Hi, I've had my sheltie puppy almost a week now. He'll be 9 weeks tomorrow. I'd like some advice because when I pick him up he wiggles like a nut and whines  to get away. Usually if I restrain him a few minuets and talk to him softly and stroke around his head he stops (in fact he can drop to sleep). However he really does hate being handeled on average and early in the morning was very bad because he was really biting down quite had so i'd let him down and reminded me very much of when piglets are being handled. He just acted like a wild animal. The breeder said she handled him a lot. I mean I know puppies want to go down and play a lot but this seems a bit different. He is a very bold puppy and doesn't mind any part of him handled while on the floor or playing. I was wondering if he was maybe a bit dominant? Or I'm causing him to be. I've not had a puppy in a VERY long time and always wanted a Sheltie so I have to say straight from 6 am when he gets up he's played with and fussed. Maybe its going to his head?  Another thing is I try doing the yap and ignore if he bites too hard but that just seems to make him bite harder and excite him. He throws tantrums when I put him in his crate for a little break and when I say no and stare into his eyes when he's starring at me for my food he barks and tries to throw himself up on the sofa where I'm sitting (but he can't get up thankfully).

How much handling a day should I do? Am I playing with him too much? Why am I being a poor puppy owner that can't even say a firm no.

I think he's a lovely boy, he's learned to sit already but I'm a bot worried. I'm so rusty and he's so cute and knows it. am I worrying too much? My brother keeps saying well theres no such thing as a behaved puppy no matter the breed. Which I'm sure is true, he also says I'm being too soft and mothering him. :( I don't want to spoil the little guy already! HELP!

Hi Becks,

Try and relax - you're sounding a little anxious and that's easy when pup's and training are a distant memory :)  He may feel very insecure at being picked up - lots of dogs don't like being physically lifted to a height ;)  He may well have been thoroughly handled by his breeder but mainly on the ground or close to floor level which is safer anyway than risking dropping a wriggly pup.

He's NOT showing any signs of dominance or aggression by biting, growling, manic maneouvres etc etc to get his own way - he's simply not sure what you expect of him and doesn't have any manners yet.  These reactions are very normal and with patience, perseverance and 100% consistency by everyone in the household can be easily and quickly overcome - but he has to be taught the correct way to behave and that is always best done by rewarding even a nano-second of desired behaviour and ignoring or distracting away from the undesirable.

Try this http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/bitestop.htm to help cope with inappropriate mouthing and nipping - I've used it for all of my dogs over the years and never had one not respond favourably :)

As to "staring into his eyes" - please don't.  That is a threatening action to a dog and has no value or purpose in training (and with an older dog can be dangerous).

HTH meantime, Teri :)

*takes deep breath* Thanks a lot Teri! I've been told I'm a worrier before. I'm the type of person that's so scared of making any mistakes what so ever. Bad habit I know. That page looks great I'll read it all through and try to quit worrying.

One thing though, I really want to know if theres such a thing of giving a puppy too much attention. Soon as he wakes up I want to stroke and play with him. Maybe he's getting sick of me. :D  He does have a create to get away from me though if he wants too but he doesn't seem to want to use it that often.

No worries, Becks (unintentional pun :rolleyes: )  A new puppy is a daunting prospect after a lengthy break - but you'll soon find your instinctively doing all the right things!  And at least you know where to post if you hit a snag :P

Re. his "tantrums" this is normal upset at you leaving him ;)   It takes time to get pups accustomed to being on their own because they've spent most of their lives with littermates and mum 24/7.  There's a lot of adjusting to new circumstances in the first couple of weeks - try and keep times to short periods where hopefully if all stays calm and quiet you can go back without rewarding any pleas for your attention.  If you see signs of progress, gradually increase the periods of time and make no fuss about his "time out" - dogs are quick to pick up on things and if we make a big deal out of leaving them or when we return it can actually be counter-productive :)

Regards, Teri

ps. just seen your edit re "too much attention" ;)  Mine get constant attention - so I'm guilty as charged probably :D  But then I'm fortunate in that I'm at home to pander to their every need BUT it is important to get them used to being alone so that all the things you need to do that don't involve having the little darling trip you up can be done safely and efficiently.  But, the pup is unlikely to know where to draw the line - that's up to you!   

I have a westie puppy who doesn't like to be lifted unless he is really tired he even turns and growls at us. The other day I took him for his 2nd injection and he clung on to me as there were lots of bigger dogs and a lot of barking. Now when i pick him up I also pick up a toy or a treat and give it to him while holding him he settles a lot quicker for a cuddle then i put him down now he seems to come to me more often.

Hmmm i really think i must be over playing with or giving him too much fussing.  He seems even wilder today (like the owner of the world or something) and tryed to chew my finger off when i placed him on my lap even at floor level. Seemed really like he really wanted to hurt, thankfully he's tiny so I'm stronger but that was rather worrying. This after playing with him for ages, he gets so hyper active and now it totally demands to play by barking at me. :( I've been having a go at leaving the room when he play bites hard but he acts like he couldn't care less and goes and does other things. I'm in all day and he's in my bedroom at night in a crate. So I guess he'll hardly miss me if I'm gone for five mins. His nipping is getting harder and harder. He cut my hand with his teeth pretty badly.

My last puppy was so easy and he was a Parsons Terrier! I thought my sheltie puppy would be easier. I was told they were a much easier breed to train, and more soft pups, a stern no is all you need that kind of thing. Cleary my pup didn't read the books. I think I'm back to worrying. :(

Morning Becks :)

You're in stern need of a cammomile tea or some other relaxing beverage coupled with something sweet to nibble and half hour time out :P  It's less than 24 hours since you read the recommended link - why not print it off and keep it handy!

Firstly, don't overdo the trying to lift him, cuddle him etc, he may simply not like it - we have to get pups gradually adjusted to all sorts of things and if this is a particularly fraught area between you, both of you are going to become overly anxious.  Also, as and when lifting him is the only thing possible, do as Bailey has suggested and have a toy or treat in your hand at the same time - this will hopefully make his concerns reduce (and give him something else to occupy his teeth :D )

If he's yapping and barking etc., chances are he's becoming over excited in which case he needs to learn that only when he is calm will he get attention and that if he's "off on one" suddenly there is no attention, game, reward etc.  The fact that he's happy in his crate overnight in your bedroom, why not try using the crate during the day for him to rest in?  If you feed him all his meals in there and put him in when he's had a romp about and is obviously sleepy he will learn to go there as his "den".  It can help if you drape a blanket over the top and all sides except the entrance, also put something of yours (unwashed) like a t-shirt or nightie in beside him and if he likes a particular type of toy put that in there too :)  I'm sure if you can persevere for a couple of weeks more and follow the bite inhibition program as well as encourage more use of his cage for "time out" periods, you will find yourself over this hurdle.

We all go through it - try not to let it get you either wound up or feeling depressed.  Best wishes, Teri :)

I know Teri I'm terrible, I will print it off, promise. :)
*puts cammomile tea on shipping list*

About the create. I don't want him to feel he's in doggie jail. I keep worrying if I put him away for a break I'm being mean or he'll be stressed out. I like the time out idea though, I need a break.  Plus then I won't run the risk of getting frustrated or angry at him. Something I certainly don't want to do. I feel like a first time mother. :D How often can I confine him to give time outs and for how long without being a meanie? I feel like a break just about now *looks down at Oscar's who's barking and chewing thousers* :p

Thing is Becks, if you're getting wound up he'll quickly pick up on it cute little beggars aren't they :P  Far better to give you both a bit of time out rather than lose patience - we've all been in the same position as you in the past, so this is very normal and will get better!

If you associate (for him) that his crate is a sanctuary then he'll be happy to go in there voluntarily BUT you have to create the ambiance ;)  Like advised, feed him in it, make it den-like, give him comforting things in there that smell of you and that he can snuggle up with.  Start off by putting him in for a meal, shut the door while he's eating and if he's calm then leave him in there for an extra 5 minutes and then take him out to the toilet.  Do this for every meal if you can :)  Then progress to putting him in when you notice he's already beginning to fall asleep.  Do everything in "baby steps" and when he's in there take the time to put your feet up - leave the dishes, dusting, whatever, read a magazine and relax.

Regards, Teri :) 

I agree with all that you say Teri pups can be hard work
dont know if this will help Becks but I was told years ago by a breeder of my breed bearded collies when they become hyper to lying them on thier side and gently lying over them holding them down but not with any great pressure talking quietly to them "good boy " and stroking gently over the body  etc you feel a right berk if anyone walked in but its amazing how calm and relaxed they become I've done this with my girls and it worked a treat.(calms you down too)

(apparently the mother would do this)

>gently lying over them holding them down but not with any great pressure talking quietly to them "good boy " and stroking gently over the body  etc

and if all else fails a pillow ...............

KIDDING :D :P

LOL @ Teri

Some pups really don't like to be cuddled.  I have a bitch that hated cuddles, still does.  I used to sit crossed legged on the floor, she accepted that.

Use a word for when you are going to play or train. ie Playtime.  Then use one for finishing play or training, ie That will do.  When you give the finish word, walk off and leave the pup, don't whatever you do look at it.  You will be surprised how quickly they learn this, it is so useful for a pushy pup/dog.

Chill out, blow the cammomile tea, a nice glass of wine sound about right :D

Enjoy your puppy.

oh thanks for that! I will certainly give that a go because he's very pushy. :D Yesterday I played with him less and boy did he complain about it. He was barking at my feet and pulling at my thousers. Yup, he's certainly demanding. :p

STARRYEYES, i am doing what you said, it works to a degree which is good. However if he's already really hyper, he wiggles like a nut and eats my hand. Then he runs around like a nut and "attacks". Clearly he thinks I'm playing.

I find that puppies, like toddlers, don't know when to stop, and get overtired. Then they start to get hyper and tetchy. I've found the only thing to do is call a halt to playtime when the pup starts to get a stressed expression - you'll soon recognise the look! That would be the time to take him into the garden for a wee/poo then pop him in his covered crate with a marrowbone or similar, and leave him to unwind. They're far too young to know when to stop by themselves.
:)

Hmmm you know that really makes great sense. I notice he looks all tired but I think I took it as bored or fed up because I'd stopted playing with him. Which made me start playing with him again which makes him really rough. Also I thought if i held him after i tire him out he'd sit put more. Ooops :p

Well Oscar is going to puppy classes tonight, I'm happy and dreading it. I fear all those puppies to play with will make him want to "eat me" when we get back. :o