Shooter’s one lucky pup. You’re both devoting a lot of energy to his education and it shows. You’re doing a great job. I guarantee you the biting will not be a long-term issue.
- Periods of craziness are normal for a puppy Shooter’s age. I call them the “zoomies.” Just give him some space and watch him go crazy. Or, try and show him he can learn to control himself by trying to do the “sit/stand” exercise. The good news is that after the zoomies, they usually crash!
- Try isolation when he’s biting or aggressive. You only have to be gone for a minute or two and he should be left completely alone.
- Play the “where’s Daddy/where’s Mommy” game. The person who’s hiding calls him excitedly as soon as the person holding him say’s “Where’s _____?” Explode in celebration when he finds you. As he gets better, make the game tougher.
- Continue what you’re doing with “FETCH, BRING, GIVE.” He doesn’t get a treat unless he brings the ball most of the way to you. Don’t bring the treat out too fast. You want him to hold the ball until you tell him to “GIVE.” But, this is one of those exercises that you need to build slowly.
- Keep working on “SIT,” “DOWN” and “STAND.” Have him sit for almost everything. Start extending the length of time he’s able to hold his position by telling him to “WAIT.” This is the beginning of one of the most important commands he’ll learn: “STAY!”
- Work on having him “SHAKE” when he’s in a calm mood.
- Begin feeding him in his crate. Put him in there for short periods with a Kong or chew and never let him out unless he’s quiet and calm.
- Continue working on all the exercises we started last time.
- We didn’t talk about using the spray bottle, but it works for “OFF.”
As always, call or write me at any time with questions or concerns.
