Anyone a new mom pup who's ready to tear her hair out? I have one of the more stubborn breeds to train and keep "busy" and I'm exhausted. I've tried running with her, taking her out more often, giving her bully sticks or other long biting food items, etc. to keep her entertained. She doesn't like food puzzles (bored with them after 3 weeks). Anyway, do you have any ideas how to keep her busy so I don't exhaust myself?
2 Comments
rimu@piefed.social · 2 pts · 359d
They'll take all the entertainment you can provide and still come back for more unless you set boundaries and have a routine about it.
For example, my dog knows that we don't go out for her first walk of the day until she finishes her breakfast (she's a picky eater, prefers to play instead of eat). After we get back from the walk if she's hyped up maybe we have a little cool-down time with a chew toy and then I'm off doing work for the day.
At 3pm (no earlier) we go for our second walk. She knows that if she bugs me before then I'll ignore her or shut the office door. After her walk I work until dinner time and we play again after dinner. Then I do my evening work and we don't play again until just before bed time.
Every day is the same although weekends are more random.
The other day she was all up in my grill wanting to go out and have a run around but I was busy doing something. We didn't go for a walk until she stopped hassling me (2 minutes later) - we walk when I choose to, not whenever she wants it. Her good behavior (quietening down, controlling herself) was rewarded pretty quickly with a nice time outside. The time between action and reward needs to be short otherwise she won't learn the connection.
I'm no huge expert, only had one puppy, grain of salt, etc. https://piefed.social/c/sophie
LizJo@piefed.social · 2 pts · 359d
Thanks! I'm trying to build a routine and consistency, but my schedule is different at least 3-4 days a week. At least her walks are at the same time, so I'll try to build from there.