posted 09-17-2003 09:14 PM         

tonight i didnt let him get on at all. he barked and yelped to get my attention, and i gave him a stern "NO". he kept barking and yelping, then he hopped on. i quickly picked him up by his skin on the back of his neck, gave him a little spank, and another stern "NO".

he stayed quiet for a bit, but then started up again. i got up quickly and took him outside and locked him in the garage.

he's in there right now.

my question is, am i being too hard on him for a pup? should i leave him in there overnight?

posted 09-17-2003 09:46 PM         

its very hard to get him to look at me in the eyes when i pick him up.

also, i picked him up along with his sister pup. now, the female is MY sister's dog and they've been spending a lot of time together the last couple of days. she would bring her over for the day while she was getting her fencing done for the pup.

today, Duke (my pup) seemed a little depressed after she left, and would just kind of lay ther with his head down looking sad. should i let him see his sister often? or should we keep them apart for a little while? if so, how long? till he starts listening to me a little better?

this is my first pitty, and i want to raise him right. so let me know if i need to improve on anything.

posted 09-18-2003 06:47 PM         

There are also things you can do to make him more comfortable in his "space". Make sure he has a nice comfy bed, and you can try putting a large stuffed toy in there with a hot water bottle to make him feel like he's still with his litter. As I mentioned above, a crate would be very helpful in working through this.

As for his "disobedience", he's only a baby, and obedience/compliance will only come with time and with work/love on your part. He's not purposefully disobeying you, he just doesn't understand what you want, and it will take time for him to begin to understand. You mention him not meeting your eyes... that a sign of submission or fear. NOT a sign that he was challenging you (in fact the exact opposite).

I wouldn't cut out his playtime, as socialization is crucial for pups, so it's probably good for him to get some playtime.

posted 09-18-2003 07:27 PM         

i've raised pups before, but i could already tell this one was a little stubborn .

his sister pup does listen to me though, that is why i know i have to break this little turd too, hehe.

as for that night, i left him there for a few minutes after he stopped crying. i then took him to his little bed and let him lay there for a while and i brought him onto the bed after he sat quietly. i figured i was being a little rough on the pup and the thought of companionship came up just like you said.

today went a lot better. he's learned the sit and stop command, and also to sit right before i give him his food bowl. he's still getting used to his name though, but i can see it developing .