Aa
PUPPY SUDDENLY BEHAVING ODDLY
The question pertains a 3-month old female puppy which i've been meaning
to clicker-train.
For starters, it's plain to me that she's less smart than other dogs; she
makes very silly, unnecessary blunders, & does not seem to learn from
them at all.
She is of no particular breed; both her father & mother are of medium-size.
She lives on a school campus with her mother, with whom she's constantly
play-fighting. There are no students at this time of the year, nor are there
many teachers. I'm her closest companion. She sleeps outside my door
& often walks with me round campus, whether or not i've called her to.
The better part of the day, however, she spends either alone or near her
mother.
And given the sweltering heat, she doesn't appear in the mood for much
midday to mid-afternoon anyway. Oddly enough, though, that pattern of
behaviour is extending into the cooler night as well.
Up until last week, she used to greet me with a hearty jump & a high-5
of her own (not taught by anyone) anytime she saw me. She'd run from
over 50 yards away to come and greet me.
For some reason, though she still comes, even uncalled & walks about
with me, but tail-wagging as well as the spontaneous jumps & hi-fives
have all but disappeared (for 2 or 3 days now).
I put this down either to a sickness of some sort (the nearest vet facilities
are some 5 hours away by road, as we live upcountry, so seeing a vet is
completely out of the question) or to my lousy clicker-training methods.
You see, though i praise her a lot, barely 2 or 3 minutes into the clicker-
training session, she begins to look away, yawn & scratch.
All she has learnt in a week, despite my efforts, is 'sit'.
She goes at anything edible like there's no tomorrow ... gets all worked up
when she sees food.
I wish i could teach her 'leave it', but now i'm trying to teach her 'down',
& the two don't mix.
I walk & exercise her for about one hour (in the cool of the evening). Her
mother usually tags along.
But the puppy does not seem happy to me anymore. Rather, what i see
is something like a state of sad dependency (on me). This, needless to
say, i do not want.
Her excited & jolly displays of affection are but gone.
By the way, no clickers are to be found around here. I'm using a bicycle
bell.
Officially, by the way, she's not my dog, but other than feeding her, none of
the few people that are here at this time gives two-pence for the creature.
I'm her best friend.
If her mother happens to go to the left, and i go to the right, Susie will follow
me without hesitation.
It kind of breaks my heart, because she too was becoming my only companion
here, but truth be told, while a puppy is meant to be a happy asset, this one
is quickly becoming a burden. She doesn't look happy, is never excited, but
simply follows around like a zombie.
I've got no experience in the filed of dog-rearing whatsoever.
Can you please advise me?
to clicker-train.
For starters, it's plain to me that she's less smart than other dogs; she
makes very silly, unnecessary blunders, & does not seem to learn from
them at all.
She is of no particular breed; both her father & mother are of medium-size.
She lives on a school campus with her mother, with whom she's constantly
play-fighting. There are no students at this time of the year, nor are there
many teachers. I'm her closest companion. She sleeps outside my door
& often walks with me round campus, whether or not i've called her to.
The better part of the day, however, she spends either alone or near her
mother.
And given the sweltering heat, she doesn't appear in the mood for much
midday to mid-afternoon anyway. Oddly enough, though, that pattern of
behaviour is extending into the cooler night as well.
Up until last week, she used to greet me with a hearty jump & a high-5
of her own (not taught by anyone) anytime she saw me. She'd run from
over 50 yards away to come and greet me.
For some reason, though she still comes, even uncalled & walks about
with me, but tail-wagging as well as the spontaneous jumps & hi-fives
have all but disappeared (for 2 or 3 days now).
I put this down either to a sickness of some sort (the nearest vet facilities
are some 5 hours away by road, as we live upcountry, so seeing a vet is
completely out of the question) or to my lousy clicker-training methods.
You see, though i praise her a lot, barely 2 or 3 minutes into the clicker-
training session, she begins to look away, yawn & scratch.
All she has learnt in a week, despite my efforts, is 'sit'.
She goes at anything edible like there's no tomorrow ... gets all worked up
when she sees food.
I wish i could teach her 'leave it', but now i'm trying to teach her 'down',
& the two don't mix.
I walk & exercise her for about one hour (in the cool of the evening). Her
mother usually tags along.
But the puppy does not seem happy to me anymore. Rather, what i see
is something like a state of sad dependency (on me). This, needless to
say, i do not want.
Her excited & jolly displays of affection are but gone.
By the way, no clickers are to be found around here. I'm using a bicycle
bell.
Officially, by the way, she's not my dog, but other than feeding her, none of
the few people that are here at this time gives two-pence for the creature.
I'm her best friend.
If her mother happens to go to the left, and i go to the right, Susie will follow
me without hesitation.
It kind of breaks my heart, because she too was becoming my only companion
here, but truth be told, while a puppy is meant to be a happy asset, this one
is quickly becoming a burden. She doesn't look happy, is never excited, but
simply follows around like a zombie.
I've got no experience in the filed of dog-rearing whatsoever.
Can you please advise me?
I think you might have made an inaccurate assumption about me. You should see me with babies! I'm the lady that has to coochy coo every baby I see! And pretty much all humans. I wouldn't want to see any human lonely or suffering either. Usually an immense compassion/empathy for a mere puppy would indicate an open heart to loving all.
Your bear story is incorrect. If a bear mauls someone, they hunt it and kill it. They have open season to kill things like deer when the population is too great. We have animal control that will swoop into a neighborhood and take a stray dog to a shelter. there are many that try to rescue these dogs because the outcome otherwise is that they will be euthanized if there too long.
By the way, how do you think dogs became domesticated in the first place? I assure you that in all countries and environments, people have been getting pleasure, companionship, and emotional comfort from dogs.
My husband grew up out in the country and his family had dogs. They had to live outside in dog houses and they ran around freely on the property. My husband loved 'his' dog and all summer long when it was warm, he slept in the dog house with his dog. His family still teases him but dang, he loved that dog.
Anyway, I agree that the discussion has evolved into something that will not help Susie.
Good luck. She sounds like a great pup to me.
Your bear story is incorrect. If a bear mauls someone, they hunt it and kill it. They have open season to kill things like deer when the population is too great. We have animal control that will swoop into a neighborhood and take a stray dog to a shelter. there are many that try to rescue these dogs because the outcome otherwise is that they will be euthanized if there too long.
By the way, how do you think dogs became domesticated in the first place? I assure you that in all countries and environments, people have been getting pleasure, companionship, and emotional comfort from dogs.
My husband grew up out in the country and his family had dogs. They had to live outside in dog houses and they ran around freely on the property. My husband loved 'his' dog and all summer long when it was warm, he slept in the dog house with his dog. His family still teases him but dang, he loved that dog.
Anyway, I agree that the discussion has evolved into something that will not help Susie.
Good luck. She sounds like a great pup to me.
Hi again, and thanks for your detailed reply. I think we are from very different starting points, which means it would be very difficult (and likely unattainable) to achieve an agreement or compromise. Just so you know, while I do have a passion for the welfare and care of animals, that is not something in isolation from human beings. I am a qualified and experienced psychiatric nurse with 20 years involvement in the treatment of human mental illness, behavioral problems, psychosis, drug addiction, etc., etc. However, unlike humans, animals cannot control their environment in the same way - and in fact, it is humans that are destroying their ability to exist, through industrialization, destruction of habitat, farming with pesticides, blood sports and poaching. As humans, we have a responsibility to care for creatures that exist on the planet, and without us protecting them - instead of causing many species to become extinct - the planet and ecosystems will suffer.
Dogs are unique, because they have had a very long link with mankind. We have developed canines through genetic breeding to mold them into the shapes and sizes we want. This was not their choice - it was our choice to do this. We have a huge responsibility to care for them, because most domesticated dogs cannot care for themselves.
In closing, I think further discussion is rather pointless, because you are unable (possibly unwilling) to further the most essential care required for these dogs. Maybe the person we should be talking to is the Headmaster, but I doubt that will ever happen. The first thing these dogs need is to be vaccinated, neutered and spayed and de-wormed. They need to have some veterinary input, to assess their physical wellbeing and treat illnesses as they occur. These are the very basics of human responsibility where there is interaction between humans and dogs. Without you agreeing to these and trying by whatever means to promote them in your own circumstances and situation, there is really no way of moving this discussion forward.
My best wishes to you.
Tony
Dogs are unique, because they have had a very long link with mankind. We have developed canines through genetic breeding to mold them into the shapes and sizes we want. This was not their choice - it was our choice to do this. We have a huge responsibility to care for them, because most domesticated dogs cannot care for themselves.
In closing, I think further discussion is rather pointless, because you are unable (possibly unwilling) to further the most essential care required for these dogs. Maybe the person we should be talking to is the Headmaster, but I doubt that will ever happen. The first thing these dogs need is to be vaccinated, neutered and spayed and de-wormed. They need to have some veterinary input, to assess their physical wellbeing and treat illnesses as they occur. These are the very basics of human responsibility where there is interaction between humans and dogs. Without you agreeing to these and trying by whatever means to promote them in your own circumstances and situation, there is really no way of moving this discussion forward.
My best wishes to you.
Tony
Tony & Specialmom:
Jeepers creepers ... you guys have left me dumbfounded.
I dunno where best to start!
Forgive me ... i don't want to break your hearts ... but you both have been
so authentically concerned that i owe you the same authenticity.
For starters, Tony, i'm not a med student anymore; i graduated a number
of years back. & believe me, the medical field is as close to veterinary
medicine as is astronomy! I do not have a clue as to how a dog's brain is
wired, what sort of biochemical pathways exist in their livers & adipose tissue,
how their physical growth is regulated, how female pooches go about their
ovulatory cycles, or the biology of their immune response.
What we do study, however, & in fairly great detail at that, are conditions
to which we humans are exposed through animals, dogs amongst them,
such as parasitoses (intestinal worms, for example), infectious diseases
such as rabies, asf.
Also know that i'm based in south-east Asia. Prior to this i lived in China
for several years.
I foresee you reaction, but i've got to tell you that so much concern for
animal welfare seems to me abnormal.
As i read your posts, taking in every word, i can't help but to wish that all
that love streaming out of your hearts were channelled first & foremost
towards your fellow human beings.
People such as yourselves, endowed with such single-mindedness,
passion, & monumental ability to care could make an indelible impact in
the physical, social & particularly mental well-being of so many a human
being who is out there unloved, consumed by pain, suffering disease or
poverty.
Again, forgive me if i just cannot understand so much love for animals.
Susie, for all her cuteness & innocence, cannot appreciate the colours
of a sunset, cannot make decisions that run contrary to her instinct,
cannot engage another creature in a discussion that may lead to a better
life for one or the two of them, cannot be morally right or wrong. She can
be loved, she can be trained, & will respond to both in her own doggy
fashion. She's a companion, might even become a helper, but can never
herself work towards her happiness or betterment, let alone that of
another creature.
What i'm going to say might hurt you, but here animals are not what they
are in Western societies. They've got a place for themselves, to be sure,
but they're not remotely comparable to human beings.
This is right & proper.
With horror i hear stories of how monstrous bears kill or maul people in the
US & get away with it, to name but one example. Any society in which
animal life is above human life is sick & misguided.
Next, back to the practical issues that concern you both.
There are free-roaming dogs virtually on every street & alley in town.
They seem pretty robust & have got on quite well since time immemorial,
despite the lack of professional care.
When they get old, they die, as it is natural.
Many, most i'd say, do belong in some household, but hang about freely
outdoors the better part of the day.
I do not know if or to what extent dogs are responsible for human
morbidity in the area as i haven't discussed the issue with the local
physicians.
Fino & her 10 year old hubby (Susie's parents), as well as virtually every
pooch i know of, feed happily on human scraps without any apparent
side effects, & have been doing so for years (cheers for the link provided,
Tony. I do mean to have a look & educate myself on the matter).
As for Susie's future, nothing to worry about: both she & her mother
belong to the Headmaster.
She's only my 'surrogate' pet.
The training, ha, ha, yes, i guess you could put it in such terms as a
'scientific experiment' or 'pet project' if you will, as far the results are
concerned, but not as far as the motive. I want Susie to be happy & feel
loved; that's the motive.
As for her becoming obedient yet not subservient, one cannot 'have it
both ways', you claim. No indeed?
Susie should be able to come over when called, sit & stay when told to,
never bite anyone. In other words, respect humans & behave with 'decorum'
around them. At the same time, she should be free from issues such as
separation anxiety, should be able to enjoy herself & find things to do
when she's on her own (away from humans). That's all i meant.
On a final note, all of Susie's litter mates found new homes.
Susie was the only one left behind, & that was a conscious decision (keep
in mind that now we're in the middle of the school break. With the teachers
here, Susie would not lack care & attention).
Neutering/spaying any dogs i think would be totally unthinkable. Everyone
loves puppies, & if Fino (or Susie, in the long run) produced more of them,
that would be cause for great joy.
It's only that over here people (& myself) do not idolize animals. The
general attitude towards them is caring, but casual.
Jeepers creepers ... you guys have left me dumbfounded.
I dunno where best to start!
Forgive me ... i don't want to break your hearts ... but you both have been
so authentically concerned that i owe you the same authenticity.
For starters, Tony, i'm not a med student anymore; i graduated a number
of years back. & believe me, the medical field is as close to veterinary
medicine as is astronomy! I do not have a clue as to how a dog's brain is
wired, what sort of biochemical pathways exist in their livers & adipose tissue,
how their physical growth is regulated, how female pooches go about their
ovulatory cycles, or the biology of their immune response.
What we do study, however, & in fairly great detail at that, are conditions
to which we humans are exposed through animals, dogs amongst them,
such as parasitoses (intestinal worms, for example), infectious diseases
such as rabies, asf.
Also know that i'm based in south-east Asia. Prior to this i lived in China
for several years.
I foresee you reaction, but i've got to tell you that so much concern for
animal welfare seems to me abnormal.
As i read your posts, taking in every word, i can't help but to wish that all
that love streaming out of your hearts were channelled first & foremost
towards your fellow human beings.
People such as yourselves, endowed with such single-mindedness,
passion, & monumental ability to care could make an indelible impact in
the physical, social & particularly mental well-being of so many a human
being who is out there unloved, consumed by pain, suffering disease or
poverty.
Again, forgive me if i just cannot understand so much love for animals.
Susie, for all her cuteness & innocence, cannot appreciate the colours
of a sunset, cannot make decisions that run contrary to her instinct,
cannot engage another creature in a discussion that may lead to a better
life for one or the two of them, cannot be morally right or wrong. She can
be loved, she can be trained, & will respond to both in her own doggy
fashion. She's a companion, might even become a helper, but can never
herself work towards her happiness or betterment, let alone that of
another creature.
What i'm going to say might hurt you, but here animals are not what they
are in Western societies. They've got a place for themselves, to be sure,
but they're not remotely comparable to human beings.
This is right & proper.
With horror i hear stories of how monstrous bears kill or maul people in the
US & get away with it, to name but one example. Any society in which
animal life is above human life is sick & misguided.
Next, back to the practical issues that concern you both.
There are free-roaming dogs virtually on every street & alley in town.
They seem pretty robust & have got on quite well since time immemorial,
despite the lack of professional care.
When they get old, they die, as it is natural.
Many, most i'd say, do belong in some household, but hang about freely
outdoors the better part of the day.
I do not know if or to what extent dogs are responsible for human
morbidity in the area as i haven't discussed the issue with the local
physicians.
Fino & her 10 year old hubby (Susie's parents), as well as virtually every
pooch i know of, feed happily on human scraps without any apparent
side effects, & have been doing so for years (cheers for the link provided,
Tony. I do mean to have a look & educate myself on the matter).
As for Susie's future, nothing to worry about: both she & her mother
belong to the Headmaster.
She's only my 'surrogate' pet.
The training, ha, ha, yes, i guess you could put it in such terms as a
'scientific experiment' or 'pet project' if you will, as far the results are
concerned, but not as far as the motive. I want Susie to be happy & feel
loved; that's the motive.
As for her becoming obedient yet not subservient, one cannot 'have it
both ways', you claim. No indeed?
Susie should be able to come over when called, sit & stay when told to,
never bite anyone. In other words, respect humans & behave with 'decorum'
around them. At the same time, she should be free from issues such as
separation anxiety, should be able to enjoy herself & find things to do
when she's on her own (away from humans). That's all i meant.
On a final note, all of Susie's litter mates found new homes.
Susie was the only one left behind, & that was a conscious decision (keep
in mind that now we're in the middle of the school break. With the teachers
here, Susie would not lack care & attention).
Neutering/spaying any dogs i think would be totally unthinkable. Everyone
loves puppies, & if Fino (or Susie, in the long run) produced more of them,
that would be cause for great joy.
It's only that over here people (& myself) do not idolize animals. The
general attitude towards them is caring, but casual.
Hi again. I meant to add, I know Gibraltar quite well and have visited many times. I do know there are areas of it that are countryside, but being such a small island, there are also areas close by that have very good animal welfare organizations and veterinary practices that I am sure would be prepared to help out. It would certainly be worth your while making contact with them.
I was also thinking about how these dogs are being fed human scraps. As a medical student you will know that canine biology and anatomy are very different to human counterparts. Many human foods are poisonous to dogs, so while feeding them scraps may seem like a kind thing to do, in fact, it could be doing quite a lot of harm. Have a read of my article on some of the things that should not be given to dogs here: http://www.infobarrel.com/Everyday_Foods_That_Are_Poisonous_To_Dogs
Hoping you have a good day. Tony
I was also thinking about how these dogs are being fed human scraps. As a medical student you will know that canine biology and anatomy are very different to human counterparts. Many human foods are poisonous to dogs, so while feeding them scraps may seem like a kind thing to do, in fact, it could be doing quite a lot of harm. Have a read of my article on some of the things that should not be given to dogs here: http://www.infobarrel.com/Everyday_Foods_That_Are_Poisonous_To_Dogs
Hoping you have a good day. Tony
Yes, I think there is a cultural difference here with the situation. Where I live, dogs aren't allowed to roam for the reasons stated by Tonyb. Our dogs are pets that we raise as part of the family really and when that doesn't happen, it is sad and they are taken into shelters (hate when this happens). Sounds very different from where you are from.
It honestly is a concern that Susie really in a short period of time could become a mama herself and under the wrong circumstances, this can be deadly for her. Very young dogs giving birth can have all sorts of complications as well as all of the trouble of more puppies.
In all honesty, what would be best for Susie would be for her to have a regular home and family. Picture Susie with a house where she knew she could sleep close to her master, would be played with all day by children and a mom (like me, the human mom who sees her as adorable and sweet), where she had hours of human contact. This would be best for Susie. Or if you adopted her in a real fashion to take care of her as her forever home.
So, in your country---- how would a dog get adopted out? Would there be a way to find someone to take her into their home as their pet?
I do appreciate that if it weren't for you, the dog would have no one. That is really heartbreaking to me.
There is something that I'll add about training of dogs. They are very black and white. My pup was housebroken (okay, don't totally trust her but really, she's pretty good) in two days time with the concept of ringing a bell to go outside. I hung bells on our back door. Every time I took her out, I rang the bells. She then associated the bell ringing with the door opening and going outside. In her dog mind, the bells ringing had something to do with the door opening. So, she very quickly began ringing the bells herself. As I respond quickly to her ringing the bells (thrilled to have a potty training puppy who knows what to do!)--- it reinforced that the ringing of the bells happens when she has to go outside to go to the bathroom. This is how dogs learn. No dog has deep thought . . . they are all pretty simple creatures. And when you want to train them, I got my dog to lie down by seeing her lie down and saying "lie down" with my desired hand gesture and giving her a treat. Then I'd be working with her and she would lie down and I'd say "lie down" with the gesture and she'd get a treat. Until she started to associate what she was doing with the command, she didn't know what the words meant. I had to get her to associate the action with my words and hand gesture. also lots of positive reinforcement makes a pup learn what is desired of them.
Again, I do appreciate that you didn't breed these dogs and this is kind of the culture of dogs where you are at. It is hard for me to understand a bit because of how we handle dogs here. But I appreciate that you've gotten close to Susie. I would just hate for her to be a 'pet project' (pardon the pun) and then be cast aside to a very sad life. I would try to think big picture of how she can have the best life possible.
It honestly is a concern that Susie really in a short period of time could become a mama herself and under the wrong circumstances, this can be deadly for her. Very young dogs giving birth can have all sorts of complications as well as all of the trouble of more puppies.
In all honesty, what would be best for Susie would be for her to have a regular home and family. Picture Susie with a house where she knew she could sleep close to her master, would be played with all day by children and a mom (like me, the human mom who sees her as adorable and sweet), where she had hours of human contact. This would be best for Susie. Or if you adopted her in a real fashion to take care of her as her forever home.
So, in your country---- how would a dog get adopted out? Would there be a way to find someone to take her into their home as their pet?
I do appreciate that if it weren't for you, the dog would have no one. That is really heartbreaking to me.
There is something that I'll add about training of dogs. They are very black and white. My pup was housebroken (okay, don't totally trust her but really, she's pretty good) in two days time with the concept of ringing a bell to go outside. I hung bells on our back door. Every time I took her out, I rang the bells. She then associated the bell ringing with the door opening and going outside. In her dog mind, the bells ringing had something to do with the door opening. So, she very quickly began ringing the bells herself. As I respond quickly to her ringing the bells (thrilled to have a potty training puppy who knows what to do!)--- it reinforced that the ringing of the bells happens when she has to go outside to go to the bathroom. This is how dogs learn. No dog has deep thought . . . they are all pretty simple creatures. And when you want to train them, I got my dog to lie down by seeing her lie down and saying "lie down" with my desired hand gesture and giving her a treat. Then I'd be working with her and she would lie down and I'd say "lie down" with the gesture and she'd get a treat. Until she started to associate what she was doing with the command, she didn't know what the words meant. I had to get her to associate the action with my words and hand gesture. also lots of positive reinforcement makes a pup learn what is desired of them.
Again, I do appreciate that you didn't breed these dogs and this is kind of the culture of dogs where you are at. It is hard for me to understand a bit because of how we handle dogs here. But I appreciate that you've gotten close to Susie. I would just hate for her to be a 'pet project' (pardon the pun) and then be cast aside to a very sad life. I would try to think big picture of how she can have the best life possible.
Hello again. I'm sorry to sound very negative, but I have lots of concerns here. If the school looks after these dogs - albeit without any single person taking responsibility - what happens to them when they need help? Who pays for vet fees? As none of these dogs are inoculated, they could all be carrying dangerous infections and parasites and then passing them on to any other animal they come into contact with. This is not good canine husbandry.
What happens when the 10yr old becomes ill? This is bound to happen sooner or later, just like a human that grows old. Will this old dog be helped by vets - or left to suffer? As these dogs clearly are not neutered or spayed, they will continue to have puppies, and then the puppies will have puppies (probably too young), and before long there will be a feral group of potentially dangerous and infected dogs.
I am also confused by your approach to this particular puppy. On the one hand you say you don't want her to be subservient, but you also say you want her to train faster and to become obedient. Well, young man, you cannot have it both ways. I also feel you are looking on this puppy as some kind of scientific experiment without any real thoughts about what will happen to it in a year or two year's time, or at which ever point you leave the school and go out into the world. Are there any plans for onward care for this puppy?
If you REALLY want to help this dog - and the other dogs there - I would spend your time raising awareness of their existence within the school and the surrounding community. As a priority, I would ensure funds were found to spay and neuter them (thus preventing a big problem within the next 6 months) - and then have them all vaccinated against dangerous parasites and infections, such as parvovirus and rabies. The next step would be to find loving, caring and good homes for them, where they can be properly looked after for the rest of their days.
I know this isn't the answer you were looking for, but it's the best answer I can give, because these are the most important issues to resolve - not how to train the 3 month old puppy.
Are you up for the challenge? YOU could be the person that truly makes a difference here. Good luck.
Tony
What happens when the 10yr old becomes ill? This is bound to happen sooner or later, just like a human that grows old. Will this old dog be helped by vets - or left to suffer? As these dogs clearly are not neutered or spayed, they will continue to have puppies, and then the puppies will have puppies (probably too young), and before long there will be a feral group of potentially dangerous and infected dogs.
I am also confused by your approach to this particular puppy. On the one hand you say you don't want her to be subservient, but you also say you want her to train faster and to become obedient. Well, young man, you cannot have it both ways. I also feel you are looking on this puppy as some kind of scientific experiment without any real thoughts about what will happen to it in a year or two year's time, or at which ever point you leave the school and go out into the world. Are there any plans for onward care for this puppy?
If you REALLY want to help this dog - and the other dogs there - I would spend your time raising awareness of their existence within the school and the surrounding community. As a priority, I would ensure funds were found to spay and neuter them (thus preventing a big problem within the next 6 months) - and then have them all vaccinated against dangerous parasites and infections, such as parvovirus and rabies. The next step would be to find loving, caring and good homes for them, where they can be properly looked after for the rest of their days.
I know this isn't the answer you were looking for, but it's the best answer I can give, because these are the most important issues to resolve - not how to train the 3 month old puppy.
Are you up for the challenge? YOU could be the person that truly makes a difference here. Good luck.
Tony
Definitely female:
Cheers for your ultra sweet post.
So, lots of reassurance. Indeed, i've been showering Susie with just that
eversince reading your first reply 2 days ago. & you'll be glad to know
that she looks happy, & has been both slightly more obedient and slightly
bolder as well, as you yourself have predicted.
This morning she looked at me repeatedly, & what i saw in her glance
more than anything else was trust.
The thing is, i don't want her to become subservient; i want her to be
forward & independent, & i remain utterly clueless as to where/how to
strike that balance.
I also want her to be clever, so i take her round & show her lots of things.
But tell me, if i leave the door ajar, is it really such a tough call to figure
out that a mere gentle nudge of the paw is all it takes to get in?
On a cuter note, though, you know what totally blows me away?
Sometimes i hide from her ... she has no idea where i am (i may be hiding
upstairs in one of the classrooms & she may be on the football pitch, over
100 yards away). Then i call out her name. It may take 3, 4, 5 minutes,
but suddenly, there she is, right by my side!
As for water, plenty of that.
The thing is, there's no one here to keep her company (other than her
canine mother Fino), & i cannot be with her beyond a few minutes in the
morning & hopefully a few minutes again in the evening.
She likes playing with other pooches, chasing insects & cats, wrestling
with large bones, & anything that has to do with food, but seems quite
frightened by sound-making toys & things that roll.
Anyway, specialmom, on a different note, i'm certainly not a parent, but i
am someone's son, & i've got to agree with Erich Fromm that father's love
& mother's love are in some ways entirely different, though both necessary.
Thanks heaps for your sweet & extra thoughtful advice.
Anything else you may want to add to help raise Susie properly will be
highly appreciated.
Cheers for your ultra sweet post.
So, lots of reassurance. Indeed, i've been showering Susie with just that
eversince reading your first reply 2 days ago. & you'll be glad to know
that she looks happy, & has been both slightly more obedient and slightly
bolder as well, as you yourself have predicted.
This morning she looked at me repeatedly, & what i saw in her glance
more than anything else was trust.
The thing is, i don't want her to become subservient; i want her to be
forward & independent, & i remain utterly clueless as to where/how to
strike that balance.
I also want her to be clever, so i take her round & show her lots of things.
But tell me, if i leave the door ajar, is it really such a tough call to figure
out that a mere gentle nudge of the paw is all it takes to get in?
On a cuter note, though, you know what totally blows me away?
Sometimes i hide from her ... she has no idea where i am (i may be hiding
upstairs in one of the classrooms & she may be on the football pitch, over
100 yards away). Then i call out her name. It may take 3, 4, 5 minutes,
but suddenly, there she is, right by my side!
As for water, plenty of that.
The thing is, there's no one here to keep her company (other than her
canine mother Fino), & i cannot be with her beyond a few minutes in the
morning & hopefully a few minutes again in the evening.
She likes playing with other pooches, chasing insects & cats, wrestling
with large bones, & anything that has to do with food, but seems quite
frightened by sound-making toys & things that roll.
Anyway, specialmom, on a different note, i'm certainly not a parent, but i
am someone's son, & i've got to agree with Erich Fromm that father's love
& mother's love are in some ways entirely different, though both necessary.
Thanks heaps for your sweet & extra thoughtful advice.
Anything else you may want to add to help raise Susie properly will be
highly appreciated.
The thing about puppies is that they have different temperaments. This one sound shyer and that is why she did not venture out to where the male dogs went. This is not a male verses female dog thing as I had two female dogs that were escape artists and loved to run off to explore far outside our property. My current female pup is shy and doesn't do that but she also is timid with new people. She is, however, very smart. What they say about a dog with a shyer temperament is that they need lots of reassurance. Then they become more daring. And at a young age, before six months if they have a bad experience, it sticks with them for a very long time. So, it is important to ease them into things.
I am not sure what it is you are desiring from this young pup. Especially since it doesn't seem like the pup really belongs to anyone and you are with her a limited amount. What my vet said about pups recently to me is that when you get a young pup, their brains are like mush. They don't know what to do. They learn a lot from their mom and litter mates but to be civilized, they learn that from the humans in their life. They are a clean canvas other than their temperament. You work with them to help them along. Our pup came to us at 7 weeks and it was clear she'd not spent much time in a house or with people. I basically stuck by her for two solid weeks helping her along to understand how to live in a house, the things she could and could not do, etc. She is now 4 months and kind of knows the lay of the land. BUT she is a puppy, so some of her puppy instincts are there and she will challenge me still. But . . . I'm basically molding her into our house pet. She didn't come knowing this.
I'm not sure about all of your Y chromosome, male verses female talk but I'm guessing you are a young man. Which is okay--- at least you say that you have a lot to learn rather than saying you know it all like so many young people do. As to the parenting quote you mentioned, I think the quote is wrong and you'll find this when you become a parent yourself. There is no greater love than what you have for your child and it is instant. For both men and women. Yes, I'm a woman but I've watched this unfold with my husband, brothers, etc. There is something very unique and special about bringing your child into this world and I promise you, that baby will not need to earn a thing from you. You will freely love and unconditionally.
I am definitely a female though, you are right. I have such a compassion for dogs and especially a puppy wanting someone to love her. I see them as so innocent and all they know of the world is the compassion and care that someone shows them. That person for Susie is you. Yes, it is a burden I suppose but also an opportunity for you to be appreciated by a creature that really needs you.
Again, I'm trying to remember your original question. I do think that proper water and food for the pup must be considered and hopefully no virus has been passed to her or illness. Her change in demeanor could be medically related but yes, could be from her knowing you aren't quite sure about her and knowing you are her best hope. (no pressure . . . ha ha).
I am not sure what it is you are desiring from this young pup. Especially since it doesn't seem like the pup really belongs to anyone and you are with her a limited amount. What my vet said about pups recently to me is that when you get a young pup, their brains are like mush. They don't know what to do. They learn a lot from their mom and litter mates but to be civilized, they learn that from the humans in their life. They are a clean canvas other than their temperament. You work with them to help them along. Our pup came to us at 7 weeks and it was clear she'd not spent much time in a house or with people. I basically stuck by her for two solid weeks helping her along to understand how to live in a house, the things she could and could not do, etc. She is now 4 months and kind of knows the lay of the land. BUT she is a puppy, so some of her puppy instincts are there and she will challenge me still. But . . . I'm basically molding her into our house pet. She didn't come knowing this.
I'm not sure about all of your Y chromosome, male verses female talk but I'm guessing you are a young man. Which is okay--- at least you say that you have a lot to learn rather than saying you know it all like so many young people do. As to the parenting quote you mentioned, I think the quote is wrong and you'll find this when you become a parent yourself. There is no greater love than what you have for your child and it is instant. For both men and women. Yes, I'm a woman but I've watched this unfold with my husband, brothers, etc. There is something very unique and special about bringing your child into this world and I promise you, that baby will not need to earn a thing from you. You will freely love and unconditionally.
I am definitely a female though, you are right. I have such a compassion for dogs and especially a puppy wanting someone to love her. I see them as so innocent and all they know of the world is the compassion and care that someone shows them. That person for Susie is you. Yes, it is a burden I suppose but also an opportunity for you to be appreciated by a creature that really needs you.
Again, I'm trying to remember your original question. I do think that proper water and food for the pup must be considered and hopefully no virus has been passed to her or illness. Her change in demeanor could be medically related but yes, could be from her knowing you aren't quite sure about her and knowing you are her best hope. (no pressure . . . ha ha).
Ha, ha, ... Tony, you amuse me! You were going to help out & then
decided not to!
Pity you changed your mind about responding 'properly', ... your advice
might (have) shed invaluable light on a subject i know next to nothing
about, since as an MD it is humans & only humans that matter to me.
If i have inferred anything about our 4-footed friends it is merely by the
shaky business of extrapolation from the human world.
As the dog-man that you are, you ask a number of questions that to you
seem utterly pressing.
My intentions were to try & make Susie a more intelligent dog than she
is now. Then companionship too came into the equation, as most of the
teachers are now away for the 2-month holiday.
Basically it's just me here.
Susie's mother, Fino, has led a care-free & fairly independent life.
She's fed twice daily by the teachers. She's never allowed indoors, not
ever. And there's certainly no question of vaccines or any form of vet care
at all, ... to say nothing of toys or friends (she respects the teachers, but
does not seem very keen on the kids).
As you know, this is the countryside. The dogs get to eat whatever we eat.
Every now & then, Fino will get groomed by some teacher, but that's
about it.
Susie's father (Fino's husband) too lives on campus, under the very same
conditions, & has already reached the ripe old age of 10!
As for intelligence, we know that it is determined genetically & influenced
by the environment, in humans & obviously in doggies as well. In other
words, environmental factors will help the person develop his intellect to
the point that his DNA allows, & not beyond.
(Btw, if you've heard otherwise in the media, don't believe it. Medical
science & Anglophone 'education'/mainstream media are mortal enemies
wherever political correctness is involved. True facts get twisted & hushed
down).
I'm guessing it's the same with pooches.
I understand Collies & German Shepherds are the smartest dog breeds,
with Beagles & Afghans being amongst the dumbest.
There's a cook here who'll bring her 5- month old male puppy for the night
from time to time. Going by his looks, he could be 25% or so German
Shepherd.
The thing is, this doggy is exceedingly creative & responsive; it's
amazingly quick at problem-solving, not to mention incredibly athletic &
forward. He has never been trained, though, ... & i stress HE.
About 3 weeks after Susie was born, the male puppies in her litter were
venturing 50 to 100 metres away from their den, whereas the females
where too shy to wander more than a couple yards off.
The Y chromosome as well as that miracle hormone, testosterone, have
a lot to do with all this, notwithstanding the malicious lies that pass for
'scientific' fact in some countries.
I had wanted to keep one of the males, but they were everyone's favourites,
& so, also the first to find new homes.
Is the picture a bit clearer? Will you respond 'properly' now?
decided not to!
Pity you changed your mind about responding 'properly', ... your advice
might (have) shed invaluable light on a subject i know next to nothing
about, since as an MD it is humans & only humans that matter to me.
If i have inferred anything about our 4-footed friends it is merely by the
shaky business of extrapolation from the human world.
As the dog-man that you are, you ask a number of questions that to you
seem utterly pressing.
My intentions were to try & make Susie a more intelligent dog than she
is now. Then companionship too came into the equation, as most of the
teachers are now away for the 2-month holiday.
Basically it's just me here.
Susie's mother, Fino, has led a care-free & fairly independent life.
She's fed twice daily by the teachers. She's never allowed indoors, not
ever. And there's certainly no question of vaccines or any form of vet care
at all, ... to say nothing of toys or friends (she respects the teachers, but
does not seem very keen on the kids).
As you know, this is the countryside. The dogs get to eat whatever we eat.
Every now & then, Fino will get groomed by some teacher, but that's
about it.
Susie's father (Fino's husband) too lives on campus, under the very same
conditions, & has already reached the ripe old age of 10!
As for intelligence, we know that it is determined genetically & influenced
by the environment, in humans & obviously in doggies as well. In other
words, environmental factors will help the person develop his intellect to
the point that his DNA allows, & not beyond.
(Btw, if you've heard otherwise in the media, don't believe it. Medical
science & Anglophone 'education'/mainstream media are mortal enemies
wherever political correctness is involved. True facts get twisted & hushed
down).
I'm guessing it's the same with pooches.
I understand Collies & German Shepherds are the smartest dog breeds,
with Beagles & Afghans being amongst the dumbest.
There's a cook here who'll bring her 5- month old male puppy for the night
from time to time. Going by his looks, he could be 25% or so German
Shepherd.
The thing is, this doggy is exceedingly creative & responsive; it's
amazingly quick at problem-solving, not to mention incredibly athletic &
forward. He has never been trained, though, ... & i stress HE.
About 3 weeks after Susie was born, the male puppies in her litter were
venturing 50 to 100 metres away from their den, whereas the females
where too shy to wander more than a couple yards off.
The Y chromosome as well as that miracle hormone, testosterone, have
a lot to do with all this, notwithstanding the malicious lies that pass for
'scientific' fact in some countries.
I had wanted to keep one of the males, but they were everyone's favourites,
& so, also the first to find new homes.
Is the picture a bit clearer? Will you respond 'properly' now?
Cheers!
I'm guessing from your very emotional response that you must be a female.
Erich Fromm points out that while women love their children 'for free', as it
were, men love them under certain rules (& both forms of love have a flip
side to them). Consequently, as babies we need mother's love the most,
but as we go into childhood, & later, adolescence, it is father's love that
takes centre stage, for it is from father that we learn all that which matters: knowledge, morals, discipline, perseverance, inquisitiveness, valour,
determination.
Why am i saying all this?
Because i want to learn to love this pup ... on certain terms, just like
friendship & love between couples need to fulfill certain conditions in
order to succeed. ... And a father's love for his son.
'Based on what?', you ask.
Based, naturally, on myself ... who else? what else? If i am to be her
master, she must accept certain rules & hopefully patterns of behaviour
that i myself delight on or consider right/essential ... and which are meant
not only to please me, but to make her a more human-like dog.
Having said that, i now want to thank you very, very much indeed, because
you have hit the jackpot in something you said.
As a matter of fact, i wanted a MALE dog, ... forward, strong, creative.
I do hope you're right; i do hope my little puppy was behaving that way
simply because she has perceived some sort of indifference or worse still,
disappointment.
She cannot read my mind, but she may very well be able to pick up hints
(unconscious to me) from my body language.
At times she looks at me as if wondering what it is that i want.
Cheers again.
If you have something else to say, I'd like to hear it.
I'm guessing from your very emotional response that you must be a female.
Erich Fromm points out that while women love their children 'for free', as it
were, men love them under certain rules (& both forms of love have a flip
side to them). Consequently, as babies we need mother's love the most,
but as we go into childhood, & later, adolescence, it is father's love that
takes centre stage, for it is from father that we learn all that which matters: knowledge, morals, discipline, perseverance, inquisitiveness, valour,
determination.
Why am i saying all this?
Because i want to learn to love this pup ... on certain terms, just like
friendship & love between couples need to fulfill certain conditions in
order to succeed. ... And a father's love for his son.
'Based on what?', you ask.
Based, naturally, on myself ... who else? what else? If i am to be her
master, she must accept certain rules & hopefully patterns of behaviour
that i myself delight on or consider right/essential ... and which are meant
not only to please me, but to make her a more human-like dog.
Having said that, i now want to thank you very, very much indeed, because
you have hit the jackpot in something you said.
As a matter of fact, i wanted a MALE dog, ... forward, strong, creative.
I do hope you're right; i do hope my little puppy was behaving that way
simply because she has perceived some sort of indifference or worse still,
disappointment.
She cannot read my mind, but she may very well be able to pick up hints
(unconscious to me) from my body language.
At times she looks at me as if wondering what it is that i want.
Cheers again.
If you have something else to say, I'd like to hear it.
I personally feel very badly for this puppy. It's trying to be loved which is all a puppy wants. Well, and also food. And that it is constantly seeking out food-- that is common or could be a sign that it isn't getting enough. I'm sure the dog senses your lack of interest and attitude toward it and that could be part of the mood/change and not following through with you on commands. Agree that learning to sit quickly is showing intelligence. Dogs aren't show ponies with the ability to do major tricks on command when they might be thirsty, depressed, sick from lack of proper care, etc.
Dogs are sociable creatures. This dog wants to be someone's pet. Hopefully he/she will become that very soon. All dogs deserve proper care and love.
Yes, lots of questions about the roaming dog and who the owner of the mother is and why no one is caring for these dogs. I appreciate that you are trying but once you do that, to become bored with it or disillusioned that a young dog isn't exactly what you feel a dog should be (based on what?) ---- it's kind of cruel to give up on it. The pup is counting on you and it breaks my heart to think of you just playing around with it and then casting it aside. good luck
Dogs are sociable creatures. This dog wants to be someone's pet. Hopefully he/she will become that very soon. All dogs deserve proper care and love.
Yes, lots of questions about the roaming dog and who the owner of the mother is and why no one is caring for these dogs. I appreciate that you are trying but once you do that, to become bored with it or disillusioned that a young dog isn't exactly what you feel a dog should be (based on what?) ---- it's kind of cruel to give up on it. The pup is counting on you and it breaks my heart to think of you just playing around with it and then casting it aside. good luck
I was going to respond properly until I read your comment "this one
is quickly becoming a burden" ... which leads me to question your intentions towards this puppy. You say it's not your dog, so who's is it? Who owns the mother? Why are they on campus and not being properly cared for? Has the puppy had it's injections (you say vet is too far away and it seems as if no one is taking responsibility for the puppy's health).
There are lots of questions about this scenario ... and training difficulties are not amongst them. Incidentally, if the puppy has learned the command to sit within one week, there's nothing wrong with it and this only proves the puppy is actually an intelligent dog.
Tony
is quickly becoming a burden" ... which leads me to question your intentions towards this puppy. You say it's not your dog, so who's is it? Who owns the mother? Why are they on campus and not being properly cared for? Has the puppy had it's injections (you say vet is too far away and it seems as if no one is taking responsibility for the puppy's health).
There are lots of questions about this scenario ... and training difficulties are not amongst them. Incidentally, if the puppy has learned the command to sit within one week, there's nothing wrong with it and this only proves the puppy is actually an intelligent dog.
Tony
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