Aa
Mental mongrel in the morning
How should I react to my 6 month old mongrel, minature pincher mix.
She is such a sweet friendly dog, no aggression problems.
She goes histerical when we meet her after she has slept.
Completely manic. If I pick her up she is OK, but keeps shuddering.
She has pointy claws and scratches the legs off us. Pees herself with excitement.
Am I supposed to just ignore her, is it just her age?
Any tips or reasons behind this. Should I pick her up?
Thank you for any replies
She is such a sweet friendly dog, no aggression problems.
She goes histerical when we meet her after she has slept.
Completely manic. If I pick her up she is OK, but keeps shuddering.
She has pointy claws and scratches the legs off us. Pees herself with excitement.
Am I supposed to just ignore her, is it just her age?
Any tips or reasons behind this. Should I pick her up?
Thank you for any replies
Sorry, if it was me who made you feel defensive...I really didn't mean too. I have no doubt you're a very caring dog owner, other wise you wouldn't be here asking questions.
Take care and thank you for helping all us inexperienced dog owners!!
I want the best for my dog, I just didnt have a clue on a couple of things.
I want the best for my dog, I just didnt have a clue on a couple of things.
Oh no! IPlease don't want you take any of the advice from members as an attack. It really is not intended to be that way. Ghilly has a great deal of vet tech experience and means only to be helpful. Also, many of our responses are geared not only toward the individual poster's situation, but with an eye toward other members who may be searching the board for similar answers to similar questions. Please hang around! We want to hear how you get on with your pup! :-)
On the dog park issue, I injected my own observations of similar parks into your situation. Most dogs who are driven to a park are completely unsocialized, hyperactive, undisciplined and their owners don't take proper notice of what is happening. Because you are walking her there and back, you're doing exactly what you need to do. It's also a great sign than your pup pays attention to you and comes when called in that sort of situation, so no problems there. I've seen too many dogs allowed to run wild in dog parks and then a fight happens because the owners aren't paying attention. It's really sad because usually the bigger dog "finishes" the fight and gets blamed when he didn't actually start it. I swear I could write a book on the horrible things I've seen at dog parks, and it usually boils down to nothing but ignorance and inattention on the owner's part.
Congratulations on the new sleeping arrangements! It can be difficult to determine "when" is the right time to earn trust, but in my experience I've found it's easier to get going on that the sooner the better. From about 2 to 6 months, puppies are at in the best time of life for learning the household rules. They're like little sponges just waiting to be told the Rules.
With any puppy, you have to expect a certain amount of damage. "Setting them up" for an accident while you're present to instantly correct the behavior goes a long way to building life-long good behavior. Just like house-training: make sure you're in the room and watch closely. The second you see the "sniff and squat" say NO (one time only) and take her outside. As soon as she takes care of business, heap on the praise. The same method works for any unwanted behavior. If you know she likes to chew on things like shoes, put one out in the living room and just wait for her to go for it. Then correct her. Don't just take it away; leave the shoe on the floor and keep correcting her until she ignores it.
Ghilly brought up a great idea for the daytime hours. Is there anyone in your neighborhood who might be willing to come over and let your pup out or even better, take her for a quick walk about mid day? We've been so very lucky with all our puppies in that I could either come home for lunch or have a neighbor perform this service. We do the same for our neighbors' dogs if they get stuck or have a new puppy.
In this situation, crating a dog (or using a baby gate) is actually better than restricting her to a bathroom. That's only because the crate simulates a den and helps promote the dog's natural instinct to nap. If the crate is placed where the other dog has access, they can communicate much easier through the crate door rather than a solid door - that helps to promote a pack mentality.
You seem to have made great strides since your first post. Congratulations! :-)
On the dog park issue, I injected my own observations of similar parks into your situation. Most dogs who are driven to a park are completely unsocialized, hyperactive, undisciplined and their owners don't take proper notice of what is happening. Because you are walking her there and back, you're doing exactly what you need to do. It's also a great sign than your pup pays attention to you and comes when called in that sort of situation, so no problems there. I've seen too many dogs allowed to run wild in dog parks and then a fight happens because the owners aren't paying attention. It's really sad because usually the bigger dog "finishes" the fight and gets blamed when he didn't actually start it. I swear I could write a book on the horrible things I've seen at dog parks, and it usually boils down to nothing but ignorance and inattention on the owner's part.
Congratulations on the new sleeping arrangements! It can be difficult to determine "when" is the right time to earn trust, but in my experience I've found it's easier to get going on that the sooner the better. From about 2 to 6 months, puppies are at in the best time of life for learning the household rules. They're like little sponges just waiting to be told the Rules.
With any puppy, you have to expect a certain amount of damage. "Setting them up" for an accident while you're present to instantly correct the behavior goes a long way to building life-long good behavior. Just like house-training: make sure you're in the room and watch closely. The second you see the "sniff and squat" say NO (one time only) and take her outside. As soon as she takes care of business, heap on the praise. The same method works for any unwanted behavior. If you know she likes to chew on things like shoes, put one out in the living room and just wait for her to go for it. Then correct her. Don't just take it away; leave the shoe on the floor and keep correcting her until she ignores it.
Ghilly brought up a great idea for the daytime hours. Is there anyone in your neighborhood who might be willing to come over and let your pup out or even better, take her for a quick walk about mid day? We've been so very lucky with all our puppies in that I could either come home for lunch or have a neighbor perform this service. We do the same for our neighbors' dogs if they get stuck or have a new puppy.
In this situation, crating a dog (or using a baby gate) is actually better than restricting her to a bathroom. That's only because the crate simulates a den and helps promote the dog's natural instinct to nap. If the crate is placed where the other dog has access, they can communicate much easier through the crate door rather than a solid door - that helps to promote a pack mentality.
You seem to have made great strides since your first post. Congratulations! :-)
Well I am going to defend myself here. My bathroom is much bigger than most peoples kitchens, with lots of toys + furniture water and food.
Also How come the seven and a half hour day I leave my dog is being turned into 8+ hours? Are we looking for Drama?
"Running around on her own at the dog park" No, I never said that - we walk there it takes 20 mins to get there and 20 to get back. I go in with her and we play, she comes over and back to me and usually by the end she is sitting beside me as I sit on the bench chatting to the locals, take it easy!!
Also I have taken a lot of the advice on board from Jaybay and she is now sleeping upstairs with the family, I was planing on doing this when she was older because of the cheewing everything, but actualy now she seems to be ready, a bit noisy, but not bad, adjusting she can go out to the garden from there in the night.
You have to understand that from 6:30 - 8 and 15:30 - 23:00 she gets non stop attention and is very much loved by a family of six, with a dog friend and we are certainly not the 'instant gratification' types, :-))
Also How come the seven and a half hour day I leave my dog is being turned into 8+ hours? Are we looking for Drama?
"Running around on her own at the dog park" No, I never said that - we walk there it takes 20 mins to get there and 20 to get back. I go in with her and we play, she comes over and back to me and usually by the end she is sitting beside me as I sit on the bench chatting to the locals, take it easy!!
Also I have taken a lot of the advice on board from Jaybay and she is now sleeping upstairs with the family, I was planing on doing this when she was older because of the cheewing everything, but actualy now she seems to be ready, a bit noisy, but not bad, adjusting she can go out to the garden from there in the night.
You have to understand that from 6:30 - 8 and 15:30 - 23:00 she gets non stop attention and is very much loved by a family of six, with a dog friend and we are certainly not the 'instant gratification' types, :-))
Jaybay, I agree with everything you've said about this. Especially the nighttime sleeping arrangements. This puppy may be feeling ousted from the pack, by being put behind a closed door. Along with the same situation during the day, with nothing to watch but 4 small walls. Blocking him in the kitchen with a baby gate sounds like a much better option. This pup needs to be able to see, smell and interact with the others, even if it's in a crate. But I think it's time this pup be fully integrated with the rest of his family.
I first want to say EXCELLENT response, Jaybay. :)
Now, on to the situation with the min pin. Is there no way that someone can come home during the day to let her out for an hour or so? Six month old puppies are manic much of the time ANYWAY, but hyper breeds like the min pin need even more opportunities to burn off their excess energy.
In answer to the question "How do people manage who are working?", I'm afraid the answer isn't a popular one. Now, please understand, this is not intended as any kind of "attack", this is just the truth, and since you obviously care enough about your puppy to write in for advice in the first place, that tells me that you are the type of person who is willing to work to correct the situation, or make the necessary amends to remedy the problem. But, the answer to the question is that if someone must be away from home at least eight hours a day, then getting a puppy is something that should be put off until the situation changes and someone is able to be home during the day. We, as a society, are geared toward instant gratification, and we're used to the idea of if we want something, and can afford it, we just go buy it. Sometimes we do this without thinking that it's one thing to do this with an inanimate object, but it's an entirely different story when the object of our desires is a living, breathing being with psychological as well as physiological needs.
Thrusting a young puppy into a situation such as this is setting it up for failure. The temperament of the breed as a whole as well as the temperamemt of the individual must be taken into account. In a situation where nobody is home for the whole day is not an ideal situation for any puppy or dog, but an older individual of a low key breed does a lot better in this situation than a young individual of a breed known for hyperactivity. This is why it is so important to research dog breeds before buying a puppy, and why the breed you like the look of might not be the breed for you despite the fact that that's the one you want. On the whole, there are really no toy breeds that are equipped to deal with being left alone for long periods of time, especially as young puppies.
Right now, the main thing that has to be done is to try to find a way for someone to get home for a while during the middle part of the day to take the pupper out and play with him for a little while. If it's not possible for a family member to do it, perhaps there is a pet sitter in the area who can come take the puppy out for exercise, or a neighborhood animal lover who can come give him some attention for a while just to break up that long 8+ hour stretch when nobody is home. This would be a great deal of help and would help the puppy's attitude and temperament tremendously. And, as Jaybay has already suggested, a nice long walk with you is a much better substitute for just letting the puppy run around on its own at a dog park.
Ghilly
Now, on to the situation with the min pin. Is there no way that someone can come home during the day to let her out for an hour or so? Six month old puppies are manic much of the time ANYWAY, but hyper breeds like the min pin need even more opportunities to burn off their excess energy.
In answer to the question "How do people manage who are working?", I'm afraid the answer isn't a popular one. Now, please understand, this is not intended as any kind of "attack", this is just the truth, and since you obviously care enough about your puppy to write in for advice in the first place, that tells me that you are the type of person who is willing to work to correct the situation, or make the necessary amends to remedy the problem. But, the answer to the question is that if someone must be away from home at least eight hours a day, then getting a puppy is something that should be put off until the situation changes and someone is able to be home during the day. We, as a society, are geared toward instant gratification, and we're used to the idea of if we want something, and can afford it, we just go buy it. Sometimes we do this without thinking that it's one thing to do this with an inanimate object, but it's an entirely different story when the object of our desires is a living, breathing being with psychological as well as physiological needs.
Thrusting a young puppy into a situation such as this is setting it up for failure. The temperament of the breed as a whole as well as the temperamemt of the individual must be taken into account. In a situation where nobody is home for the whole day is not an ideal situation for any puppy or dog, but an older individual of a low key breed does a lot better in this situation than a young individual of a breed known for hyperactivity. This is why it is so important to research dog breeds before buying a puppy, and why the breed you like the look of might not be the breed for you despite the fact that that's the one you want. On the whole, there are really no toy breeds that are equipped to deal with being left alone for long periods of time, especially as young puppies.
Right now, the main thing that has to be done is to try to find a way for someone to get home for a while during the middle part of the day to take the pupper out and play with him for a little while. If it's not possible for a family member to do it, perhaps there is a pet sitter in the area who can come take the puppy out for exercise, or a neighborhood animal lover who can come give him some attention for a while just to break up that long 8+ hour stretch when nobody is home. This would be a great deal of help and would help the puppy's attitude and temperament tremendously. And, as Jaybay has already suggested, a nice long walk with you is a much better substitute for just letting the puppy run around on its own at a dog park.
Ghilly
Six months is old enough to "hold it" for 8 hours, particularly if you're vigilant about making sure she's on empty first. Can you perhaps enlarge her daytime area to a kitchen using a baby gate? If she already goes on something like wee wee pads or newspapers in the bathroom, she should naturally do the same thing in a larger room. But again, there's no reason she shouldn't be completely housetrained by 6 months.
At night, can you again use the baby gate setup to keep her in your bedroom or with the kids? I suspect part of her frustration is that she isn't able to be a full part of the pack. That doesn't mean she gets to sleep in bed with you (unless you want her to) but just being nearby her people will help her develop a proper pack mentality.
Crates can be a great thing for dogs - if used properly. The same rules apply though: either all night or during the work day, but not both. Sometimes "smaller" is actually better and can help calm a nervous dog. Because dogs are natural den animals, a nice dark crate can become a safe-zone in which to decompress. Dogs who really take to crate training will retire to it on their own if they get overwhelmed with things like thunderstorms, fireworks, or even just too many people in the house. Instead of having to "guard" the entire territory of house and yard, the crate becomes a safe retreat from that stress.
Look into purchasing one of the plastic crates with a carrying handle. They come in really handy for car travel in addition to providing a darker environment that contributes to a calm dog. The wire crates are OK, I just don't like them as well for travel, and you'll usually end up having to put a towel over the top and sides to help simulate a den. The crate needs to be large enough for the dog to comfortably stand up, turn around and stretch out a bit - but no more.
Do a search of the archives on this board for more info on crate training. The subject comes up fairly often. :-)
At night, can you again use the baby gate setup to keep her in your bedroom or with the kids? I suspect part of her frustration is that she isn't able to be a full part of the pack. That doesn't mean she gets to sleep in bed with you (unless you want her to) but just being nearby her people will help her develop a proper pack mentality.
Crates can be a great thing for dogs - if used properly. The same rules apply though: either all night or during the work day, but not both. Sometimes "smaller" is actually better and can help calm a nervous dog. Because dogs are natural den animals, a nice dark crate can become a safe-zone in which to decompress. Dogs who really take to crate training will retire to it on their own if they get overwhelmed with things like thunderstorms, fireworks, or even just too many people in the house. Instead of having to "guard" the entire territory of house and yard, the crate becomes a safe retreat from that stress.
Look into purchasing one of the plastic crates with a carrying handle. They come in really handy for car travel in addition to providing a darker environment that contributes to a calm dog. The wire crates are OK, I just don't like them as well for travel, and you'll usually end up having to put a towel over the top and sides to help simulate a den. The crate needs to be large enough for the dog to comfortably stand up, turn around and stretch out a bit - but no more.
Do a search of the archives on this board for more info on crate training. The subject comes up fairly often. :-)
WOW, Thank you, you gave me so much advice! I really honestly greatly appreciate it.
You put so much thought and effort into your response, thank you.
I will follow it and we will start with a walk in the morning.
One thing, the 'locked up 16 hours a day is way too much'. How do people manage who are working? I just wonder, I also heard some dogs are in crates. The bathroom is big.
The other dog 18 months can go in and out of the house all day, but I dont think she is old enough for that, at least when she is older she can have that freedom
You put so much thought and effort into your response, thank you.
I will follow it and we will start with a walk in the morning.
One thing, the 'locked up 16 hours a day is way too much'. How do people manage who are working? I just wonder, I also heard some dogs are in crates. The bathroom is big.
The other dog 18 months can go in and out of the house all day, but I dont think she is old enough for that, at least when she is older she can have that freedom
LOL! Hope you saved the shoe! :-) You provided some great information and I can see several issues that need work - more than I can address over the internet alone.
Yes, min pins are very high-energy dogs and they need structured exercise. What she's getting now is nothing more than burning off built up frustration and excitement from being locked away in the bathroom.
Excitement does not equal happiness. There is no need to feel badly about not recognizing frustrated excitement and mistaking it for happiness. Most people have the same idea and that's where the behavior problems begin.
I suspect the morning reunion with the other dogs is pretty crazy, with lots of verbal cues from you? The first step is for YOU to always remain calm, particularly in the morning when she's at her worst. Don't speak to her, and don't pick her up or pet her. Go into the bathroom and calmly put on her leash. Do not let her leave the room (or ANY) doorway before you. Use the leash as a correction if she charges through - just a quick pop should be enough. You want to have her look right at your face with the correction. It might happen in a split second, so watch carefully.
Take her out back to do her business, and if at all possible, go for a walk before feeding her. A dog's genetically-driven schedule from long ago wolf DNA makes it natural for her to wake up, take care of potty business, maybe get a drink and then it's off for a walk in search of food. After they weak and then eat, it's natural for them to settle in for a long nap.
Forego the dog park for now in favor of a long walk. Dog parks are notorious for having unstable, overexcited dogs and that can lead to a nasty fight. Most of the time it's the little dogs that cuase the problems, and when a big dog finishes the argument, he gets the blame.
There's way too much time being spent in that bathroom. That's over 16 hours of every day she is locked up, and that's a big source of frustration.
I really think you need a professional trainer to help you learn about dog behavior and training. All the issues I see in your dog can be dealt with, and you only need some sound knowledge to have a mentally stable dog who is trustworthy in your home. Training is a great opportunity for a family activity because you'll need your children to get involved in this dog's rehabilitation. If you all commit to making some changes and learning, you'll really be surprised at how quickly she will respond.
If you absolutely cannot afford a trainer, go to the library and check out Cesar Millan's books and videos. He's the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Also, you can go to You Tube and do a search on "Amazing Dog Training Man". He's a great dog trainer who has posted a whole lot of videos that deal with a vast array of behavior issues and basic obedience training.
In the meantime, try to maintain a calm demeanor at all times (same goes for your kids) and only give affection when your min pin is calm. Don't reward any unwanted behavior with affection, and learn how to properly correct it. That applies to "fearful" behavior as well, like shaking. If you comfort her like you would a human child, you only reinforce the behavior. Try to follow the "walk, eat, potty, nap" routine twice a day.
Most important - unpack your guilt-trip bag! All that frustration is in the past and today is a new day of a great future. If you get started on the right foot with good training knowledge, your dog will not hold it against you that she never had leadership before now. Really! Dogs don't hold grudges like people, which is one of the reasons why they're so wonderful. :-)
Yes, min pins are very high-energy dogs and they need structured exercise. What she's getting now is nothing more than burning off built up frustration and excitement from being locked away in the bathroom.
Excitement does not equal happiness. There is no need to feel badly about not recognizing frustrated excitement and mistaking it for happiness. Most people have the same idea and that's where the behavior problems begin.
I suspect the morning reunion with the other dogs is pretty crazy, with lots of verbal cues from you? The first step is for YOU to always remain calm, particularly in the morning when she's at her worst. Don't speak to her, and don't pick her up or pet her. Go into the bathroom and calmly put on her leash. Do not let her leave the room (or ANY) doorway before you. Use the leash as a correction if she charges through - just a quick pop should be enough. You want to have her look right at your face with the correction. It might happen in a split second, so watch carefully.
Take her out back to do her business, and if at all possible, go for a walk before feeding her. A dog's genetically-driven schedule from long ago wolf DNA makes it natural for her to wake up, take care of potty business, maybe get a drink and then it's off for a walk in search of food. After they weak and then eat, it's natural for them to settle in for a long nap.
Forego the dog park for now in favor of a long walk. Dog parks are notorious for having unstable, overexcited dogs and that can lead to a nasty fight. Most of the time it's the little dogs that cuase the problems, and when a big dog finishes the argument, he gets the blame.
There's way too much time being spent in that bathroom. That's over 16 hours of every day she is locked up, and that's a big source of frustration.
I really think you need a professional trainer to help you learn about dog behavior and training. All the issues I see in your dog can be dealt with, and you only need some sound knowledge to have a mentally stable dog who is trustworthy in your home. Training is a great opportunity for a family activity because you'll need your children to get involved in this dog's rehabilitation. If you all commit to making some changes and learning, you'll really be surprised at how quickly she will respond.
If you absolutely cannot afford a trainer, go to the library and check out Cesar Millan's books and videos. He's the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Also, you can go to You Tube and do a search on "Amazing Dog Training Man". He's a great dog trainer who has posted a whole lot of videos that deal with a vast array of behavior issues and basic obedience training.
In the meantime, try to maintain a calm demeanor at all times (same goes for your kids) and only give affection when your min pin is calm. Don't reward any unwanted behavior with affection, and learn how to properly correct it. That applies to "fearful" behavior as well, like shaking. If you comfort her like you would a human child, you only reinforce the behavior. Try to follow the "walk, eat, potty, nap" routine twice a day.
Most important - unpack your guilt-trip bag! All that frustration is in the past and today is a new day of a great future. If you get started on the right foot with good training knowledge, your dog will not hold it against you that she never had leadership before now. Really! Dogs don't hold grudges like people, which is one of the reasons why they're so wonderful. :-)
Thank you for your reply, I appreciate any advice.
Oh dear I never thought she was frustrated, I thought she was happy as hell to see us? I feel bad now.
I think maybe this breed need more excercise.
HER DAY
She sleeps in the bathroom with nice bed 8 hours, she is then reunited with her best friend a 1 year old havasnese. Big feed, breakfast
I am a teacher so just finished 3 weeks at home with her.
She is free for one hour in the morning (we have a flap to a big garden)
We go to school and she goes back in the bathroom 8 - 3:30
then free with playing with children, with ball, she gets 2 - 4 chewy treats she needs to chew + will chew other stuff if we dont give.
After supper (big feed) she goes for a long (1hour walk) to a 'dog zone' where she runs free and finds other dogs to play and socialise with.
We have trained her to sit, but maybe we need to do more I never thought of that ???
When the kids go to bed she is preety whacked, lies on top of me till I force her out into the garden for last wee.
Have to go she has got my shoe!
Oh dear I never thought she was frustrated, I thought she was happy as hell to see us? I feel bad now.
I think maybe this breed need more excercise.
HER DAY
She sleeps in the bathroom with nice bed 8 hours, she is then reunited with her best friend a 1 year old havasnese. Big feed, breakfast
I am a teacher so just finished 3 weeks at home with her.
She is free for one hour in the morning (we have a flap to a big garden)
We go to school and she goes back in the bathroom 8 - 3:30
then free with playing with children, with ball, she gets 2 - 4 chewy treats she needs to chew + will chew other stuff if we dont give.
After supper (big feed) she goes for a long (1hour walk) to a 'dog zone' where she runs free and finds other dogs to play and socialise with.
We have trained her to sit, but maybe we need to do more I never thought of that ???
When the kids go to bed she is preety whacked, lies on top of me till I force her out into the garden for last wee.
Have to go she has got my shoe!
No, don't pick her up and give affection when she behaves that way. It only reinforces the behavior.
You have a very frustrated little dog and there isn't a quick, one-time fix for it. She likely needs a whole lot more exercise than she's currently getting that includes both physical and mental work.
Can you give us an idea of what a typical day is like for her?
You have a very frustrated little dog and there isn't a quick, one-time fix for it. She likely needs a whole lot more exercise than she's currently getting that includes both physical and mental work.
Can you give us an idea of what a typical day is like for her?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Dogs Community
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
Ooh and aah your way through these too-cute photos of MedHelp members' best friends
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
