Dear UrbanAnimal,Kiefer is my two-month-old St. Bernard that I bought at a pet store. He was calm at the store but after a few days at home, he became hyperactive. He jumps on me almost continuously when I get home from work and he often tries to herd and nip my heels when I walk. I understand that puppies jump up when they're happy, and nipping is also normal but can I stop him from doing these things? Also, I'm not sure if Kiefer is a St. Bernard. He resembles the breed but his colouring isn't quite right. And St. Bernards aren't supposed to herd, correct?
Franz
Dear Franz,
First, inhale deeply and know that Kiefer's antics are absolutely normal. I would be more concerned if a puppy didn't try to jump or nip because (exhale now) these are two of the five most common hurdles involved in puppy training. The other big hurdles are barking, chewing and house training.
Since you didn't mention the other three, I'd say you're in pretty good shape.
But time is ticking and teaching appropriate behaviour to a large-breed pup must be expedited before you end up on the floor, flattened by an affectionate, slobbering giant.
Readers, I asked Franz for more information and found that two-month-old Kiefer is left alone for 12 hours a day in a puppy-safe house. He's let into the backyard in the morning and again before bed time. Exercise consists of on-leash walks when Franz gets home from work and again later in the evening.
The mystery surrounding Kiefer's breed was solved when Franz sent me a photo of the St. Bernard in question.
This photo depicts the cutest Australian shepherd puppy I've ever seen. Just another reminder that pets purchased from pet shops are usually not as advertised. They are frequently of questionable origin, plagued with medical and behavioural issues and, in Kiefer's case, misidentified as to breed type. Preliminary research would have given Franz the knowledge to identify the breed himself but, as is often the case with pet shops, quick turnaround of animal stock depends largely on spontaneous purchase.
It's the "puppy in the window" syndrome.
Generally, a dog that jumps up is seeking attention. If the owner pushes him down or knees him in the chest, the dog is getting exactly what he wants: attention.
Although this attention is negative, it becomes a "reward" that is sought over and over until pup understands that jumping results in the opposite: no attention.
When pup jumps, turn away and say, "Off." Repeat until all four feet are on the floor, praise quietly and offer a treat. The lesson is: Jumping up equals no treat. Four feet on the floor equals treat. If your pup knows how to sit on command, say "Sit" and wait until he's in a sitting position before offering the reward. This is positive reinforcement, the same principle used in motivational training methods. You want to teach pup that good things happen when correct behaviour is shown.
Now that we've discovered that Kiefer is an Australian shepherd, we understand his wish to herd and nip heels is genetically inspired. And, what the heck, he is a puppy and most puppies enjoy chasing and nipping so Kiefer is blessed with a double-whammy.
You'll need to be exceptionally firm and consistent or he'll graduate from nipping your favourite Nikes to chasing and nipping children, bicycles and, well, let's just say it's in everyone's best interest to teach him to stop the behaviour.
Use the same positive reinforcement as described above. When he tries to herd you, stop walking and say "Off" and offer a treat when he stops. Of course, he may take the treat and grab your pant leg. If this is the case, increase the amount of time between "Off" and giving the treat. Also, keep in mind that he's probably teething at this point and needs appropriate chew toys to soothe his sore gums. Your veterinarian can recommend several safe products.
It would be extremely helpful to provide Kiefer with physical and mental stimulation while you're at work.
Twelve hours is a long time for a pup to be alone and his excess energy and "hyperactivity" will only increase as he gets older. Unresolved behavioural issues are the main reason dogs end up at the shelter, relinquished by humans who didn't or couldn't provide sufficient time to address these issues as quickly as possible.
A professional dog walker can be hired to exercise and socialize Kiefer while you're at work and your veterinarian and dog trainer should be consulted for more information.
Good luck! Please keep in touch to let me know how you and Kiefer make out.
E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.