New Puppy Question

[Sophiesmama]

We got Sophie at almost 8 weeks. She is 13 now. We have been taking her into the yard since we got her. My husband and three grown sons have gone over the yard with a fine-toothed comb! Every rock, stick, bottle cap or anything else has been picked up. My husband put wire fencing around our pool deck and fenced off the part of the yard behind the pool. We didn't start letting her go out by herself till this week. Still we check on her constantly. She has her pool to play in and toys. We keep the grass cut short and recheck for anything rocks etc daily. We have made her play yard as safe as possible. She loves it out there, and plays with the cat all the time...

[kassabella]

She is still young and will get bored easily.

With mine when I see them sit I say good dog sit and lots of praise. Same with down and bow. I put a name to what they do naturally so in effect training all the time without it being structured. I do the structed training until they refuse to do it. Even if it is once we take a break and do it again later. I also do it while I dinner is cooking and the thought of food their butts hit the floor before I say the t.

With the biting I say ouch in an exaggerated tone. If it is when playing I say no play and walk away.

If mine are awake at night I tire them out before bed. A walk, or game.

Keep at it. Training a dog is long term and what you put in you will get out with a great dog.