I got my puppy a week ago. He's a shepherd and a boxer mix. He was excited and always happy to see someone when we got him but now my puppy is always growling and chewing on things that are inappropriate. I can't get him to stop. I was a little mad at him today and I put him out for about 10 mins. When I brought him back in, about 3 mins after, he ate a little bit of food and drank a little bit of water. Then laid he down. I heard this gurgling sound and then he threw up. If anyone know why or has an idea on how to prevent it please respond to this or email me at Terriers2_7@yahoo.com ASAP. Thank you very much.

How old is your puppy, if he is about 8 wks old and you expect him to behave like an adult Im not suprised he is unhappy.

You need to get yourself a copy of "The Perfect Puppy" by Gwen Bailey. Your puppy is being a puppy and you need to learn how to handle him.

Puppies in their new homes often get tummy upsets etc - it is all so new to him. It soundsl ike he's had a bit too much excitement. Puppies need rest and quiet time. Get this book, read it from cover to cover and you'll soon know what's what.

Pam n the boys

Young puppies should never be 'put out' without supervision for 10 minutes - what were you thinking?

How do you know he didn't swallow something poisenous or eat a deadly plant?? You may have been lucky this time.

Young puppys are boisterous and silly sometimes, you knew that before you took him on didn't you?

The reason why - YOU LEFT HIM TO MUNCH ON ALLSORTS WHILST YOU PUT HIM OUT BECAUSE YOU HAD NO PATIENCE!

The way to prevent - DON'T LEAVE HIM UNSUPERVISED!

This guest needs advice and guidance NOT a lecture. :(

Hi Guest :)
Pams advice is good. Buy a copy of the book. Im not experienced enough with Dogs to offer any behavioural advice, but wish you luck.

Please also Register so you can join in on this thread and ask any more questions. Most people on here are more than happy to help and advise new puppy owners.

Ali :)

edited for spelling

Ali,

I am not trying to lecture anyone, believe me I am the least qualified person to do so - but I find it very worrying that someone can
get a puppy and within ONE WEEK are clearly already fed up and
getting annoyed with the puppy!

'chewing on inappropriate things' - this is the first thing people warn you about. I have had chewed cushions, slipper, shoes, handbags etc - but I knew this prior to getting a dog and accept this is part and parcel of ownership and would never dismiss my puppy outside for doing so!

Louise :)

People make mistakes. Not everyone knows what they are getting into. However much reading up you do, nothing can prepare you for the actual reality of it. For example, having a baby. You know you are going to be kept awake all night, you know your baby will probably cry for hours sometimes, but until it hits home its not real.
What I find worrying in this guest asked politely for help and advice and immediately got jumped on. Lambasting someone will not help. We don't know this person or their circumstances but we owe
them the courtesy to answer the question asked and give constructive advice to try to help this person form a bond with their puppy and help them through the rough bits, not shouting at them (ie-usingcapitals) for being human. Too often these poor guests who after all are invited here to ask any questions they have, knowing the amount of experienced dog owners on the board, are jumped on and patronised for no reason.
However silly a question or problem might seem, we need to have the patience to answer them.

Ali :)

Hi Louise

Not defending anyone but when you have a new pup as everybody knows it is often a very tiring and stressful time for people especially as if it is your first ! You can sometimes suffer a type of depression similar to post natal depression but not as severe, where it is difficult to bond with the pup and people can become very dispondant. I agree you have to be fully aware of what a pup and a dog can get upto before you get one as it is a lifetime commitment but even so sometimes everybody can have a bad day. I have been known to fall out with one of my crew and then they become daddies dogs. Doesn't last very long as they normally know how to get round me!

It is not always necessary to be with the pup every waking minute otherwise there could be a possibilty of total dependance on their human companion.

Also I chastise my crew if they have been upto something very naughty, which often happens with babies and teenagers dogs and they are sent to their bed or told to go outside and stay if the crime fits. They are then asked back in on our terms. They will then know that they have done wrong and show remorse.

It has worked with all my lot have a happy well balanced crew ! (well of sorts !:D)

Lucy

Hi i have a labrador puppy and they are the worst at eating inappropriate things!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting mad with them though can turn it into a game. I know if I shout at Darcy for eating something she immediately runs away with it because she thinks its fun for me to chase her. So I call her to me in an excited rather than angry tone and get her to swap it for a small treat.

If its furniture or something that hes chewing try bitter bite!!
just spray it on whatever its chewing and it will stop him straight away
it has worked miracles with Darcy

You didnt say how old your puppy is??
That will make us better able to say what is acceptable/expected behaviour from your puppy and what should be corrected

Hi Guest
dont worry about the chewing and growling as long as he seems healthy in himself. Every pup in the world chews and some growl while they are playing - depending on the breed . Staffys for instance sometimes like to growl and toss things from side to side as they play .
Make sure there is nothing about that you would hate to be chewed - especially shoes as this is all quite normal .
If he is a young pup he could merely have vomited because he was frightened at being alone but as another poster says he could possibly have swallowed or eaten something .
Do you have a dog crate to put him in if the chewing becomes excessive ?
If not its just a matter of keeping hings out of his way and watching him . Just like you would put things away from a toddler really .
PLEASE dont get angry with pup . I know there are times when all you seem to do is say "NO" and take things off pup but honestly it is all normal behaviour. Never expect a baby to act as an adult
Good luck
Lel :)
If he is still vomiting and you think it is possible that he could have eaten anything he shouldnt have then please take him to the vet asap . There are some plants that are dangerous to animals

My dog was off colour for a couple of days when a pup, not eating much and was sick, looked sorry for herself. I always accompanied her into the garden, but discovered to my horror that after a rainy period, some sort of mushroom or fungi had grown up and it looked as if she MAY have nibbled at one without me seeing - have no idea how unless it had beenlast thing at night. She was oK thank heavens :)

Lindsay