Starting Over

Rob and I had a bit of a puppy parent meltdown this morning when Rohan didn't go to the toilet outside but immediately when we brought him back in and then wouldn't stop biting when we were playing with him.

We felt as though we hadn't gotten anywhere in the past two weeks, then my dad came to visit.

Rohan gets very excited when my folks come to see him, maybe because he can smell their dog on them or maybe he just senses they are dog people and that they adore him. He immediately goes into best behaviour mode. When I complained to my dad about the toilet training he said we were expecting too much from him that he was just learning. Rohan didn't bite my dad at all, sat when he was told and rolled over for tummy tickles. When my dad gets down on the floor with him Rohan fly's around like a mad thing but doesn't bite at all when he jumps at my dad just licks.

It made me think that there was no reason why Rohan can't be like that all of the time and maybe its Rob and I. ( you think!)

Looking back on the blogs I think my first mistake was reneging on the idea of the pen for the toilet area. Just because it didn't work on the first day I let him go where he wanted so I don't think he has made any clear connection as to what we want him to do while he's out there.

We also haven't been focused enough on leaving him alone. I love it when he climbs on my knee when I'm sitting on the floor for a cuddle but get frustrated when he tries to lie on my feet wherever I go. How can I expect him to know the difference?

So Sunday 24th August. Two weeks since we brought him home and we're starting again.

Whenever he gets over excited and bites we tell him no and provide a toy, if he continues we put him in the hallway until he calms down. Instead of getting louder and embroiled in a pushing match.

We're taking him out to the pen to toilet every hour, after a meal, after waking, after play. Praise and a treat when he goes. If he goes in the house we tell him no and take him out.

When he falls asleep we are taking him to his bed, sometimes closing the gate door, sometimes leaving it open.

Instead of filling the crate with soft bedding he has his bed and some newspaper for accidents, this way he will understand the meaning of his bed rather than where he eats or wees at night.

In the two weeks we have had him Rohan has learnt basic commands, to walk on the lead to greet people sitting down. He is calm around children, and has passed a myriad of socialisation situations with flying colours. I know it is early days but he doesn't seem to have an aggressive bone in his body. It is easy to forget this when he wee's again on the carpet or howls like you are hurting him when his is in a fleece bed surrounded by toys with access to food and water.

We have to keep reminding ourselves that how Rohan behaves is in direct response to the boundaries, limitations, and training Rob and I set. Obviously his own personality plays a huge part but only by staying focused and maintaining consistency will Rohan be able to be the fantastic dog he is meant to be.

The pic of him in his bed is Rohan sleeping happily in his crate an hour ago, without protesting, being shut in or wanting to be with us instead. Small steps but milestones none the less!