Classes and Behaviors

[OzzyBear]

So ever since I got Oz people have been telling me how important it is that I get him into puppy classes. He hasn't attended any yet mainly because I haven't been able afford it, nor do we really have the time. I'm going to try to get him in sometime in September or October. He's getting neutered tomorrow and I want to give him time to heal. The thing is, he is already 22 weeks old...is this too late? I know the sooner the better.

He's a pretty wild puppy and does have some behaviors that have been difficult to redirect. He does know a few commands but won't comply if he doesn't feel like it. For example, he'll come when called only if there's nothing really exciting going on at the time for him, or when he wants to chew on something (or someone) he shouldn't. And it's like whenever he's in his hyper mode there's almost no getting through to him. Is this a normal puppy phase that he'll grow out of? I praise him when he stops the bad behavior and give him a firm "NO" when he displays bad behavior and then I put him down and ignore him for a bit, which works temporarily.

[Rosiepug]

He sounds like a normal puppy to me. Most pugs are quite stubborn and will obey if they want to, especially if there's a treat offered and once they've gulped it down, they do as they wish again.

I think socializing him with other dogs, people and places is very important but you can do that by going to the dog park and meeting other sociable dogs. Letting him meet with people and encourage them to pet him including older people, babies, people wearing hats, sunglasses, with umbrellas, in wheelchairs as many different situations as possible so he's not afraid. Take him to many different places, shops that your allowed to go to. Let him see motor bikes, horses, pneumatic drills at road works etc. You get the meaning of what I'm saying.. expose him to many new situations.

At home continue to work at basic obedience. Buy a book and follow that until you can afford a class.

[Charlie Baby]

I agree completely with Jacqueline - exposure is the biggest thing. Our puppy learns a lot just by going to offleash and walks along the harborfront where there are tons of people and kids that interact with him. The kids are expecially important, he's super good with them because he's always been exposed to the 7 nieces and nephews we have living here...my friend has found that to be a problem with her dog...lack of exposure to kids...As for the classes, we're currently taking some, and while they are good, they aren't earth shattering...and most of the dogs are close too or over the age of 1...

[OzzyBear]

Thanks so much for the replies so far.

I have been taking him out almost once a week to Petsmart with me, which he is pretty good for. He occassionally will growl at some of the people that come up to him and hide inbetween my legs (which i think is rather cute, but somewhat embarrasing lol). I plan on getting him out a lot more in the fall for lately it's been too hot and humid for him to be outside for long periods. I'm glad to be reassured that he is a normal rebellious puppy otherwise. I know obedience isn't everything, but I someday would like to let him have free reign of the house while no one is home and know he's safe like our other dog.

Words cannot express how much I love him. :)

[PugSavers]

Words cannot express how much I love him. :)

That is the most important thing you can do for him. I have seen pugs who have been neglected or abused for years who are able to overcome the worst of things with love and care.

[Snifter]

Just don't make him do anything he feels uncomfortable with. If people come up to him and he growls or hides it is because he is scared of them for some reason. Toddy is a very friendly little chap but even he sometimes drops his tail and tries to get away from particularly pushy or loud children. Try to get over the embarrassment; you're there to protect him and a bad socialisation experience can put you back a long, long way. If people want to make friends with him, let it be on his terms. Give them a treat they can offer him, and let him do the approaching.

[jwestoverpug]

Puppy class is great because you can introduce your puppy to lots of dogs in a controlled situation. Parks you just never know, and you can end up doing more harm than good. All the things you mention are covered in a puppy class.

The best way to approach training is to teach what you do want him to do, not just tell him no, when he's doing something you don't like think about what alternative behavior you do want and teach and praise that. Not coming when called when exciting things are going on is pretty typical. Practice lots when you know he will come, and avoid using that command at all when it's unlikely he will...you have to build up very gradually before you can expect them to come every single time, no matter what. Set him up for success!

At his age it's ideal if he goes out on walks where he'll see all sorts of things every single day.

[OzzyBear]

Thanks guys

I don't force him to go up to people and I try to get strangers to talk to him or put their hands out so that maybe he'll take some interest and approach. If he's biting or chewing things he shouldn't I sometimes swap it for a toy or bone if I have one handy and I say "Trade" Which he does fairly well with, but I don't always practice it even though I should.

Just recently, my fiance has been taking him to see me at work. I work in a group home with profoundly mentally disabled adults. I only have one resident that is high functioning enough to really interact, and she loves dogs. Ozzy started to lick her face and everything, but was scared of the others. I think mainly because some of them can be very verbal, and some have facial abnormalities so he's not used to seeing that. (Plus it's kind of a new environment for him) So we keep the visits extremely short and give him a treat afterwards.