Risey

Yes. I had my bloke bring me everything that wasn't bolted down one night, simply because I used treats to get him to give up his "prize". He soon cottoned on to the idea that if I wanted something from him, I'd give him a treat, so I was brought all manner of "gifts" such as the remotes, shoes, clothes etc which he'd only give up in exchange for a reward. Now I use the word "Give" and show him the reward but he only gets it after he's worked for it. Given back the object then done a few sits, drops, some heelwork and a stay. Aww, that's adorable! I might start on the "Give" command sometime, but for the time being, I'm just being extra vigilant and doing chewtoy exchange. Once she's ready to learn more new commands, I'll definitely try that! Thanks for the advice~

Hehe, indeed! Yeah, an adorable lab at puppy school performed beautifully in the first class - so focused on the treat that he blocked out all the commotion around him! Firm and confident does seem the way to go, I'll try my best!

Thanks! I've been working with her all day, using her kibble as the main reward and other treats randomly - seems to be working quite well. She's currently on dry food only, with liver bits and chicken as an occassional treat. Training works well without distractions, she has a crazy long attention span. She's still easily distracted by outside sounds or people but. Crate training: We never let her out if she's crying, only if she is quiet... and we're slowly increasing the "quiet time" before letting her out. I've also been treating her for being quiet, but not letting her out of the crate. She slept in it all last night, even with the door open. It makes it a lot easier, because I just have to shut the door when she's snoozing, no fuss! =) And YAY! She slept through the night without needing to go out! Thanks for the advice with the cat too, I'll try it once I've figured out what's a strong drive for her! Just wondering though, does lead correction mean holding the lead taut/close to the collar, or does it include a firm tug? Cheers!

My partner and I have just had our pup for a week today, and while she is absolutely beautiful in some respects, she can be quite the little monster! She's a 10.5 week old GSD we obtained from a breeder. Her parents had good hip scores but sometimes she appears to have a slight wobble in her hind legs, especially after lying down for a while. Is it recommended to feed her a glucosamine/chondroitin (or ester-c) supplement at this age? She's had her first day in puppy pre-school and the instructors put it down to gangly puppy phase. Another issue is positive reinforcement as taught in puppy pre-school. I was planning to bring it up at the next session but thought I'd see what DOLers think as well. The instructors teach not to reprimand the puppy but to always offer another item of higher value if she chews or does something 'bad'. Wouldn't that put it in pup's head though that "stealing mom's slipper makes her give me treats when I drop it" ? She doesn't listen to good firm "NO's" either. It's especially frustrating because when she's in the mood, she sits and comes over on command like a dream. If she's not, nothing can make her do what we want, not even treats or kibble. Pup has even refused those liver pieces that the puppy pre-school instructors use! She also hates having a leash on and will gnaw on it if we don't stop her or distract her with treats (again only if she's amenable to treats). Despite that, she has learned to eliminate outside, except for the unfortunate occassion where she can't hold it in any longer! We have a crate for her, and she sleeps in it with the door open; we shut the door during mealtimes and only let her out when she stops whinging, but goodness can she whinge! She just will not settle in the crate at night if the door is shut even though we've been sleeping in the lounge where her crate is for the past week. I suspect we'll just have to suck it up and bear her bringing the house down till she gets used to it. Another issue that's really stressing me out at the moment is my poor cat. He's an adult and used to having the run of the house, but is now self-confined upstairs because puppy keeps barking when he ventures downstairs. We've got a baby gate on the stairs so the cat can escape to the 'safe area'. The cat is wary of the puppy and growls/hisses when she gets too close, but when the pup starts barking, kitty makes a break for it. Suggestions from people we know who own dogs so far is "let them have at it" but what if kitty puts out an eye? We've tried introducing them calmly and they appear to get used to each other but the pup starts barking again whenever the cat starts moving around. Any suggestions? We've tried crating the pup and bringing the cat close but both parties freak out and the cat scrambles upstairs when the barking starts. ARGH! I love them both to bits and it's really stressful that they won't get along. So in summary: Hip/joint supplements for puppy, yes/no? Positive reinforcement (treat suggestions?) or firm "NO"s? Crate training, will there be an end! (I know there will be, but it helps when people say "YES!") How do I get pup and cat to get along? Thanks in advance for any and all replies... It's a blessedly quiet moment now, pup's worn out from playing/training/few-minute-crating exercise......