Question: I really enjoy reading your column in Woods N Water News, so much that I finally took the plunge and (with my better half's blessings) bought a German Short-haired Pointer named Rudy. He is only ten weeks old right now. In your opinion, what should I be working with him on other than taking care of business outside and introduction to the kennel. So far, I've been trying to give him plenty of exercise and letting him socialize. He's pretty good with my command to come. Is there a preferred time to begin using an electronic collar? Do you have any suggestions for the teething, other than chew toys? Sometimes he gets a bit rough with my daughter. As you can probably tell, I'm a rookie, but I'm excited about the future and I want to do this right as best as I can. Can you recommend a book or video that could point me in the right direction? Can you also send me the information regarding the Michigan Hunting Dog Federation? I appreciate any suggestions or advice you're willing to give.
Jeff and Rudy.
Answer: You've apparently learned some buzz words but unfortunately, not what they mean. First, let me put things in perspective for you. Your ten-week-old pup is equivalent to a three-year-old child. What do three-year-olds need? Love, understanding, guidance, some structure and plenty of playtime. I hope you aren't pushing your daughter into college preparation when she's still in grade school. Likewise, don't push the pup to preform complex tasks before his young brain is ready. You're in a bonding period with your pup, not a training period. In case you haven't noticed, your pup has an attention span of about one minute. He needs plenty of stimulus to keep him interested. When you say plenty of exercise, I hope you mean you're taking him for walks in low-cut fields. By starting this early on, you'll be setting a pattern that you're the leader in the field and it is you who decides how face and what direction you go in. This should be done before the pup is old enough to run off on you.
I'm not sure what you mean by socializing him, either. If you can expose him to other pups his age, fine. If you mean exposing him to older, strange dogs, stop. Socializing with older dogs will come later. Teething takes place at about six months of age, which is when the puppy teeth are replaced by adult teeth. When you say the pup is a bit rough with your daughter, I'll assume you mean he is play-biting. This should be discouraged by reacting as if it hurts. Say ‘ouch!' and back away. If the pup persists, say ‘no!' sharply and loudly. If the pup still doesn't adjust, smack him on the head with a rolled up newspaper and say ‘no!' When he adjusts his behavior to being gentle, praise and pet him. This will help him understand that the biting hurts you and that you don't like it. Play-biting is natural for dogs. This method is also useful for jumping up. Jumping is learned at a young age and if it isn't stopped early in the pup's life, it will become a life-long habit. The command to ‘come' will be more of a challenge as the pup's independence grows. You may use treats to lure him in when this happens, but do not reprimand him for not coming. Remember to praise him for good behavior and scold him for bad behavior. Books and videos give a generalization of training and aren't capable of addressing individual needs. Stick with me and I'll guide you through the process so that you have a training program that meets your dog's individual needs. Your pup is in the ‘introduction and encouragement' stage, not the training stage, of his life.
Charlie Linblade
Mighigan Wing Shooters Hunt Club
Michigan Pheasant Hunting
Michigan Bird Dog Training
