollen and such would cause the red rash/bumps and itching, which only happen after I touch him. I use itch creme on those areas when it happens.

Comment by Charlie on March 26, 2008 at 4:37pm

I wouldn't think it would be a pollen allergy, except for the fact that you did move from one state to another over the last few months...so it could be! Texas is a huge allergy state. You might try either dry towelling him off, or even rub him down with a damp wash cloth to drop off any loose pollen spores before coming back indoors. Let us know what the allergist tells you.

Comment by NoClaws4Alarm on March 26, 2008 at 4:25pm

Good point, Ducky. A lot of people who think they have pet allergies come to find out they aren't allergic to the animals at all... but to the pollen and mold they pick up on their fur when they go outside!

Comment by E on March 26, 2008 at 2:41pm

Your allergies may not be dog-related. Spring time is here and there's a lot of pollen, allergens in the air. I live near Houston and have been sneezing up a storm for the past two weeks.

Comment by Charlie on March 26, 2008 at 1:10pm

Congrats on the new puppy! Sounds like you're doing great so far. : - )

I think you'll find the crate to be fabulous for housetraining and keeping him from chewing on "No-No" items. While he is free in the house, you do want to watch him every second with a goal of catching him before he pees, poops, or for chewing, before he puts his mouth on something he shouldn't chew on. If you catch him before a distracting sounds should stop him so you can get him outside to potty, or put one of his toys in his mouth (instead of the chair leg). The crate may even help with the barking as the small area is like a safe den to most dogs. I taught Charlie the "Speak" command while he was barking, so that could be followed by the "Quiet!" command to stop barking. He also learned "Relax" which is to lie down, put your head down and be quiet all in one.

When puppies do something good on their own, start putting the cue word to it. For example, when you see him sit down say, "Good Sit!". He'll do lots of good things that you can start word associations with the behavior. : - )

You might pick up an extra lightweight inexpensive leash that you don't mind cutting the handle off. Let him drag the leash around the house so he gets the feel of the weight. Pretty soon he won't notice it's there. (Cutting the handle will help prevent him getting hung up on something, but you still want to supervise so he doesn't get wrapped around things.)

Sorry to hear about the allergies. Hopefully your allergist can get you relief...it's way too hot in Dallas to wear long sleeves! : - )

Good luck and keep us posted!

Comment by Suresh on March 26, 2008 at 12:35pm

Thanks for the suggestions! In regards to the puppy training classes, my vet told me not to take him to PetSmart or out to any parks where he could be with other dogs until he is fully vaccinated, which won't be for another six weeks. I do plan to put him in classes as soon as I can.

Comment by Sam Tsang on March 26, 2008 at 12:24pm

feeding time - when you have a schedule to feed, there will be a schedule for potty. do not let your dog have free access to food all day. pick up the water dish 2 hours prior bed time.

bell training - hang a wind chime near the door to outside where you normally take him out, ring the bell before you take him out, you can teach him to use his paws to ring or use his nose to nudge, in a short time, he'll know to use it to "page" you to open the door.

potty pad - place one near the same door that you take him out, if you can place one in the garden, use a peg to nail it to the ground, that will teach him to go for one spot and one spot only.

give verbal command - when you take him out, keep him on a leash, say "go potty", do not let him get distracted, keep him focus to go potty, when he does, praise him, make a big deal out of it. so that he knows that this behavior pleases you. If he refuse to go, bring him back to the crate, wait for a few minutes, then take him out again.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page