Help requested from a puppy-rearing novice!

[LaraMN]

(X-post from the Lounge)

I have never had a dog, unless you count the one year I lived with my parents before graduation, when they owned a beagle.

So my husband and I decided after much consideration to get a puppy recently. He(Skippy)is a six-month-old yellow lab and *something* - we think pit- mix. We adopted him from the animal shelter. We should have a trip in to meet his new vet soon.

Oh. my. God. It is truly like having a baby in the house again. I am really trying to be a good dog mom, but I almost feel depressed by how much effort he demands.

He cries incessantly while I'm trying to do work. I take him out every hour or two to go to pee. I take breaks from work periodically to spend some time playing with him, additionally, but he still cries constantly. He jumps ALL over Jack (our six-year-old son who has Down Syndrome), and nips at him like crazy, to the point that Jack is spending a lot of time shutting himself in rooms the dog can't get into to avoid him.

A big problem we're having involves teaching Jack to avoid getting Skippy riled up. He doesn't understand. Skippy is also CLEARLY trying to assert dominance over Jack (he tries to hump him, constantly). I have tried SO hard to help Jack assert dominance, but he is terrified of confronting the dog's behavior- even with me helping him- and it's just not happening.

Ugh. I know we have to get the dog trained properly, particularly in regard to nipping/biting and recognizing his "pack status", but it's exhausting trying to get him to stop behaving inappropriately toward Jack (and vice-versa).

I've been reading up on dog training, but I totally feel like I'm getting nowhere, and it's a full-time occupation trying to entertain and train the dog.

Any advice from those with more wisdom on dog training and behavior?

Ugh.

[MiniMe]

1. If Skippy gets along well with other dogs, find a doggie friend and

have them play together. The problem is an excess of energy that Skippy isn't getting out. I foster for a lab rescue organization and the lack of exercise and training is the biggest reason that people can't handle the dog. I have my own dog and he pretty much takes care of exercising my fosters, especially if they are young. It sounds like he is treating Jack like one of his siblings. Puppies are definitely an investment in time and energy. Take Skippy to a training class, PetSmart has them if you don't know of anywhere else. Training and exercise, that is the key.

[MadMaddie]

2. I agree with MiniMe

Lack of exercise and training will contribute to a hyper puppy. If you are able to find a doggie day care where Skippy can go once or twice a week so he can run and play until his hearts content. A tired puppy is a happy puppy.

[LaraMN]

3. Thank you!

I don't doubt that lack of exercise is a contributing factor- we're in MN, and it's been sooo cold here that even the dog can't bear to go for more than a 5-minute walk, so he hasn't gotten much chance to really run off his energy.

Thanks for the wisdom. It's much appreciated!

[MiniMe]

4. It is the tried and true, a tired puppy is a good puppy

They are too tired to get into trouble :rofl:

[roguevalley]

5. exercise is key. do you have a treadmill> Put them on it. an hour or two a day

of walking will help. Truly. also go to cesarmilan.com and get more help. he is the king of new puppies.