First and foremost, I've been observing this awesome forum and I must say it has tons of useful info. That being said, I was hoping to hear some first hand experience on what worked for you. I picked up Olive 3 days ago. She's 10 weeks old and already a handful but a joy nevertheless.
On to the questions.. biting! Hands, feet, socks.. there are times where she goes on hours on end relentlessly nibbling away. I've tried the whole "No!" and ignoring her but it's hard to ignore when she jumps at your toes with those sharp teeth. I was going to try "time out"? But I also don't want her associating her crate or the patio(where she stays when no one's home) with bad vibes so to speak. Any advise? I know this is mostly just a phase from reading up but those teeth HURT and with a 2yr old son, it makes the puppy experience a bit stressful at times.
The Crate. We purchased a large crate and blocked off 2/3 or so so that she doesn't have room to poop/pee on one side and sleep in the other. She freely walks in while we're home at times but for the most part she spends the day inside the house. I'm not sure if I should be locking her in overnight at such an early age? As of now, she sleeps all night in her "bed" in the living room. We haven't had much problem with that either. Should I be trying to have her stay in her crate more often? I guess my question to you guys is where does your bully sleep and has it cause any "destruction"?
She's a smelly one also. Is 10/11 weeks too young to start grooming? I picked up some "gentle" bathing shampoo but have yet to use it. Wondering if I should wait it out a bit or give her a much needed bath.
Is there a period I should wait to cut my puppies nails? Those things are sharp!
Finally, she has had her first set of vaccinations and a 2'nd pet visit and a physical analysis before picking her up. I'm not introducing her to dogs yet for fear o parvo but I do take her on walks frequently and she does very well going potty out doors. Is this also a "no-no"? Did you guys gold off on walks and potty training until your puppies second set of vaccines?
Once again, thanks for all the help.. glad to come on board.
On to the questions.. biting! Hands, feet, socks.. there are times where she goes on hours on end relentlessly nibbling away. I've tried the whole "No!" and ignoring her but it's hard to ignore when she jumps at your toes with those sharp teeth. I was going to try "time out"? But I also don't want her associating her crate or the patio(where she stays when no one's home) with bad vibes so to speak. Any advise? I know this is mostly just a phase from reading up but those teeth HURT and with a 2yr old son, it makes the puppy experience a bit stressful at times.
The Crate. We purchased a large crate and blocked off 2/3 or so so that she doesn't have room to poop/pee on one side and sleep in the other. She freely walks in while we're home at times but for the most part she spends the day inside the house. I'm not sure if I should be locking her in overnight at such an early age? As of now, she sleeps all night in her "bed" in the living room. We haven't had much problem with that either. Should I be trying to have her stay in her crate more often? I guess my question to you guys is where does your bully sleep and has it cause any "destruction"?
She's a smelly one also. Is 10/11 weeks too young to start grooming? I picked up some "gentle" bathing shampoo but have yet to use it. Wondering if I should wait it out a bit or give her a much needed bath.
Is there a period I should wait to cut my puppies nails? Those things are sharp!
Finally, she has had her first set of vaccinations and a 2'nd pet visit and a physical analysis before picking her up. I'm not introducing her to dogs yet for fear o parvo but I do take her on walks frequently and she does very well going potty out doors. Is this also a "no-no"? Did you guys gold off on walks and potty training until your puppies second set of vaccines?
Once again, thanks for all the help.. glad to come on board.