Bo was born Feb 24 2005 and was approx 3 mos old when we got him home. I have three young children and two cats at this time. Bo doesn't have a mean bone in his body, however his weight has gone up++++. Training him has been put off and off just because of his energy (not aggression) with both the kids and my cats. He is digging in the yard, under the house- to the point we will lose our termite warrenty (my husband spent 300.00 on rocks to keep him from the house, he has torn up the mesh & sand and edging). Bo is very rough ( not mean). My question is ... am I to late training him? Do doggy boarding schools work? If I hire a trainer to train me- how long will it take? I love this dog, and I am very aware that nothing that is going on is his fault- we have not given him even half a chance. Please , if any one hase any info on training or trainers ( we are in Jacksonville FL) let me know. I am neutering him tomorrow. Anyone reading this tonight- PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FELLOW AMERICANS AND THE PETS THAT LOVE THEM IN THE GULF. NOTHING THAT ANY HUMAN CAN DO AT THIS POINT WILL BE ENOUGH.
Hubby ready to sell him
- Thread starter bobomom
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Three months is a perfect age to enter a puppy kindergarten class. Most require puppies to be between 8 and 14 weeks at the date of the first class so if you find one quickly, you should be at a perfect age to start. Otherwise if you can't get into puppy class soon, go to an adult beginner obedience which usually also is also for dogs with no prior training, or at least they don't necessarily have any prerequisites. Also puppy parties until he's four or five months old are a great way to get him socialized as well as tire him out!
In general, though, I think most people would say it is never too late to train, just generally easier if it starts in young puppyhood.
In general, though, I think most people would say it is never too late to train, just generally easier if it starts in young puppyhood.
It's too bad that you didn't take him at 3 months of age. That would have been the ideal age to start, no matter how hyper they are. All puppies are that way. It is certainly not too late. I really wouldn't reccomend that you send him away. It is really better to take him to class yourself as you and the rest of your family needs to learn how to train him. You can all go to class and it is really better that you do. You can go here: http://www.apdt.com/ to find a good positive trainer.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Just keep in mind that the training process needs to involve the whole family and you all will need alot of patience. Training is an ongoing process that doesn't not happen overnight or in a couple of months.
When you take the dog to a class it is the owner who is getting trained HOW to train their dog. YOUwill actually have to train the dog using the skills you will learn in class.
Good luck!!
When you take the dog to a class it is the owner who is getting trained HOW to train their dog. YOUwill actually have to train the dog using the skills you will learn in class.
Good luck!!
boxerprincess
Super Boxer
exercise...
In addition to training (which is a great idea!) - how much exercise does Bo get?
Princess went through a craaaaaaaaaazzzzzy time between the ages of 1-2 years old - she just seemed to have boundless energy and did all sorts of nutty things. She "killed" a feather pillow and made it "snow" in the backyard, landscaped the backyard with her digging, snacked on shoes, nibbled on couches and last but not least, jumped through a CLOSED window.
Training, while extremely useful (so that she could get attention for positive behaviors!) just wasn't enough on its own. I found that in addition to training, a tired Princess was a happy and well behaved Princess. Also, Princess isn't very food/treat oriented so going for a big walk prior to training sessions made her more focused during the sessions.
In addition to training (which is a great idea!) - how much exercise does Bo get?
Princess went through a craaaaaaaaaazzzzzy time between the ages of 1-2 years old - she just seemed to have boundless energy and did all sorts of nutty things. She "killed" a feather pillow and made it "snow" in the backyard, landscaped the backyard with her digging, snacked on shoes, nibbled on couches and last but not least, jumped through a CLOSED window.
Training, while extremely useful (so that she could get attention for positive behaviors!) just wasn't enough on its own. I found that in addition to training, a tired Princess was a happy and well behaved Princess. Also, Princess isn't very food/treat oriented so going for a big walk prior to training sessions made her more focused during the sessions.
Anna Begins
Completely Boxer Crazy
Why is he digging? Is an animal under there? Is he left outside by himself?
He could be digging to get at something, because he is bored or because he has some seperation anxiety. He is unattended outside?
He could be digging to get at something, because he is bored or because he has some seperation anxiety. He is unattended outside?
Bustrsmomma
Boxer Buddy
NOT too late!
I took Buster to training when he was over five months old. It did a lot to make him obedient in my presence as well as bonded us more so that he was more eager to please and misbehaved less. I really think the BIG issue here is exercise. While it is not a good idea to run with your pup, find other ways to wear the little bugger out. Buster loves to fetch and he is super-crazy about his squeaky latex ball. He can play with that for hours and I have gotten to the point where I hardly notice the noise. You could also enroll him in doggie daycare a couple times a week. Playing nonstop with the other dogs should give him the exercise he needs when you are unable to. As for the digging nonsense, put him in his crate whenever you are unable to watch him. Now, he shouldn't be there all the time, but it is a solution if you cannot even shower for fear of him destroying things (like it was with Buster for a short time.) If he is not currently crate trained, it is NOT too late to start that either. Keep working at it, it will all come together. Take care!
I took Buster to training when he was over five months old. It did a lot to make him obedient in my presence as well as bonded us more so that he was more eager to please and misbehaved less. I really think the BIG issue here is exercise. While it is not a good idea to run with your pup, find other ways to wear the little bugger out. Buster loves to fetch and he is super-crazy about his squeaky latex ball. He can play with that for hours and I have gotten to the point where I hardly notice the noise. You could also enroll him in doggie daycare a couple times a week. Playing nonstop with the other dogs should give him the exercise he needs when you are unable to. As for the digging nonsense, put him in his crate whenever you are unable to watch him. Now, he shouldn't be there all the time, but it is a solution if you cannot even shower for fear of him destroying things (like it was with Buster for a short time.) If he is not currently crate trained, it is NOT too late to start that either. Keep working at it, it will all come together. Take care!
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