Crazy dog mom.

[hazliya]

I think I need to reevaluate things when it comes to Elsa.

I'm a trainer. I know what I want. I know what I expect of her. 100% housebroken. Responds to commands. Quietly asks, not demands loudly. Well-behaved in public. No biting or jumping.

Except I keep forgetting that she's three months old.

Either I need to lower my expectations, or she's just that much of a handful.

She had a bad day today. Behavior, housebreaking, everything. I'm very frustrated with her. We're going back to square one, and see if that helps her with her behavior. Meaning no more access to the kitchen, no treats, and a zero-tolerance policy for mistakes. If I'm not supervising her directly, back into the kennel.

She was doing so well. I hate backslides. They're unacceptable, and I can't wait until she's a goddamn adult.

Comments

[maverick-weirdo.livejournal.com]

Growth (physical or mental) is not a linear process

[dncingmalkavian.livejournal.com]

This.

[anitra.livejournal.com]

I completely understand. Sometimes I forget that Claire's not even 2 yet, since in many ways she acts much more mature (and is big for her age). I struggle to keep my expectations of her low enough to be attainable but high enough to keep her growing...

[(Anonymous)]

Recency, frequency, and repetition is the name of the game with pups that young. I highly recommend getting the Caesar Milan training DVDs (not just Dog Whisperer episodes, but the actual training ones) as well as a copy of "Puppies for Dummies". Both were instrumental in helping me with my rambunctious golden retriever (who is now firmly in the 'terrible twos', and is the best-behaved dog in his litter, according to his breeder) when I first brought him home.

[(Anonymous)]

oh, and I forgot to add - a tired dog is a happy dog. I know yours is a small breed, but if you run/jog/bike in the AM, try bringing your dog with you. Getting my Golden good and tuckered out before breakfast in the AM and before dinner at night means a VERY well-behaved (and receptive to training) doggie