title="post a comment on '<$BlogItemTitle$>'">post a comment Berner Dog Blog: December 2005

Friday, December 02, 2005

Whining, Howling, Barking Puppy - Not if I can help it

I just this article at Perfect Paws. Since I was shocked about how much he whined when we crated him I thought it would be useful to have it posted here.

Whining, Howling, Barking Puppy

Your puppy is howling, whining or barking for a reason. If the problem is not resolved immediately, whining can become an ingrained habit that is intensely irritating and annoying. Many dogs use whining, howling, and barking as a means of vocal blackmail in order to control their owners.

Puppy Whining Do's

-When confined to a crate or small room or pen, always give your puppy the benefit of the doubt. When she begins whining, immediately take her to her toilet area.
-Teach your dog to accept isolation and privacy. Accustom your puppy to being left by herself, even if you are home. This will prevent separation anxiety and all the problems that accompany it.
-Make sure your puppy is comfortable. Is your puppy hungry, thirsty, too hot, too cold, uncomfortable, sick, or has lost her toy under the furniture?
-When you know that all your puppy's physical needs are met and you have taken the time to accustom her to isolation, then teach her that whining is unacceptable.

Puppy Whining Don'ts

-Do not give in and reward your puppy for whining.
-Do not hesitate to appropriately reprimand unnecessary whining.
-Do not let your dog feel abandoned.
-Do not let your dog soil her crate.

posted by kv sheldon at 7:38 AM 0 comments

Life with our Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy

Our puppy arrived yesterday morning from Kansas City. He's an adorable ball of brown and black fur with the biggest puppy paws. We couldn't believe how big he had gotten since we had picked him out two weeks ago. We were able to bring him home without to much incident except that he pooped in his crate as soon as we got into the car. Needless to say it was stinky ride home.

Once we arrived my husband took him into the garage, still in his crate, and then we open the crate door. He was nervous and scared and initially had a hard time even looking at us. But, eventually, with some coaxing and food he wondered out of his crate.

We brought him inside, where he begin to sniff and nose about. But in no time he was wagging his tale and following behind us closely. As I mentioned in previous posts we left our two cats upstairs in our bedroom and our 14 month old spent the day with Grandma. When my husband took him outside to go to bathroom he immediately, starting hopping about and playing.

At this point we had not picked a name for him and were trying names like Brewster, Mickey, and Bo.

We have a stone fireplace with a slate base on the floor. He really likes laying on the slate and we put a blanket down for him. In no time he was a sleep.

Before we knew it Grandma showed up with Connor. We grabbed the camera as we put Connor down to show him his new friend and pet. Immediately, Connor bent down, pointed at the puppy and started squealing. He went over and patted the puppy and the puppy looked up to him and gave him a snuggle. They tried to play for awhile, but we had a very tired puppy from a long plane trip and new home, and a cranky little boy with little nap time since he had visited Santa earlier. In no time Connor was sleeping in his crib and the puppy was sleeping by the fireplace.


posted by kv sheldon at 6:59 AM 0 comments