Please Help...Puppy injuring me!

When he gets over exited and starts biting at you, become very calm, pick him up under his front legs and lift him off the ground, looking him in the face.  He will squirm and fight to be let down.  Just be still, calmly holding him off the ground until he stops and relaxes (yes, calm submission) and put him down.  This is a very humane, gentle way to let him know that he is a helpless puppy and you can control him.

My trainer actually has suggested this and it does work.  Last night he was just a different dog than he has been in the past. 

What kind of  structure are you creating for this puppy?  Are you allowing him on the furniture or beds?  Do you let him rush out the door in front of you?  Do you make him accomplish a behavior before he eats, gets affection, or plays with you? You got to make it clear to this fella that you are his leader right off the bat.

He is currently too small to get on any furniture or beds, so I don't allow it unless he is calm and laying/sleeping in my lap.

Our association requires that you carry the dog outside to prevent accendents in the hallways, so he gets carried out the door.  He has started barking while I carry him, but will usually calm down after a bark or two.

Dashund & Rottweiler?  How in the he_ _ did that happen!?

I hear that everyday

I absolutely don't recommend this.  If the pup squirms hard enough he could be dropped, and sounds like he's a good sized pup to begin with......plus when he squirms around and BITES again, he's almost certain to get dropped!

He is only 7 pounds, so I can genearlly control him.  But like I have said, last night he was just a different dog.

Anne is absolutely right that this person needs some serious training so HE can train the pup.

I am trying my hardest, but everywere I go I get different advice on how to train him and deal with behaivioral issuses.  I am starting to think my biggest problem is I am getting too much training and too much advice from too many different people.

How large is this puppy, anyway?

He is 7 pounds and should get no larger than 30.

After doing some research and looking at all the situations, I believe Hercules was just over stimulated and tired last night.  We had been with him the entire time over the weeked and when he was left alone he got bored.  I think the bathroom might have had to many distractions for him to get a good nap in during the day.  He had shreadded all the newspapers.  I cleaned the bathroom and removed as many distractions as I could.

He is alone for up to 4 hours a day, and using the age + 1 formula, I am thinking I should be able to leave him alone in his crate for that amount of time starting last next week...am I correct in assuming that (he will be 11 weeks on ?  That should prevent some overstimulation while he is alone and maybe he can get some sleep.

MinnMonk you said: "I am trying my hardest, but everywere I go I get different advice on how to train him and deal with behaivioral issuses.  I am starting to think my biggest problem is I am getting too much training and too much advice from too many different people."
 
 
I agree, please get some books and read, use what makes sense to you and for you. The other end of the leash, the book that Anne recommended. The culture clash.
You have to get to know this pup and him you.
 
Please read this link about a puppy dying from being held down
[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=104386&mpage=1&key=owner%2Clet%2Chappe𙟂]http://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=104386&mpage=1&key=owner%2Clet%2Chappe𙟂[/link]

I am trying my hardest, but everywere I go I get different advice on how to train him and deal with behaivioral issuses.  I am starting to think my biggest problem is I am getting too much training and too much advice from too many different people.

That is why I tried to be sweet and to the point.  There are so many really confusing ways to deal with behavior that the common dog owner needs something that is concrete and simple.  I think calm, consistant, direct approaches work best in the dog's mind, too.

Do you take him out for at least one good walk during the day?  I know that this is a Ceasar Milan thing and I take his advice with a grain of thought, but I have found that a good 20 min - 30 min walk does wonders, especially in the morning. 

I walk my bird girls (high energy bird/rabbit crazed) together and make it clear that it is my walk not their's.  We work on a bit of training (sit, lots of turns, heel) as we walk along and they can't pay attention to birds and rabbits.  It has made a BIG difference and they love it.  They have a lot of freedom in our very large yard (invisable fence), but the walk tires them out more!

He is alone for up to 4 hours a day, and using the age + 1 formula, I am thinking I should be able to leave him alone in his crate for that amount of time starting last next week...am I correct in assuming that (he will be 11 weeks on ? That should prevent some overstimulation while he is alone and maybe he can get some sleep.

I think you probably nailed it, with that. Is it possible to get in a nice long walk before you leave, and maybe leave a radio or tv on low, and a kong, Oh, geez I'll come over and babysit him. lol

Please read this link about a puppy dying from being held down

I'm not suggesting that you press the dog down and hold him in that position of an hour - (for heaven's sake).  Volhardt is a very positive method of training. 

The Voldhardt 30 minute down is not a violent hold down.  You don't press the dog in its side or restrain him.  You put him in the down position with a leash on and step on the leash so that he can't get up or leave.  You actually don't touch the dog. He's allowed to move.  They only fuss for about 2 minutes tops and usually fall asleep.  You have to stay calm and passive.  You don't hover over the dog in an aggressive manner.

Usually a mother dog will lightly restrain a puppy if it is misbehaving.  Mama won't allow the pup to get up and leave until she is ready to. 

Besides, when you start training your dog in obedience, you should be able to handle you dog and put him in position if you have to.  What if you have to take him to the vet and have him examined and he has to be restrained.  The more you handle your dog the less traumatic it will be for him in the future.  AKA-cutting nails.

ORIGINAL: diane303

Do you take him out for at least one good walk during the day?  I know that this is a Ceasar Milan thing and I take his advice with a grain of thought, but I have found that a good 20 min - 30 min walk does wonders, especially in the morning. 

We usually go for about 1/2 - 3/4 mile walk each night befor bedtime.  He is usually pretty tired when we get back.

I honestly believe that last night was just a bad combination of over stimulation, lack of sleep and attention.  Looking back at it, I think last night I learned more about myself and my dog than I have ever befor.  I know now what to start to look for and to calm him befor he gets too excited.

While, I am not critizing anyone for thier opinions (which I greatly appreicate, BTW), I feel that using an online forum is only good enough to share stories, opinions, and learn a few basic fundamentals for training, but the execution I will need to create to work for both me and my dog.

[] There are a lot of different opinions on this board. Every one has methods that work for his/her situation.   Even if you go and get books to read, you will end up with lots of different techniques.  It can make you crazy!  You just have to read it with a grain of salt and use what makes sense to you. 

At least you are trying to resolve the problem and dothe right thing for your dog!

Good luck!

ORIGINAL: diane303

[] There are a lot of different opinions on this board. Every one has methods that work for his/her situation.   Even if you go and get books to read, you will end up with lots of different techniques.  It can make you crazy!  You just have to read it with a grain of salt and use what makes sense to you. 

At least you are trying to resolve the problem and dothe right thing for your dog!

Good luck!

Thanks!  I think re-assurance is the best advise that can be given on this forum.

ORIGINAL: Diane

Please read this link about a puppy dying from being held down

I'm not suggesting that you press the dog down and hold him in that position of an hour - (for heaven's sake).  Volhardt is a very positive method of training. 

The Voldhardt 30 minute down is not a violent hold down.  You don't press the dog in its side or restrain him.  You put him in the down position with a leash on and step on the leash so that he can't get up or leave.  You actually don't touch the dog. He's allowed to move.  They only fuss for about 2 minutes tops and usually fall asleep.  You have to stay calm and passive.  You don't hover over the dog in an aggressive manner.

Usually a mother dog will lightly restrain a puppy if it is misbehaving.  Mama won't allow the pup to get up and leave until she is ready to. 

Besides, when you start training your dog in obedience, you should be able to handle you dog and put him in position if you have to.  What if you have to take him to the vet and have him examined and he has to be restrained.  The more you handle your dog the less traumatic it will be for him in the future.  AKA-cutting nails.

Di, I didn't think you were suggesting to do what the trainer in the article did.  I just didn't want anyone that read what you said to misunderstand it. Although I do think 30 minutes is excessive, I do agree that you need to be able to handle your dog, by gently touching his paws, while he is laying on your lap etc.

Excersice him has much as possible! burning off all access energy...  then this will refocus him, then start training with treats, controll his every movement..

MinnMonkey
My only real piece of advise for you is not to show your fear to your dog. I think running away or cowering in any manner will definately send the message that your dog is in charge. You are absolutely right about puppies just having bad days. A toddler can be an absolute monster somedays, but it doesn't mean they need to be rushed to a psychologist. There are so many dog training techniques and most of them do work. The trick is to find one that you are comfortable with and then be CONSISTANT. Jumping from method to method in my opinion is not a good idea. It's confusing for the dog and makes it hard to judge results. If the squirt bottle works and you are OK with it - then use it. You have owned other dogs, so you probably all ready have some good common sense when it comes to dog behaviour. Just trust your instincts and use your common sence.

Good luck!

People are probably going to hate me for this, but quite honestly, I'd pin the dog down for a second and growl at him. Definitely young animals get over-excited sometimes and hurt you without realising it. This has happened to me a couple of times and I've reacted out of the urgent need to put an immediate end to the pain by either pushing the animal away or putting my hand on their shoulders and holding them down just for a second. In that position they tend to let go straight away and then you can let them go and remove yourself from the pup's reach. Yes you can hurt them if you're not careful, but they have just caused a lot of damage to you and I think it's important that they know that you really REALLY didn't like it and won't play with them anymore if they behave like that. It's good that you're sorting it out now because it will only get worse if you let it continue.

Just stressing that I think you should only have to hold them down for a second. The equivalent of a mother dog pinning a pup with her snout for a moment to let the pup know he's been really bad. I mean, I'm certainly against any physical correction and you should never hurt a puppy, but in extreme cases like this where you're really getting hurt, I think it's okay to be a bit gruffy and a teensy bit physical if only to protect yourself. Once again, no need to actually hurt the pup. Nothing worse than making a puppy cry. []

*cringes and hopes people aren't going to flame her to hell*

Oh, and meanwhile, Kongs are an excellent idea for comparatively quiet play and hours of entertainment. Also bones to chew and things like that. Good to keep rambunctious pup busy when you're not home.