New Addition, Training Tips

[Rachelle]

Morning everyone, We have a beautiful new 11 month black pedigree bitch, Picked her up Friday... She was returned to the breeder because the 1st owner had a stoke at 36 apparently. She is lovely,very sweet natured, happy and playful., great with my kids and cats,... She is Missing a bit of ear, not sure what happened to it exactly, breeder said she only noticed it the other day :unsure: .. And she has massive nipples.. (im hoping she's either recently come into season, or about to) Booked in for a check up Monday morning.

We already have a 2 year old whippet bitch (Silver) Who wasn't very happy about the new family member at first, but have been snuggling up together on the sofa, so with time I think they will be fine.

We want to change her name, because I hate her given name. Changing it to Amy.. We are having trouble training her, especially with Silver in tow. She seems completely unphased by praise, and little treats (when she's been to the toilet out side) Not listening to 'down' 'here' ... We have had a few toilet accidents in the house. . We cant get her attention at all!

Hubby took her off the lead (in a safe enclosed area) and tried to get her to come back to call, but no joy. .. I understand it will take a while, and will need to spend some time alone with her ..

I just wanted some tips really, We had silver from a pup, so was very easy training her. First time with 2 dogs as you can probably tell :>

 

[Hula]

I think you are expecting too much too soon to be honest . She will be stressed with all the disruption in her short life .

When I have taken on adult rescued dogs I have always assumed they know nothing . If it turns out they do know something then that is an added bonus . With the housetraining you have to go back to basics as if she were a young pup . You have to let her get used to her new name . There will be something she really likes eg a special food treat such as cheese or a squeaky toy or just lots of praise that she really likes and you will find out by trial and error what it is .

I would never have let her off the lead until you have had her for a month or so and are reasonably sure she will come back . I kept my rescued lurcher on the lead for 2 months and even then I was terrified she would take off the first time I let her off the lead .

I think you really just need to let her settle and relax . Everything will fall into place in due course .

My youngest whippet had huge nipples before during and for about a month after her first season so hopefully it's just that .

Enjoy your new girlie !

 

[Rachelle]

Yes, I knew leaving off the lead was a wrong thing to do, told OH not to, told me he wouldn't, but he did. .. It was a very small, enclosed old school yard/tennis court.

I was just after tips really. I know its all very daunting for her, Im not expecting her to be trained immediately.. Just wondered how people went about it tis all. Should I walk them alone, or is walking them together okay?

 

[Hula]

I would walk them together to help them to bond but also take her out extra times to get her housetrained . You could also do a little training with her alone and also do a few things alone with your other dog so she doesn't feel left out . Sometimes maybe you and your OH could take a dog each to do things alone and other times all go together .

I also have an OH who doesn't alway listen to good advice .

Got any pics of your two girlies ?

 

[Rachelle]

I do ..

First evening, Silver didnt mind sharing her sofa

Will need a bigger sofa :teehee:

 

[Hula]

Aw , they are gorgeous and she looks asif she is settling in nicely .

Never mind the bigger sofa , just get a smaller OH (w00t)

 

[eve]

I always take on preloved / rehomed whippets and have a lot of experience.

I took on a 10 month old rehome 6 weeks ago. Similar complaints no recall, not clean in house.

I have had no problems with either of these issues myself. She has been pretty good from day one apart from the odd accident in the house usually when it was raining.

If you can, an open door policy works best for house training along with ' go be a good girl' treats when she is and just learing from what your Silver does. It will take time. Go out with her every time, encourage her to be a 'good girl' and give lots of praise when she does something. Praise is the key.The time & effort you put in, is what you will get back in equal proportion.

Keep her on a lead untill she recalls to her new name but at least 3 weeks. You will need to do this anyway if she is coming into season.

When she accepts you as the pack leader, she should recall very well. As Hula says, very early days. Do not expect too much too soon. Start from the basics as if she was a new puppy and you will not go far wrong. She will respond to praise & treats once she gets to know you. It can take a rehomed whippet up to 18 months to fully settle into its new home depending on previous circumstances

Worth noting that at 11 months they are teenagers and will test the boundaries as their confidence grows. She will not yet be confident in her new situation yet to to do this. A firm hand for the next 6 months is importiant. She must learn her place.

She looks lovely. Good luck XX

 

[lurcherman]

do your training with one dog, let them socialize as much as poss which can be done in garden, the odd walk together is fine but you want the new dog to concentrate on your commands,

 

[Sadie]

My daughter has boy/girl twins aged 9, and the way she has brought them up echo`s the advice given here.

Naturally your girls live together, and will get equal share of love/food/cuddles/joint walks/play etc. But there should be times when they will each benefit from one to one attention/discipline. And being apart for short periods will help with any separation anxiety that might eventually spring up!

You must have all house/family members singing from the same hymn sheet, so that your new girl isn't confused. Dedication and discipline in equal measures, with a good dollop of love and treats thrown in!

Good luck! They look a gorgeous pair, and will no doubt have won your heart by now! o

Sadie x

 

[TillynPip]

Being obvious I know, but I take it her hearings ok?

 

[gypsysmum]

Keep it really simple. Don't expect anything at all and you will be pleasantly surprised one day when she "gets it". Dogs watch body language much more than they listen to commands. Your body language will be different to her previous owner's so she will be confused for quite a while. Remember dogs do not speak English and you will understand her confusion.