Hi from Jill and (Ringo) formerly known as Blackie

[Blackie65]

so, on sunday, my daughter called me to say that she bought a puppy on Craigs List. She has since realized that this was a very impulsive decision. This is supposedly a mastiff/Husky mix, but I dont know. He is only 6 weeks old. He is doing well so far with potty training. eating on a regular basis. Teething like crazy. Is cute and snuggly and sweet.

I havent raised a puppy in years, I dont know if I am up for this, my daughter really wants me to keep him.

I wasnt financially prepared for this either. I was hoping my new friends could help me with this dilemma.

I havent left him alone yet, how do I do it? ive been taking him with me everywhere the last couple of days. I dont have a large dog crate but do have a cat carrier (which is plenty big for him) I just have no clue how to leave him...help! My last dog was a rescue, an 8 year old black lab who barked like crazy whenever I left him, (awful seperation anxiety) I live in an apt and his bark was so loud, I had to give him up to a friend. The lab I had before that lived to be almost 13, he really was the perfect dog, and I dont remember having any issues with him (or I just forgot what they were....I do recall him having seperation anxiety as well, I don't think I could have another velcro dog!!)

If I keep this puppy, I want to start out right!

also, he is chewing everything, I never had a dog that chewed wood! He does have toys and I put them in his mouth when he starts to chew on wood or my hand....or cords!

Do I already sound like a lost cause?

[Blackie65]

[kian]

Actually I hate to be a killjoy, 6 weeks is way too early to leave mom and littermates. Let me explain why.....(I am a professional trainer, FYI).

Between 5-6 weeks when the mom begins to wean the pups, they go through mental and learning growth between 6-8 weeks of age (I am leaning more towards 10-11 weeks to go to a new home). Since 8 weeks is the standard, hear me out.
During that phase they learn bite inhibition (you think you will become a pin cushion, it gets worse when not learned by the mom and the mates). They learn pack hierarchy and they learn the world is not such a scary place, they are willing to break from mom during those weeks in thier own time, not forced like at 6 weeks. That is why when you go see puppies after 8 weeks of age, they all say "pick me", they are much, much happier puppies. You see, eating on thier own is NOT the point as some breeders say, it's the mental growth they need. It's like taking a child in Kindergarten and saying, okay now go to the 5th grade.

These are the issues you may face.....harder nipping and biting, fear aggression towards people and other dogs, when they haven't had a chance to break from thier mom on thier own, they will attach to YOU as if you were the mom and never let go. They can become fearful of people around them and tend to be more reactive. I deal with these issues, a lot. The common demonator......leaving to homes at that age or less.

Do all dogs end up this, no some are fine, MOST are not. I'm sorry your daughter did this on a impluse, this mix could be trouble because of the age and because of the mix. I know this is a lot to take in, you really need to be prepared. If possible, take the puppy back and insist he stay with mom and hopefully mates, for a few more weeks. You had a dog with separation anxiety, this is a strong possibility because of the age it was taken. After reading my info, doesn't this make sense that this could happen. I see it a lot, they become destructive when left home out of fear. I strongly urge, OB classes after 13 weeks of age!!

If you have young children at home, you may want to rethink this! I protect children at all costs, because of the pyschological issues these dogs can face, they can bite!! I would hate to see a child bitten, all because the "backyard breeder" let these puppies go way too young.

Now what to do? Get him a puppy kong, stuff it with treats and freeze. No rawhide, munchy treats are okay after 9 weeks of age. Deflect his chewing and praise him with good rewards, dogs work on positive rewards.

Yes I'm blunt, I really want you to understand the issues that could arise. Knowledge is power to make the right decisions.

[Blackie65]

Hi! Oh my gosh, im ever so grateful for your feedback! everything i have been reading online says that 6 weeks is too young, I knew that in my heart when she walked in with this puppy..

to be honest, it sounded like he was taken from the mom at 5 weeks, once he learned how to eat on his own. My daughter said that neither parent of these puppies were anywhere to be seen at the home where she picked him up.

I wish I wasnt sleeping when my daughter tried to call me...

Not sure if these folks will take the puppy back, they are probably grateful for their $100. Another thing they said was that the puppies were vet checked and don't need shots til 9 weeks, I checked with my vet and he said 6 weeks for shots so I dont even know if I would trust them to put him back with his mom since they are obviously lying about other things.

He has been trying to chew on my hand, and i have been growling like a momma dog, he stares at me land then goes and chews on his own toys. He sure does like to chew. He seems to be a quick learner.

There will be small children here and i don't intend to let him roam freely until I can trust him, I have a leash and a collar to keep him close to me (That's what I did with my last lab) but, from what you are saying, this might form more of an attachment to me? UGH...

Ive been sick these past few days so I have been able to stay attentive with potty training and chewing lessons...

Is there no hope? I got an email from a friend who has a friend who might be willing to take him...

He is very sweet, makes eye contact, stays close to me....has a vet appt this weekend (if I keep him)

do you think its better to just try to return him?

Im feeling at a loss... look forward to your reply. I'm so grateful you are here to read my story!

[Blackie65]

ps. what is OB training?

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kian gave you excellent advice, and I must praise you for being willing to actually hear it, and come up with reasonable questions in response to it. Clearly you care, and I have to agree that returning him to a place where no parents were to be seen, and this pup was already ripped from his Mum at 5 weeks, is no place to which he should be returned.

He is as cute as a button, but as Kian said, that won't help in the long run. May I also suggest you sit your daughter down and teach her right now about when and how to purchase a puppy!!! If she is old enough to write a cheque, she is old enough to learn this now. She has made this whole situation your issue with which to deal, which is quite unfair. My heart goes out to you.

Obviously if you opt to keep this puppy, he will be your life for at least the next six months to a year! You will have to enroll in obedience classes and perhaps even hire a trainer after that. All of these things cost money and time. I'm glad you are able to try and start potty training, although realistically there is no hope of that happening until at least 20 weeks. You will be trained, not the puppy as he can't even begin to give you a signal as HE doesn't even know when he has to go.

Even if you are not going to keep the puppy, I would still strongly suggest a visit to the Vet. The wee fellow deserves at least that. Perhaps your Vet can help you re-home the dog, if that is your choice, or you can use "Petfinder" to help you. Personally, I would want to know precisely where this pup was going, and to know that the people who take him are prepared to give him his loving, safe, FOREVER home, for his sake.

Best wishes to you both!

[Blackie65]

Thank you so much, im so happy there are people out there who can suggest what I should do!

I have a friend who is looking to see if her friend is willing to keep the little guy with her litter of puppies for a few weeks to get the much needed socialization you all have been talking about. Is it okay that we have been socializing him in the neighborhood with the neighborhood kids? we know to keep him away from other dogs until he gets his shots.

of course im getting attached to the little bugger as he has kept me company while i slept the past two days. I swear he wakes me up so he can pee, he goes just as soon as I put him on the grass and is bounding up the steps ready to go back to bed. we have both slept alot these past two days.

He isnt munching on my toes as much, he looks me right in my eye and I say NO, so he goes for his toys. I like how he follows me through the grass, I feel like the pied piper!

Ive been in touch with a trainer, will keep you all posted. Im attaching a photo of the mom, she doesnt look like a husky or a mastiff to me! (Carlie (my daughter) is facebook pals with the owners neice, who also took a puppy...)

[Blackie65]

[kian]

Hi Jill,

Thanks so much for not taking offense, I can't tell you how many people get mad at me and in person! I'm on my way out, I have two clients tonight for OB (Obedience Training). If your friend can get her friend to put Blackie with a litter of pups about the same age, that is what I would I recommend! Watch the mom of the pups and make sure she doesn't take offense.

I really can't tell from the photo, looks like some Lab there for sure.

Yes socialize as much as you can and supervised with kids.

When he starts to bite on you, from your gut make a very loud "ack" noise and throw your arms in the air to convey to him that is not acceptable, then give him something that is. I have some more tips, perhaps Deb can post some links for you if she returns, I have to run!

Kian

[Blackie65]

Thank you so much, I told my daughter she has to pay his vet bill...and ill keep trying to figure out what to do...I want to think everything through...

keep the tips coming, I feel like im coming out of a dark tunnel! lol

in gratitude,

Jill

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Jill, these threads might help:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7330

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6565

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6854

There is a lot of reading in these. I think you are doing incredibly well with Blackie. How sweet that he's been cuddling with you when you've been ill and going out to do his business and straight back in for more cuddles. ♥

I also think having him Foster with a current litter is a wonderful idea as long as the "Mama" dog accepts him. They most often do, but that will have to be a carefully watched procedure. If he could do that for 3 weeks even, you would be much further ahead.

Again, best of luck to you, and happy reading!

[Blackie65]

Thank you so very much, thankful for the reading articles! Anxiously waiting to hear from my friend...

[Blackie65]

ps. because of the star on his chest, I'm going to start calling him Ringo Starr

wasn't looking for a dog, but looks like a dog found me...

[Blackie65]

Im in so much trouble, im finally feeling better today and wanted to do a little housekeeping, I set up a nice area for Ringo with all his toys and some treats...and he just cried and howled..til he threw up... we did potty and some exercise then I tried the crate, kept him right on the counter in front of me while I did the dishes, cried and howled til he threw up. At least I got the dishes done. would it be better to tether him to me? I tried that first and he was really mad about it...

im not going to try to get anything done now til I have a plan.

I scolded my daughter for doing this to me, and she said she knew she had til Friday to decide what to do with him....one of her grand ideas is that I will be keeping him...off to work she went...

I carried whining, crying Ringo up into my room cause I read that you shouldnt take him out while he is crying. Im on my bed, he is on my bed....and while I was typing this, he calmed down, and curled up...is peaceful. should I just let him out now or wait til he wakes up?

Im failing as a doggy momma already!

I guess ill just quietly open the door....

im so mad at my daughter ....

[Blackie65]

...when I opened the door, he crawled out, made an "I forgive you" sound and stretched out and went to sleep...poor baby, not his fault the humans in his life are idiots!