PAOLA MORALES

Hey Adrienne! Just wanted to give you a quick update. The good news is that I think Lucky is learning to inhibit his bite! I realized I was overworking him and I started enforcing more naptimes which has helped! I also notice that when he nips at us, he does it with less intensity. Of course it still hurts a bit, but I think he' s learning to be more gentle with mouthing. I have another concern however with potty training. Lucky was initially potty trained on the puppy pads inside the house while he didn't have any of his vaccines. Now that he does, we've been trying to transition him to going outside. I placed a few used pads in the area of our driveway where we wanted him to go along with a fresh one on top and I made a habit of taking him out every time he wakes from a nap or starts to sniff the floor. He has been going there to pee frequently, but he has trouble pooing there, as if he doesn't want to poo in the same places where he pees. Moreover, now that he's comfortable going outside, he is peeing/pooing in more parts of the yard. How do I train him to go only in the one designated area? So far I have just been praising him every time he goes where he should, and ignoring him or not giving him praise when he goes elsewhere. What else can I do? Or is it just supposed to take a long time?

Thank you! I will do my best to incorporate these tips/activities! 😁

So my dad surprises the family with an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy - 2 actually. Littermates brother and sister. Since I am the one who stays at home the most, I’ve been charged with watching them while everyone else goes to work and disclaimer: I have never raised a puppy. My last dog was about a year and I had her more than 10 years ago. So I had NO idea what I was in for. About two days in, we noticed a lot of fighting between the siblings and when we learned about “Littermate Syndrome,” we decided to return one of the puppies to the breeder. Our remaining puppy, Lucky, is a lot more calm now since his sister usually started the rough play, but he is nipping more than usual. I understand that it’s common for puppies, especially GSD, and that I have to redirect his biting with a toy or chew, OR make a verbal correction and stop playing when he doesn’t listen. This is my problem: I want to be a good owner, but both my parents are “old fashioned,” and they are used to hitting a dog for correction. I told them it could be detrimental and ineffective, so they’ve held back with this puppy, except once. My dad forgot to cover up and Lucky bit his bare ankle, causing him to immediately slap the dog away and give a loud “No”. As awful as this will sound, I am a little jealous because it worked. Since then, Lucky hasn’t but my dad. He still plays with him, goes to him, and seems genuinely okay with my dad. Meanwhile I am out here, with my torn up boots, getting bit and getting frustrated. What can I do to curb his biting without resorting to hitting? I already offer different toys (which he will chew for a bit and then go back to gnawing the zippers of my boots) and leaving (which he just cries and waits until I come back and resumes the behavior)?