More puppy questions

**errica** · 06-06-2008, 04:48 PM

Okay, I have a few more puppy questions...

1. I have read that you shouldn't let the pup see you clean up any of his messes while you are housebreaking. True or False and why?

2. I have been moistening the pup's food a little with water, as he wasn't real keen on the super crunchiness of the Canidae ALS. He seems to love it when it's a bit soggy (ICK!) Is this okay to do?

3. How do I show him that being on a leash isn't as bad as he makes it out to be? Just keep doing it? Or is there a super secret Doberman way to get him used to the leash? I need to get his furry little butt out and walking around (he just got round 2 of his shots and the vet gave the okay for walks on our street) because he has too much energy! (On this subject, has anyone figured out a way to harness all the energy of a doberpup? I could probably power my whole house if I could find a way to convert it...)

4. How much peanut butter can I give a 9 week old puppy in a day? He loves his puppy Kong with PB in it, but I don't want to give him too much PB. Also, is there a limit for older dobes? My girl, who wouldn't touch a kong before the pup came, is suddenly nuts for her kong with PB in it.

That's it for now! Thanks!

clipclop · 06-06-2008, 04:54 PM

1. never heard of that.
2. perfectly A-ok! mine likes his food soggy too... gross
3. let him drag the leash around the house a lot and praise him for it before you try taking him for a walk.
4. i would say 1 pb small kong a day is PLENTY u can stuff kongs with kibble and wet food and other stuff to not OD on PB

**dobermansrule** · 06-06-2008, 04:54 PM

1. We always tried to observe this 'rule' and maybe it is true because of (a) simple puppy curiosity - ever dig in the garden with puppy around? yep, puppy has to go where mom/dad was and do what they were doing - digging. (b) maybe by cleaning up the pups mess with puppy observing you are validating to the puppy - he/she thinks,hey, mom is playing with what I did -I'll do it again

2. sure.
3. buy a cheapy leash at Petsmart, cut it off to like 2-3 feet and let them drag it around everywhere. After a while, you can start picking up the other end and get them used to that. Then, joila, one day they like the leash and you holding it. As far as harnessing the energy - make them think... mind games wear them out. Training, find it, etc

4. not sure what amount - I'd just watch the poop and overall intake. it's hard to make a puppy fat but too much rich goodies might upset the tummy and result in goopy poopies.

**errica** · 06-06-2008, 04:59 PM

I have been letting him drag around a cheap nylon leash and he is cool with that now, but as soon as I pick it up and he feels any resistance...LOOK OUT! He has this death cry that he does. I swear he thinks a giant snake has his throat.

It's kinda embarassing for him to do this on a walk, and I know I am not supposed to comfort him during these fits. So I just stand there, mortified, while all the neighbors come out to see who is trying to kill a puppy.

DP807 · 06-06-2008, 04:59 PM

1. I've never heard this before and I don't see why it would matter. I've never worried about it and have never had a problem with housebreaking.

2. It's fine to add some water to your pup's food. I always have and I still add it when they are adults.

3. Practice. I would take some yummy treats to encourage him to move forward and praise him also. He'll get used to the leash in no time. It can also help to walk him next to your older dog on the leash. He might be more likely to follow the other dog.

4. I really don't know if there is a certain amount you can give. But, I wouldn't go too crazy with it. If the amount you are giving is not causing any digestive upset then it is probably fine.

Good luck!

Linda H · 06-06-2008, 04:59 PM

1. Don't worry about it. I don't know where this started. I have housebroken many, many puppies and they all saw me clean up after them, including the boy I have now. He was practically housebroken in one week and one day so seeing me clean up after him didn't tramatize him in the least.

2. Fine, just throw away what he doesn't eat so it won't sour.

3 and 4 leaving for others as I have a lot of catching up reading to do on the forum.

clipclop · 06-06-2008, 05:05 PM

do not use ANY resistance at first... just hold the leash even if you have to follow him around and get his attention with a treat... hold the treat out a little further, and treat him for following... lots of good vids on youtube about it

**dobermansrule** · 06-06-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by errica

I have been letting him drag around a cheap nylon leash and he is cool with that now, but as soon as I pick it up and he feels any resistance...LOOK OUT! He has this death cry that he does. I swear he thinks a giant snake has his throat.

It's kinda embarassing for him to do this on a walk, and I know I am not supposed to comfort him during these fits. So I just stand there, mortified, while all the neighbors come out to see who is trying to kill a puppy.

you've taken it outside too fast. Work with him indoors first. He's gotta think having you at the other end of the leash is the best thing since peanut butter.

**errica** · 06-06-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobiesrule

you've taken it outside too fast. Work with him indoors first. He's gotta think having you at the other end of the leash is the best thing since peanut butter.

Aha! Thank you! Sadly, I dont think there is anything better than peanut butter right now. You'd think it was crack, they way both dogs go crazy for it.

**dobermansrule** · 06-06-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by errica

Aha! Thank you! Sadly, I dont think there is anything better than peanut butter right now. You'd think it was crack, they way both dogs go crazy for it.

you might want to consider having one special treat for training and use if for only training. Just to make sure the treat holds 'value' so to speak. Ultimately the dog works for your praise and acknowledgement, and treats are also a valid doggy currency to reward them with. You just don't want to devalue the currency.