Onix

ak dog doc I read that your dog likes to jump like a jackrabbit off of beds and high things. Onix started to walk up stairs but would walk down. In the last three days, he started to walk down them with no problem then yesterday, man was he soooo chipper, he walked down to the last two steps and then jumped like a rabbit. I was a bit concerned cuz I dont want him to hurt himself at this young age of 8 wks. But its so funny at the same time. I told onix "i thought you guys were smart, dont you know you are going to hurt yourself?" ha, the incident reminded me of your story.

thank you all for your input. I went to a trainer yesterday and asked for advice about legolas training and I started to give him treats for all the good things he does so the positive reinforcements are there. I know some of you warn about puppies jumping too early but legolas only goes up the stairs. He knows he is not ready to go down the stairs. Its kind of funny cuz he wants to come down but doesnt have the courage to do so yet so I end up getting a starimaster exercise! He will be enrolled in a 8 week basic puppy training course starting november 23rd. By that time he will be 3 months old. I guess for me its the patience I need to obtain till that time. I know he is ready for training now because he already knows the sit command, he is starting to look for more challenges instead of playing with toys. I am trying to get him to fetch at a short distance. But he still has a relatively short attention span.

We have a three story and everytime I take legolas (7 weeks) outside for potty, I always try to make him climb some stairs. For a while he would only go up several steps then stop. So i picked him up and walked the rest of the way and expected him to do so in the future. Well, two days ago I didnt bother to try and he just walked up all three flights like it was nothing. I was so shocked and amazed. He even sits on command when we get to the front door. I am glad I got a BC and enjoy reading everyone's story. I also read that many people have been talking about the book pack of two?? Does anyone know the author??

I noticed that a puppy doesnt have a long attention span. I want to start training him the stay command but wonder if it is too early?? He is about 8 weeks old now.

Thank you all for your input(s). Last night was the first night he didnt cry in his crate with the exception of one time he really needed to do both numbers but he let me and my fiance sleep all night. I was truly proud of him. He has only been in the crate 4 days. I stopped using a leash and he is much better but I will introduce him to the leash starting today. I have him practicing the sit and down command and he comes to me while i call him when we are outside. I did notice last night he was in a very playful mood and I picked him up to go back in and he started to squirm and snapped at me. Not only once but twice. I immediately grabbed his nozzle and said in a firmly way, NO! he stopped and was good afterwards. Thank you for all your help.

I changed the displayed name to the name of my pup. Thank you for replying and I'll try your suggestions. I read alot of books about training border pups and I used to have one before when I was growing up but Its been a while. I forgot how much training and care it requires but it is alot of fun. I also put him in his crate sometimes for an half hour to an hour to break him from crying in the crate but he still does cry. It has been 4 days but I read that sometimes it takes a week or two. What have your experieces taught you and are there any tricks of the trade anyone can give me? thanks

I just got a 7 wk border pup but I am having some problems with walking him to go potty with a leash. I have a choke collar on him but I do not pull hard at all. He seems to freeze and maybe he doesnt like it. Should I continue using the choke collar in respect for training methods or should I change collars?? I was also walking him (one day) with a leash (the one good day) and he stepped in front of me. I didnt see him and accidently stepped on his foot. He now wont walk with a leash. My next question is how to break that and make him more comfortable? :confused: