I didn’t think I would be interested in doing these things but this question made me stop and think. It’s also cold and white outside from the snow and I may have skipped work today, so I have time!
I have a 9-month-old puppy and let me tell you, there are so many things I want this pup to understand.
Nico is an amazing dog. She is 76 pounds (last time I weighed her) of energy and love. So much energy! No one warned me that doodles had so much freaking energy. I lost my old dog in May of 2024 and got Nico the same day. It was a grief induced decision that I realize is insane, but I did it.
Pixel, the old girl, was such an easy dog. She learned so quick to go out to potty, to stay out of things, to not chew on anything but her toys, and to only eat what was given to her. She spoiled me and I spoiled her.
Nico…Nico is crazy. Insane. A demon dog. My hellhound. Don’t get me wrong, I love this little beast with all my heart. Pixel was 20 pounds full-grown. Nico is going to reach 80 pounds if not more. Fingers crossed it’s not more. She has been so difficult to train. She has the focus of…nothing, she has no focus. Getting her to pay attention to commands has been infuriating. This dog has tested my patience to the max. I have used up all my patience for the next 50 years with this girl. She wants to do what she wants to do and she doesn’t care about anything else. She will pay attention for 2 seconds as long as you have a treat to give her. Also, she thinks EVERYTHING is food.
With all that being said, the only thing I want my dog to understand is that when I say no bite, I mean NO BITE! I swear this dog has bitten me more than any other creature in my life. They are not hard bites, not always. She just can’t seem to get out her excitement any other way than to bite me. Sometimes they are just little love nibbles. Other times she is pinching the back of my arm and I will not tell you a lie, I have smacked her for those. It’s a gut reaction. A gut reaction I have slowly phased out. Now I just grab her noise bottle or an inflatable pillow. She just sees them and instantly settles down. I just want to pet my puppy without her trying to turn me into a chew toy!
I love my dog dearly. I can’t wait for her to be the best trained little fur bestie and give Pixel a run for her money. I know we will get there, she just needs a little more time. She is special.
Are there any dog trainers or owners out there with an energetic hellhound who can give me tips? Have you had any struggles with your pups? Does it get any easier? lol
Dream Downloading 