CherylHampton

Thanks I had a feeling that we wouldn't be able to do much and the vet did indeed send him home with meds. I've kept him close and he's only been out to potty, boy he's one headstrong pup! He. Seems to be tolerating his plight pretty well with the exception of the cone, I think I hate it for him as much as he hates it! He's been such a good boy through all this, and we may never know what actually happened, but he's home and that's all that matters. He said thanks for the pats they made him feel better and he's happy to know he has friends in his corner😊Hes at that age where he's feeling his oats and barks at everything that moves(or not)I have a small memory garden with some military statues suffice it to say if I'm ever approached by little concrete men, Shiloh's got me covered lol! He's my buddy.

Me again. Long story short, Shiloh got away from me last Thurs when I took him out. He was gone overnight but was on the porch Fri. his leg was broken. He's in a splint with a cone around his head. He's getting around well all things considered. He's also being spoiled and I will try and refrain from going ever board. Are any of the training exercises doable without causing him undue pain? I'm want him to remain focused, he's already bored and looking sad. He's going to be in this same late not another month at least. It banks for any ideas to keep him busy, I feel so guilty that I couldn't hold onto him.

Hi, of course I have another question, this one a bit different. Apart from the short training session throughout the day, is there a recommended amount of time that should be spent interacting with our pups/dogs? Shiloh likes to sit in the sun on the front porch and just kind of chills out. I bring him in and sometimes he will hang with me for a few hours sometimes he prefers to be out. He always lets me know when he wants in or out, so Ive just been following his lead. I don't want him to feel neglected but of course there are household things that take up my attention as well. He has a couple of acres that I keep mowed so he has room to run, and play fetch as well as practice with the leash, and other games. He just turned 4 months old, and already quite large. Anyway I just want to make sure we are spending enough time together apart from his training sessions. His attention span is pretty good but 10 or 15 min is his limit. As always thanks in advance for your input😊

Thanks, as usual good information and we will definitely work on it. My first thought was him being enclosed in the car may have had something to do with his behavior, barking didn't surprise me, the low intense growling in addition to the barking was what made me antsy about him. I will say he didn't try to exit the car to get to the other dog so that's good. Will keep an eye on it and surely ask for more help as needed thanks again.😊

Well I'm back. Wasn't gone long😊 anyway my question is....I took Shiloh to the lake for a short walk today. He was pretty good,didnt pull much and was so excited to dig and play in the sand. When we were leaving there was a couple walking their dog on leash.Shiloh was already in the car. He spotted the dog and started barking, then growling. That's the first time he's ever done that. Should I be concerned? He still plays with his "friend" from next door and she came as we were getting out of the car. Shiloh still has a habit of wanting to get her around the neck while playing. She doesn't seem to mind as he isn't aggressive, no growling or vicious behavior that I can see and he doesn't chase her when she's had enough playing. He's not food or toy aggressive at all even when she's here. Should I be concerned about him growling and barking at the other dog while in the car?

Hi, this question relates to a similar topic I posted about how to deal with Shiloh and his excitement when meeting different people. Now, when we went to visit my mom over the wknd. He was good to go until she came out, he wanted to get to her so badly all fours came off the ground, thrashing his head to get out of his collar(leash on). He's been around her before and generally is just interested in her feet, though he doesn't chew like he used to. Also I had a repairman come yesterday, he was fine til I answered the door. He got excited and nipped my hands(not hard) I think he just wanted my attention to alert me we had someone else in the house. He was very friendly with the guy, and after a few minutes he settled and just laid down. he he guy had to be in and out a few times and each time Shiloh was excited to see him. I leashed him of course and that didn't do anything except make him more intent to get to where he wanted. He minds very well with me, but out and about or around new folks, its like he's never been taught a thing. I will say that my nephew took him for a walk in the woods, and he was very complimentary about how obedient Shiloh was. So there is that. He's come such a long way with his leash(he still likes to chew on it occasionally) I know he will get with the program and learn to contain himself eventually. We have a vet visit soon, am a bit anxious about how that's going to go.

Again thanks for the valuable input. Some of your suggestions I already have planned. He's had his shots and the local tractor supply allows pets in the store so we will see how that goes. He needs the exposure as well as the short car ride to and fro. He's quite social so that will be a good opportunity. Living in a rural community the store is always quite busy so I think the perimeter of the parking lot will be a good place to start . He can hear vehicles on our road at a distance and the neighbors 4 wheeler doesn't bother him so thats good. I will add the socializing as close to the recommended suggestions in the brain training section as I can given my circumstances. Shiloh is an interesting pup. He's the first one I've EVER had that would accompany me into the kitchen and sit(without a command) while I'm preparing his meal or treats. He sat like a gentleman while I cooked bacon this morning, no begging whatsoever, probably sounds silly but I'm impressed. The most animated he gets is when he wants in the chair with me he still can't get there on his own. Will check in with his progress and thank you again. When he lifted his head to let me connect the leash yesterday was a MONUMENTAL step in the right direction😊

Hi guess who? Got a question that I know is covered but my circumstances are a bit different I think. Oh! first, I tabled the idea of the attention heeling and am just going for heeling alone, we made three turns of my large living room this morning, the first two with no treats. Go Shiloh!!!Now to the heart of my question. I may have mentioned that I live in a very rural area. I have little to no visitors(with the exception of my granddaughters) that meeting went very well after I made sure they knew to turn their backs if Shiloh acted like he wanted to jump. He only tried a couple of times then sat like a little gentleman(he likes his attention). Since there isnt really any way to expose him to even the mailman(my driveway is about 200ft) so the rare packages I have delivered are just that rare. How do I make sure he's not going to go "postal" (sorry) when these deliveries are so few and far between? I got Shiloh to be a watch dog(not guard dog) as well as a companion, and he's fitting that role quite nicely. I live alone, so I feel better having him alert me to "company" including the possum on the front porch last night. That being said Shiloh is not inside all the time. He enjoys being outside, and whines to go out when I do bring him in. He has a nice warm place to sleep outdoors that he's quite fond of, so I've just let him decide where he's most comfortable. Is that a mistake? Also it will be some months before the young man that lows for me comes, is there any way to prepare him for that so that he's not freaked by the mower? I also have hay cut during the summer. Sorry to unload please forgive any typos Shiloh is trying to help😀

I read your post Lauren and actually laughed a little. Sorry, I'm m surprised Adrienne didn't tell you to check out all my posts on Shiloh. I had one almost identical to yours😊 growling, biting, generally nuh uh you ain't putting that thing on me! I got some excellent advice here and can tell you that it does get better. Shiloh doesn't attack my hands anymore, he doesn't run up and beg for his leash but hes getting there. He's HIGHLY food motivated so that helped. Good luck with your pup you're both gonna do great. Don't worry if you get frustrated, just take a step back and try again later. You're in the right place to get the help you need!😊

O.K. here I am yet again will try to keep it as short as I can. Shiloh has progressed to walking loose leash around my large living room, as long as I have treats(really had to bump them up in value) to get his attention but he will follow closely and sit when I stop. He's always been good at sitting at my side or in front of me when we are together. I had to take his collar off and readjust it as he's growing so very fast. He did not try to bite or growl, but it took coaxing(yes treats were involved) to get him to allow me to put it back on. Same for the leash. Now, as long as I was bent over offering him treats he was fine to walk, between treats he carried the leash in his mouth but let go in order to get his reward( I did give him a drop it command ) before he could have it. I feel like if we keep it up he will come around. He did better at the lake yesterday. As long as he's distracted he doesn't bother his leash, no one was there until we got ready to leave and of course he wanted to visit. Had a rough time getting him to pay attention to me but we finally made it back. I'm concentrating on the leash as its really the most critical for both of us. So thanks again for the help. My question re: training has to do with the look into my eyes and the air plane game. He got those down really quickly and I keep playing the airplane game to reinforce him looking at my eyes on cue, the problem is he absolutely will not do it when walking with me, or when I try to get his attention at other times. What's funny is when I place him in a "sit" he sits right down and looks right at me. I've actually counted to 25 while he maintained eye contact, how can I capitalize on that? He does down(still having to hand signals for that one), he's good with stay, leave it and drop it are good, just a bit inconsistent at times depending on what he's interested in. I would like to get him to do the attention heel but without him looking at me, its going to be hard. Can I say "heel" when he's following well? He doesn't pull or move away while inside, but outside is a different story when in the yard. Sometimes he will just sit down and refuse to go any further(are treats o.K. to get him moving again?) Dont want to pull him. So sorry for the lengthy post, but I just want the best for my little guy, he's got such personality😊 I'm thinking most of his traits are germ shep so far, although he did fetch as early as 7weeks. So funny to see him running with those little short legs, even if fetching from just a few feet. Thanks again! I'm sure I will be back😊

Just wanted to say thanks for the detailed information on getting Shiloh happier with his leash. I really wish I felt like he would do well with just his collar and leash but I don't see it happening. Hes not crazy about the harness and whines just a bit when I put it on him, but settles quickly and doesn't fight when I clasp it like he used to. At least the biting is better😊I wonder if he whines because he associates the harness with car tires which he's not especially fond of either but doesn't get car sick . he whines a lot then settles and sleeps when we go out. I have tried both the front and back and think the front ring may work a bit better will continue and see. I'm taking him to the lake this afternoon to see how he does. If he gets distracted without pulling too much I will know how to to from their. He will soon be able to go to our new dog park, a bit anxious about that but will hang in there with him so he can learn to have fun safely. Once again thank you for your support and all the great info. I've gotten my money's worth several times over already😊Im sure more questions will be forth coming.

The harness has an attachment with a ring at the front as well as on the back. There's also a very padded "grab" strip on the back in case you need to restrain immediately for anyone other reason. Since my post, ive put the harness on several more times and he's been much better at sitting and letting me do it without much protest. The leash is actually chain with a leather hand hold. He gets it in his mouth and actually tries to chew it. Occasionally he will drop it and just walk but not for long periods. I noticed with the other leash as well as his chew toys he "works" them at the back of his mouth in a way that seems to soothe him. Its odd its a front to back movement rather than an actual "chomping" motion. He whines occasionally with his chew toys making me wonder if some of it isn't related to his teething. He's gotten soooo much better at not chewing at shoes(with feet in them). I think I can work with him on the leash issue just wondered if the front or back ring was better. He's going to be a puller once he acclimates to the leash so should I attach the front or back. I was actually entertaining the thought of attaching the leash first as you mentioned and may try it. He's learning fast with your program although I'm glad my to have to repeat reinforce the look into my eyes game. He looks in my eyes for looooong periods of time just not when I give him the cue I want him to. I will have to say he has excellent manners for a pup so young though. He's never once tried to jump up or get impatient when I'm preparing his food, or begging in any way when he sees me with food. He's such a gentleman. Ok stopping now cause I'm gushing, going to post on dog parks now lol!

Hi, me again with more leash questions. You get so many on may not remember Shiloh and his biting whining snapping when trying to attach and disconnect his leash. I got him a harness to try and he's better with that part, he whines for a second but then sits and lets me hook him up. This harness has a front and back ring and I'm trying to decide which is best. He's still chewing the leash(even the chain one). Now he will walk some as long as he can carry the leash in his mouth but not great. He's not bad to pull (yet) but I see it coming. I have tried to get him to bring his chew toy but the leash is more desirable to him.back to the quest. Isthere and advantage to clipping the front vs. the back to guide him? He's about the same right now with either. I can't have him pulling me at all because my bones break easily and falling isn't an option😊

Thanks so much for the input. Shiloh has done pretty well I think, also when his playmate breaks play and wants a pet from me, he just sits back and waits,no signs of jealousy or being possessive but always ready to get back in the game. I realize he's still quite young but hope he continues to be a social butterfly with good manners. When he sees Chloe again he will be much bigger so I will definitely stand watch. She's a bit territorial but a gentle little doggy soul. Thanks again for the support off to another post to ask a couple of questions😊

Lots of questions but will get to them in another post😊for now...Shiloh has been playing with a young dog (grown) and they sometimes get a bit rough with each other. Most of their contact is around the neck and face nipping, snapping etc...but both seem to be fine with it. I've had them break a couple of times and they will stop for water breaks and then back at it. My question is its if he plays like this regularly will this continue into adulthood? He's going to be a large dog and will outweigh his playmate considerably. In addition my granddaughter has a 3year old mini schnauzer (?) and he's already bigger than her. Interestingly enough he tried to engage her to play but he never tried to jump on her, nip at her etc..he play bowed and barked an ran back and forth etc...Chloe wasn't impressed and let him know. He finally sat extended his paw to her which she promptly ignored. So he decided to play fetch with my granddaughter. Oh he offered his tug rope to Chloe no go. Just wondered if a dogs play style remains the same because he could accidentally hurt her if so and want to head this off at the pass if I need too thanks!

Thanks for the input. Will keep an eye on this.

Shiloh caught on to the target really quick only a few reps and he would touch his nose to my palm j problem, he will also do it now without a treat. The only thing is he wants to touch his nose to my knee, arm or whatever he can reach lol. Its not constant and at random times, but I wonder if hes using this as a way to tell me he wants a treat? I don't reward this as I want to stick to program outline as c!ose as possible.

Read a post on exposing your pup to new textures for their paws and different environments during the socialization period. Shiloh and I live in the country and he loves loves loves grass, and digging, and "zooming" first thing in the morning. We've been having major leash issues and wanted to squelch these asap. He's done better but not there yet. Took him to the lake this afternoon(about10min from home) he's still whiney when riding but He got out of the car like a big boy, met a couple of people, then headed to the water(on loose leash) he had a BLAST. digging, barking at the water (bottom up play style) couldn't understand why those rippley things didn't want to play so went right in and introduced himself. Its so fun to see your pup having fun and I hope we can have many more like this. He's already my best friend and when those shark teeth settle down perhaps we will be on our way. Good luck to all of you in getting your fur baby trained. I know we still have lots left to do but a break every now and then never hurt anybody😊

Lol yep that's Shiloh! I can see him standing in front of a vending machine doing just that lol! I don't reward him every time he nudges only when I ask him too. He's done pretty good on the leave it just hope it sticks. Oh he expresses his displeasure when he nudges to an empty hand with a bark he doesn't bark often but I know what he was saying😊

I realize this wasn't the best approach, but so far its all that's gotten his attention away from the leash !omg enough to take even a few steps. We've only done it twice the second time with the chain leash. Its a bit shorter but still allows for loose leash walking. I can't walk very fast and wish I could as my young nephew was able to get him to move quicker. I. Going to enlist his help in a week or so just needed something to get us started. My next challenge will be getting his attention away from my cane that I use on occasion. He still prefers my feet to anything else though, but he's a little better. Thanks for additional info will continue to absorb as much as possible and put it into action.

Just wanted to post something I tried with Shiloh and it helped a lot. Still not there yet UT working on it. To get I'm to follow by my side I was trying to use the holding treats down far enough to get him to follow but he was still jumping. So I tried the peanut butter on a long handle stop jumping even though it was at his level. I then took a long handled spoon spread a thin layer of peanutbutter on it then rolled it in h kibble taken out of his daily allowance. This helped because while he was occupied chewing the kibble he didnt jump and seemed to enjoy the combination. It may not sound like much but we got 20 steps before he grabbed the leash and rolled like a croc! This has been such a challenge so I'm thankful for ANYTHING that's not losing ground. I've been trying to follow the program as much as possible and he learns so quickly however I'm wondering if I'm not "over treating" as he will bound up to me and start nudging my hands gently, when he realizes they're empty he is not happy lol! Will post for suggestions later but for now we have a walk to take. Thanks for all the support !!!

Thanks for the info that helps a great deal.Given that Shiloh is still so young I'm hoping that he will continue to have a sweet disposition. I was primarily concerned because of the way he could actually wrap his front paws around the other dogs neck he was simply play nipping at the time and the other dog didn't seem to mind. Shiloh is already as big as his full grown playmate. They do well together in the yard and so far I haven heard any protests from his play mate so feel good there. Next on the agenda is getting him to enjoy the car. He will do have s best to get on then when I help him he whimpers and whines the whole time. We are doing short rides to the end of the driveway and back so hopefully that will help. I've seen the info included in the program for this and will implement them post haste as very soon I won't be able to lift him, he's gonna be a big guy(but so handsome)😊 thanks again!

Well I'm back and have a more serious question but first I thank you again for your patience. Perhaps you can add a separate topic under the forum titled "if you're training a new pup don't do it this way" and post all my questions. Anyway I've been reading as many posts as I can and have gathered a lot of info, some I totally identify with. One post dealt with puppy behavior when playing....it spelled out what could be potential Problems depending on what I will call "play style". There's a dog(very familiar to me) who has been coming over to play with Shiloh and they do well together but I noticed some of the behavior that was spelled out as concerning. i.e. he seems to always prefer to be on top(at 11wks. He's the size of this grown pup) he gets his front paws around her neck and just hangs on and when they tumble he goes for her ears and neck almost always. There's no growling or snarling and the other dog doesn't seem disturbed by it. However when she's done with play Shiloh will give chase relentlessly. I can tell by sounds he makes with me when he's frustrated but haven't seen them come out during play time. Just want to confirm that this isn't going to be a harmful play tactic when he gets bigger . He's a more expressive pup than my last shepherd/lab mix as noted this morning when he was laying down and I asked him to sit.(he did it but the exasperated half bark half something else tells me he really wasn't in the mood) leash training meh,,,,,got to get another leash he chewed the red one in two. Well......Happy Holidays!

I was watching Shiloh after his bath today he was relaxed and curled up next to me for a nice nap. While he was sleeping(I know some pups look like they're chasing rabbits in their sleep😊) he was making sounds and moving his mouth like he was sucking a bottle. Kind of like babies do when they sleep. It was cute but I couldnt get it on vid without waking him. Never seen that before

Well it started off pretty cool but my pummy (puppy mommy) made sure I was nice and warm. She wanted me to let her put this thing on that was really more fun to chew so Ichewed it and chewed it and rolled over with it in my mouth and chewed it some more. Then.....we did some around and around in this thing that always feels funny to my paws(carpet). After that she put me in this thing with stuff like I get from my bowl it made me squishy and I cried a little but she said I was a good boy so I stopped and it was warm and felt kinda good. She said I smelled a lot better(personally I think oh doo doggie is a neat smell) well by then I was tired so we went around a little more and she gave me some really good stuff and said I did better without the thing I like to chew on. I think she wants me to walk beside her all the time but those shoes are so tasty! Anyway she really wants me to do better with it. We've had fun playing games and I sit, and lay down and sometimes I stay and when I feel like it will go to her when she calls me. She really gives me good stuff when I play the leave it, airplane and target games, but I'm getting confused, I touch her hand with my nose looking for tasties all the time but sometimes her hands are empty! Huh? Anyway she says I did better walking beside her today but we didn't use that thing I don't like, I had fun jumping trying to get my tasties but couldn't have em until I sat down. We are going to try again later but I make no promises that I won't pull tug sit and roll over again. For now I'm just gonna nap on her leg its warm and soft. She said she wanted a good little watch dog(guess I should have barked a little and the delivery guy😊. +++Shiloh is still fighting his leash we have yet to have a walk for more than a couple of minutes he still wants to attach to my feet or get right in front of me. Trying my best not to get discouraged any other ideas greatly appreciated. Thanks.