Uh oh, I think we got a "bad" puppy

[shaner]

Just to clarify, there's no such thing as a bad puppy, that was simply for a catchy title.

Anyway, we got Titan a few days ago at exactly 8 weeks old and I can already tell he is going to be much more of a handful than my girl Cedar ever was. He can do things at 8 weeks old that Cedar couldn't do at 12 weeks old. We have a barrier constructed so we can somewhat let him roam free in the house, but at the same time he can only go places where we can see him at all times. He figured out how to climb the barrier which is about 2 feet high.

Our couch is pretty high and Cedar wasn't able to get on it until 3-4 months. Titan has figured out that if he puts his front paws on the couch and presses his back and butt against the ottoman, he can shimmy his way up. He's already figured out how to climb the stairs, although we don't let him and have since blocked them off.

There's a lot of little things that make me believe that we are in for some hard times with Titan. Cedar is a very naturally obedient dog and was incredibly easy to raise and train, and although I can tell already that Titan is incredibly smart, I just get the feeling he's going to be difficult.

Oh well, it's part of the puppy stage and strangely enough is one of the reasons we love our dogs so much. The more difficult they are, the stronger we become.

[doggiedad]

1 and 2 >>> indicates you have a smart dog.

3 >>>> i don't think you're in for a hard time
because you have a smart pup. i think you're
in for an easy time because your pup is smart.
he should be easy to train.

Originally Posted by shaner

Just to clarify, there's no such thing as a bad puppy, that was simply for a catchy title.

1 >>>>> We have a barrier constructed so we can somewhat let him roam free in the house, but at the same time he can only go places where we can see him at all times. He figured out how to climb the barrier which is about 2 feet high. <<<<<<

2 >>>>> Our couch is pretty high and Cedar wasn't able to get on it until 3-4 months. Titan has figured out that if he puts his front paws on the couch and presses his back and butt against the ottoman, he can shimmy his way up. He's already figured out how to climb the stairs, <<<<<

3 >>>>>There's a lot of little things that make me believe that we are in for some hard times with Titan. <<<<<

Cedar is a very naturally obedient dog and was incredibly easy to raise and train, and although I can tell already that Titan is incredibly smart, I just get the feeling he's going to be difficult.

Oh well, it's part of the puppy stage and strangely enough is one of the reasons we love our dogs so much. The more difficult they are, the stronger we become.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Just make sure you use the crate properly, and baby gates help also.

PUPPY CLASSES with appropriate socialization and EXERCISE are also a big help.

[shaner]

Originally Posted by MaggieRoseLee

Just make sure you use the crate properly, and baby gates help also.

PUPPY CLASSES with appropriate socialization and EXERCISE are also a big help.

He's adjusting to his crate pretty well. The first night he screamed for hours, but the last two nights have been pretty good. Have only had to get up with him once through the night.

We already have him registered for puppy classes. Just gotta wait until he has his shots. His 1st class starts in the first week of February.

[shaner]

Originally Posted by doggiedad

1 and 2 >>> indicates you have a smart dog.

3 >>>> i don't think you're in for a hard time
because you have a smart pup. i think you're
in for an easy time because your pup is smart.
he should be easy to train.

Oh he's a smart boy, that's been obvious so far. House training has been very easy with him so far.

He's a very, very stubborn and persistent little boy, much more so than Cedar ever was. I think training him will be easy because he's so smart, but I just get the feeling he's going to push the limits as much as possible. Cedar didn't push the limits too much and her bratty stage wasn't much of a bratty stage at all.

[1sttimeforgsd]

My only concern would be if he is a climber, if you have a fenced in yard is he going to be an escape artist when he is older. Sounds like you are going to have to stay one step ahead of him.

[shaner]

Originally Posted by 1sttimeforgsd

My only concern would be if he is a climber, if you have a fenced in yard is he going to be an escape artist when he is older. Sounds like you are going to have to stay one step ahead of him.

I don't have a fenced in yard, I live out in the country with a fair bit of land. I have one of those invisible electric fences. Can't train with that until he's about 8 months or so, depending on his maturity level.

[Good_Karma]

It's the challenging dogs that help make you a better trainer. Good luck, it sounds like he's going to keep you on your toes!