I have to say Peter is right about having to learn to communicate with the puppies. I am sure all the puppies are the same and I know my two are incredibly bright and clever, learning things daily either under their own devices of if your lucky learning because you are teaching them. Tetra and Darcy are both very good, they do of course go off and entertain themselves, but it is hectic keeping on top of them. Tetra last might learnt the command 'find it', hiding her toy, telling her to sit and stay and then send her to 'find it', not a problem for Tetra she did this perfectly, especially impressive when you think yes she is 11 1/2 weeks but the article was a paint roller!! We also have had a strong steady point three times from each puppy. Recall at the moment it strong and reliable, but I am waiting for the time they both hesitate and I am hoping I will 'read it' correctly and be ready to deal with the defiance that will inevitably come. I too believe they are a primitive breed, and as such do not cope well with high protein, high growth diets, so my two are now on a Junior and I already have an adult diet waiting in the wings, sure I wont need it just yet but I will need it in the next few months.
In the house they have quickly learnt who is boss, Darcy will not come up and cuddle when he needs a sleep it is his choice to sleep as close to the alpha dogs as possible, sure he knows I am Top Dog but he also knows he has won me over so he spends his time trying to snuggle as close as possible to Tarka and to Logi, it has worked and he now sleeps under Logi's chin on his front legs, Logi now looks after him and has even washed his face a few times. Tetra is miss independent and yes will cuddle with us, but she will also just climb in the nearest bed and crash, even taking herself off into another room on her own if she feels like it.
Saturday night saw us dishing up a pickie meal, bits of chickens and dips and things on low tables, I did it without thinking about babies, well both smelt the food and came bombing over, I said 'leave it' and they both lay down and watched us eat without either trying to get in on the act. Don't get me wrong they are puppies not angels, but they are both like sponges, so eager to learn and even eager to please. Darcy is very much food orientated so treats work wonders with him, where as Tetra is very sensitive to my voice. You can be sure I am working hard on getting the basics learnt now before the teenage years kick in. Make the most of them now all of you, train as much as you can, sure as anything they will defy me but I hope I will recognise it as defiance and will be ready to act and stop it. To me that's the key, they all will push their luck with you, it is up to you to recognise the challenge and win. Leah challenged me at 10 weeks old, she argued when I tried to stack her one day, she never did it again because I 'put her in her place' no physical violence as that wont earn respect, I simply put her on her back and used my voice. Logi tried it Diva tried it at 8 months, she refused to get out the car, same thing to her and she very quickly learnt not to argue with me again!!!
Sorry if I am waffling but this is such an important time with your puppy, what you do now will mould your puppy for life. They will get their confidence from you and they were learn their manners from you too, it is up to you to teach right from wrong. So good luck.
I am likely to be off line for a while due to phone lines etc; being changed but if you need me call or text me, I am still around just unlikely to be on line.
In the house they have quickly learnt who is boss, Darcy will not come up and cuddle when he needs a sleep it is his choice to sleep as close to the alpha dogs as possible, sure he knows I am Top Dog but he also knows he has won me over so he spends his time trying to snuggle as close as possible to Tarka and to Logi, it has worked and he now sleeps under Logi's chin on his front legs, Logi now looks after him and has even washed his face a few times. Tetra is miss independent and yes will cuddle with us, but she will also just climb in the nearest bed and crash, even taking herself off into another room on her own if she feels like it.
Saturday night saw us dishing up a pickie meal, bits of chickens and dips and things on low tables, I did it without thinking about babies, well both smelt the food and came bombing over, I said 'leave it' and they both lay down and watched us eat without either trying to get in on the act. Don't get me wrong they are puppies not angels, but they are both like sponges, so eager to learn and even eager to please. Darcy is very much food orientated so treats work wonders with him, where as Tetra is very sensitive to my voice. You can be sure I am working hard on getting the basics learnt now before the teenage years kick in. Make the most of them now all of you, train as much as you can, sure as anything they will defy me but I hope I will recognise it as defiance and will be ready to act and stop it. To me that's the key, they all will push their luck with you, it is up to you to recognise the challenge and win. Leah challenged me at 10 weeks old, she argued when I tried to stack her one day, she never did it again because I 'put her in her place' no physical violence as that wont earn respect, I simply put her on her back and used my voice. Logi tried it Diva tried it at 8 months, she refused to get out the car, same thing to her and she very quickly learnt not to argue with me again!!!
Sorry if I am waffling but this is such an important time with your puppy, what you do now will mould your puppy for life. They will get their confidence from you and they were learn their manners from you too, it is up to you to teach right from wrong. So good luck.
I am likely to be off line for a while due to phone lines etc; being changed but if you need me call or text me, I am still around just unlikely to be on line.
Pete, I really appreciate the advice and time you are giving to bloggers and readers, thank you very much, my above waffle is meant to be backing up what you have said about 'reading' you dog, like you said they have a lot to tell us!!!!! I will leave you to guide whilst I am off line, thanks honey I appreciate it.
