The new member of the family of 2(Now 3), Hestia the pupper

246 Views 2 Replies 2 Participants Last post by Leyequois, 2 mo ago

Leyequois

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

I prefer both to rescue a dog, and for it to be a mixed breed, AFAIK they are healthier and live longer, but yeah, I always wanted a Malinois, since my first doggo, when I was 5, was one, and I loved her dearly, so I bought one, and she is now here, the first day she cried a lot for everything, want to get on the couch? Cry!, Want to go out to the loo(Didn't think they'd be that smart that young, she is 7 weeks old and she begs me to let her out to potty), I go to bed? Cry because she wanted to get on the bed(Which I will not have until she can get on and off the bed by herself, so as for her not to potty on the bed)

Now it is the 2nd full day with me and the crying has almost stopped, she licks my feet and hands often, and my older doggo got her maternal instincts intact(I was afraid it would be hard for her after 6 years of being only me and her) and cleans her, and plays with her when we go out(She avoids her on the couch most of the time though, still)

So, I know that these doggos are like, super smart, so I bought her a puzzle plate, a snuffle plate and a feeding ball(Have not used that one yet, but it is a "Planet" that you can open, put kibble in there and have the doggo move it to get the kibble out

I wonder if 7 weeks is too soon to give her these kinds of plates? She sniffled for a bit, ate a bit, and left a lot of kibble there, the puzzle plate is the same, she has not figured a way to get the hidden kibble, and tries to break the plate, then gets annoyed, and runs towards me crying lol

BTW, IDK if that is the right thing to do, but I try to ignore her(Very little, after just 1 day with me) crying for a bit, and after a while, I pay attention to her and either correct her, or help her, whatever is needed.

Here are some vids

(Oh, and btw, she still has not got used to her collar, she walks 2 steps, and then sits to scratch her neck)

Hestia and her snuffle plate

It claims that it is the same as 1hr of exercise, I doubt it, but still thought it'd be a good idea to get it for her, so she gets entertained and does not e...

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JoanneF

· #2 · 2 mo ago

I think puzzles for food are ok up to a point, to occupy a dog quietly for some down time. But just be careful, especially with a young dog, because not being able to eat easily can turn into frustration.

I also don't think it's right to ignore a puppy crying. She is an infant, she has just been uprooted from all she knows, and meeting her emotional needs is as important as meeting her physical needs. There is also evidence that leaving a puppy to cry it out is psychologically damaging.

Have a look at this, I think you will find it interesting - New puppy?

What are you 'correcting' her for? Maybe it's just the choice of word, but she needs to be shown what to do, but not corrected if she gets it wrong (or even hasn't guessed whatever it is that you expect).

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Leyequois

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

JoanneF said:
I think puzzles for food are ok up to a point, to occupy a dog quietly for some down time. But just be careful, especially with a young dog, because not being able to eat easily can turn into frustration.

I also don't think it's right to ignore a puppy crying. She is an infant, she has just been uprooted from all she knows, and meeting her emotional needs is as important as meeting her physical needs. There is also evidence that leaving a puppy to cry it out is psychologically damaging.

Have a look at this - New puppy?

What are you 'correcting' her for? Maybe it's just the choice of word, but she needs to be shown what to do, but not corrected if she gets it wrong (or even hasn't guessed whatever it is that you expect).

Regarding the plates, yes, whenever I notice that she is biting the plate trying to break it, I just carry her, put some kibble on my hand, and sit her by my bigger dog(Who does not like kibble at all, incidentally) and let her eat from my hand, with the big sis on her side(So that she sees no one will take away her food and there is no issues later on with feeding anger or whatever it is called, you know, when you get close to a doggo when he's eating and it gnarls or even attacks)

Yeah, was not sure about the crying, my older one never cried for a second in all her puppyhood, I read that one should wait for some time, but I will heed your advise

Sometimes she cries and tries to get on bed, and yes, maybe I did misuse the word correct, I just tell her "no" pet her and put her in a doggy bed with a couple of my shirts, other times I have done it is when she bites something she shouldn't, she is in a learning phase, but this also surprised me, when I say no and move her away from whatever she is biting, she understands, so far she has not tried to bite the same thing twice(And very rarely bites)

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Hestia and her snuffle plate

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