Wiped Out

[Phoebe's Mom]

I think I am losing focus as I feel as though I am going through the terrible two's with my little girl and I cannot see the end at the light of the tunnel--at least not tonight. Oh how I adore her but, boy, would I love that potty issue resolved shortly and, while I am at it, how about not pulling my arm out of my socket when we attempt--and I mean merely attempt--to walk on leash. I used to be so against the idea of a Gentle Leader as I really wanted Phoebe to learn with a standard leash and collar but I think my mind is changing as I type. She has become so obstinate--isn't that supposed to happen later? She is only three months old! I thought I had until at least five months before the strong-willed attitude would surface. I know this period will be over in a short time and I do NOT want to wish her puppyhood away by any means, but I sure would like one 'accident free' day and a walk, not drag, to the mailbox really soon.

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

One step at a time is the perfect strategy! I would highly suggest you enroll her in a puppy class. You and your precious pup will learn a lot and the socialization part is extremely important. You will see that you aren't the only one that is experiencing these challenges. You will make a bunch of new human and puppy friends!!

[Phoebe's Mom]

Unfortunately she LOVES bitter apple and the water vfrom the spray bottle--what a bummer for me. She also loves Tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper. I am trying--hard--to make her sit and wait before meals, entering and leaving the house and any ohter opportunities I can grab. She is a really good girl with some potty issues and a drop of defiance. I am buying the leader or harness today and starting to work with that as well. One step at a time...right?

[Sandy]

I just looked up the Illusion collar, and it says it is not recommended for puppies under one year of age. Rats.

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

We also have a young dog that is mouthy. We tried the usual methods of yelling ouch, etc. Nothing seemed to work. I found using a squirt bottle filled with water did the trick. I just have to show Ollie the bottle now and he backs off and stops. I have the bottles all over the house. I some times keep a small one in my pocket. In the past, we also have put Bitter Apple on our hands and clothing. Our older dog was extremely stubborn as a puppy, and we found that training classes helped. The trainer may give you some great and useful tips. We used the Gentle Leader Harness(didn't like the look of one over the nose), ate a cracker or some food before we fed her, made her sit before she got her food, she sat at the doorway and we went out of the doorway first, then she sat again on the other side of the doorway, and gave out a lot of treats and praise to get these behaviors. Every dog responds differently to the things that we try. The key is to keep trying, continue asking others for advice, and remember these stages will pass.

[Phoebe's Mom]

I had not thought about the Illusion Collar but I will look into that one as well. I just know we need to do something right now as it simply is not working for us. Wow--Phoebe is supposed to settle in around 60 pounds and I thought that was a lot. If the collar helped you turn your puppy into a fabulous big dog, I am buying one today!!!!

[Jeri]

I started using the GL when the vet suggested it as he is pulling her down the asile. (That was when he was if for xrays beceuse we thought he ate something that was causing a blockage). Nope just needed a different dog food. I also bought the Illusion Collar from Ceasar Milan. I like it better and so does Sam. I also find tht I am using both less and less. Hang in there; Sam is a great dog now that we are out of the puppy stage. All 86 pounds of him!!!!

[Phoebe's Mom]

Thanks to all of you--you know how much misery loves company and tonight, I am lapping it up! I was just telling my husband that if I have to walk her one more time today (she needs to go potty almost every hour on the hour!!!), I might let her back in and hang outside by myself for a while. Between Phoebe and all the children needing me almost all the time, I could really use a moment of Mommy silence tonight. Of course, I had just finished whining and crying about my frustration when my husband asked me if I wanted to hear about his day!!! NO!!! I just keep reminding myself that Phoebe--and I--will get through this even when I cannot imagine it happening at all.

[Sandy]

She sounds EXACTLY like Toby was. I thought I would lose my mind - and that's not just a saying - I really thought I would. One night I just sat on the floor and cried, wondering what I'd done to get a puppy like this. He, thankfully, does not bite anymore, as he is big. He does still like to hold one of my fingers in his mouth....weirdo. :) Right down to the "oh my goodness, that bird scares me" when we're walking, he and Phoebe sound the same. So I have no advice to stop the nipping/mouthing stuff other than to hang on. Frankly, Adina got me through it with a ton of encouragement.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

The part I am wishing way is her biting me. She is the most mouthy/bitey puppy I have ever had. I call it "going all wolf on me." If I squeal, or push her tongue down, or hold her snout closed - it doesn not deter her all. About the only thing that gets through is if I go all wolf growling and snapping at her. I swear one day I am going to bite her back -lol. Yuck A mouth full of fur...on second thought maybe I will just pray for this phase to be over soon.

But whenn we are out for a walk she goes from being alpha-female-pack-leader-of-me , to tail- between-leg scared-of-the-big-barking dog-sounds scaredy cat. lol

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I used a GL (head halter) for just a few weeks - on & off depending on where we were going and for how long. Too long with too many distractions was just too much for her at that age. She hated it but did she walk like a princess with it on. She learned 'walk nicely' REAL fast. Since then the GL sits in my Samantha tote bag in the car - just in case (it is gathering dust).