New puppy owner, opinions/suggestions welcomed!
 

So, today is day 2 of having our puppy at home. We picked her up yesterday, and managed to survive the first night.

Which in all truthness, it wasn't too bad. She managed to sleep for about 6hrs stright, until she wimpered a bit, then it was outside for a potty break.

Since she is 8 weeks, I think we picked her up right as she's gone into the 'fearful' stage, which from everything I've read, is normal (8-10weeks of age)

I know it's natural, but she does seem to whine pretty good, even if we're around. I know we have to let it ride, because it will get better...

It will get better right?! lol

I think I read too many books over the last year, and spending so much time looking for the right dog, I'm probably not in the best frame of mind as I should be!

One thing that surprized me, was she is definitely not used to a leash. At all. She locks down and freezes. We have been able to get her to walk around our place with it on, but only using treats to tempt her forward. There is going to be some work here, that's for sure. I can't drain their energy if I can't eventually walk them! Most dogs I've encountered have been the opposite, they've been assholes with the leash :D

Not to mention, because she's timid with these new locations, she's freezes a bit, and is very hesitant. Normal from what I read, so let's hope this stage passes quickly.

I just want to make sure everything is normal. If you have stories to share about when you first brought your puppies home, I'd love to hear them :) Help me keep my sanity.

Oh, and the dog is a total mutt, mastiff mixed with everything but the kitchen sink!

[IMG]http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/p..._fed/puppy.jpg[/IMG]

Congrats on your new family member! You'll find that the first year of training can be quite difficult; especially in the first few months where she's getting accustomed to everything.
Have a look at this thread- Puppy Tips
Just remember that everything will get better over time. She'll get used to walks and leashes, and eventually she'll get used to being alone (especially when sleeping).

The whining is normal. She is not used to you and your "pack". Is she allowed to sleep with you? It does speed up the process. When we first got ours, he wouldn't stop whining at night. We've tried everything from the clothes to tik-tok clock. He doesn't even want to potty. We agree to just let him sleep with us and voila. He's now almost 2 and does not whine/bark when leave alone at home. Keep in mind dogs' personalities vary so try around and see what works for yours.

Leash: Just keep leaving it on her. Let her smell the leash before it goes on. However you do it, associate the leash with something good (the same way you do with the kennel). Ours did not protest the leash but refused to walked. We used to live downtown so it could have been too much going on. I'd recommend teaching her walk somewhere quiet first.

Hope it helps.

Allow your dog to continue whimpering....If you give her attention every time she whimpers, you're rewarding her for doing so, thus reinforcing the behaviour. Eventually she will stop. Sure, it might take plenty of time, but patience is key when it comes to training a dog.

Really cute pup btw; what's her name?

Thanks for the tips guys!

I find myself worrying about all the things I said I would ignore! I noticed how she likes to knaw on her back paws every once in a while, so i immediately assume its allergies! Pretty sure she's just being a puppy lol.

I think my biggest thing is I need to just relax and enjoy this lol

Oh, and her name is Roxy :)

8 weeks is alright, but if you couldve got it earlier it wouldve been better.
because the bond between you and her will be alot stonger.
she will be much more attached to you.

just remember to check her nose to see their always slightly wet but not runny nose lol as dry nose indicates somethings wrong.

and keep the shots up to date !

congrats !

Are you being serious...........? I hope not....In fact, that's got to be on the list for one of the dumbest things I've ever read on these forums.....I don't blame you totally, because I'm assuming someone else gave you this false information (I'm guessing your breeder), but uh........yeah...........

Anyway, 8 weeks is the minimum age pups should leave for new homes.
From weeks 4-8, puppies will learn about pack heirarchy, bite inhibition and proper social behavior within the pack. Taking a puppy home before 7-1/2 to 8 weeks of age really deprives the puppy of much needed training by mom and littermates and will make your job of training much more difficult.

This is also a myth. Dog noses - myths and facts about your dog's nose - weekly pet tips by Pets.ca | Pets.ca

OP: Lots of great info here: You JUST Got a New Dog - Don't Freak out | Pets.ca

uhhh.. talking from my own past experience?
I m not here to make a debate but I m just sharing my past experience as thats what the OP asked for.

some may call it "training" but having owned 2 pups at 6 weeks old and comparing it to the 3rd puppy i got at 10 weeks. the first 2 was much more responsive and easy to command. also their much more clingy and caring.

and the 3 pups were owned at different times.

of course just my personal opinion.

First of all congrats. Having a puppy is fun and rewarding and sometimes also painful...lol

Just remember, if you don't demonstrate leadership, she will. An obedient dog that knows it's place in the family, gets lots of excersise and is well sociallized, is a happy dog.

Well gee whiz, 3 dogs, that's a pretty large sample size you've got there compared to the rest of the world that is stating otherwise!! What else can you tell me about the pup you got at 10 weeks? Is it overweight compared to the other 2? Must be because you got him at 10 weeks then, eh?

:tears: oh and get ready to not blow your top with mischief

lol, gee smart guy. good attitude you got.

and let me bold it for you.

what does my 3 dogs compared to the world got to do with anything, when the OP clearly asked for stories about "when you first brought your puppies home"

learn to read maybe?

Just FYI, your previous post DOES NOT come across as "just personal opinion":

This goes directly against advice I've heard for decades: 8 weeks is the minimum recommended for separating a puppy from its mother and always has been. Because you've lucked out with two means nothing. Some puppies ARE separated earlier and do fine. Some are separated later and don't do as well. Overall, the reverse is true - thus the advice of experts from the earliest days of dog breeding.

well, it was my personal opinion.

and if you do some research, some Breeds Do need more socializing with humans.

heres a quote from internet from another person not by me

"It doesn't always harm them. Some breeds need extra socialising with people and all sorts of situations. Leave them with their mum till they are 13 weeks and they'll grow up nervous and unable to cope with new situations. As a general rule 8 weeks is fine, but some (usually toy breeds) stay longer. Large breeds and big litters often benefit from the extra human contact by leaving earlier and having individual attention.
All my pups have been between 7-9 weeks old, none have been "unhealthy" because of it.
Most pups are weaned by 5 weeks, 6 at the latest - if only for the health of the dam - feeding growing pups puts a tremendous strain on her."

but again, I m not saying anyone SHOULD/HAVE to get it earlier. I m just here to state what worked for me. no one needs to follow.

How about we get this thread back on track. Take it to FC if you'd like to bicker more. We've all had different experiences on the matter (although I've only ever heard of the 8 week thing).

agreed, I wasnt here to debate either. just stating my opinion.

back to you OP.