I need puppy help!

tarebear9891

So two months ago we adopted a pit mix, he is now 5 months old. I posted awhile back about how he was hospitalized with giardia three days later. Well since then he has been seriously sick 4 times with two major hospital stays (the other for dog flu). 

So the deal is this guy is hyper (understandably so). He chews everything, gets really too hyper with the kiddos, and pees everywhere. I'm aware this is normal puppy behavior. Our problem is that the vet says he is obviously immunocomprimised. So until he is at least a year old he can't be taken in public which means no walks or doggie parks to help him burn off energy. 

So any advice? Anyone deal with something similar? I admit I'm kind of at a loss as for what to do, our Rottie mix has always been so easy.

Also, we would totally do training at Petsmart but again I don't want to expose him to anything.  

tarebear9891

Also thanks to anyone who read that whole thing!

mmizrach

If you can't take him outside to burn energy, you have to do it inside. You need to run him on a treadmill. Take it slow with lots of encouragement. Hold him on there by his leash and collar until he is comfortable walking, then tie the leash onto the treadmill only after he is completely comfortable with it. Try to walk him at a brisk pace for 30 minutes twice a day.

Also, he needs mental stimulation (sometimes it's more tiring than physical activity.) Teach him commands and tricks -- a good way is with a device called a clicker. Having him work to figure out what you want is good mental stimulation. Another thing you can get are these Kong toys that you stuff the treats inside. Again, he is using his energy productively rather than being crazy.

For him peeing everywhere, that's a different issue than being hyper. Is it just dribbling out when he is excited or is he actually lifting his leg and peeing on things? And is he neutered?

MrsTownsend8136

Our puppies needed a good run or walk! We go to the lake with my SIL. There is hardly every anyone there. After a walk around the lake they would pass out! If you cant take him to public areas try your yard or your street. As for the chewing! We had to keep them entertained! We gave them at least a bone a day. It can get a little expensive unless you buy in bulk, but way cheaper than replacing shoes and furniture all the time. We also got the hard plastic happy meal toys from Mcdonalds. Instead of a soft stuffed toy they loved the hard plastic and trying to chew on it! It would keep them entertained for hours, but be careful of the little pieces that break off! Also try the hard rubber toys that you can put meat flavored filling in or bones! They love the challenge of trying to get to the good stuff! As for the peeing, we had to constantly take them outside! Like every hour....ugh, but it helped because puppy bladders are smaller and they havent mastered holding it. After the last walk before bed we picked up the water bowl so they couldnt drink in the middle of the night and wake up to potty. Hope that helps!:) Good luck!

Shadow2641

Our vet where we take our dog has an aquatic center, which they do weight loss, physical therapy and aquatic therapy. I think it would be good for your dog, especially if you could find something similar in the area near you. And with it being in the vet's office you and your dog are in a safe environment. Good luck!

hboo2011

I ditto the water aerobics. Call your vet- see if they have any recommendations. The one by me is strictly medical, so there's not dogs 'playing', it's more of a medical facility like a vet's office which may be ok. Also, what about your backyard- get agility equipment. You can def make your own a lot cheaper than buying everything. Use a kid's play tunnel, use poles painted a bright color... Not sure what you can do for the AFrame, but if you work w him in the backyard (I'm assuming he's allowed in the yard, just not public walks), that will help w some exercise and training. Good luck!

tarebear9891

Thanks everyone for the advice! We have been getting him big bones and they help but he goes through then quickly so I am going to bulk order some. He loses interest with toys very quickly. As far as training, we started and already I'm amazed at how quickly he is learning commands. He is definitely more behaved after even learning sit, down, and stay. 

Making some agility equipment for the back yard is an awesome idea, thanks! 

Mrs.Hizzo

tarebear9891:

Thanks everyone for the advice! We have been getting him big bones and they help but he goes through then quickly so I am going to bulk order some. He loses interest with toys very quickly. As far as training, we started and already I'm amazed at how quickly he is learning commands. He is definitely more behaved after even learning sit, down, and stay. 

Making some agility equipment for the back yard is an awesome idea, thanks! 

I would be very careful about this. Your dog is only five months old. Most agility trainers won't start a dog on equipment until they are at least a year, and if you don't have experience and know how to safely train obstacles, I could see this being a recipe for disaster. Dogs are very susceptible to injuries before their growth plates close, and that can be 18 months for some breeds. 

 

tarebear9891

Mrs.Hizzo:

tarebear9891:

Thanks everyone for the advice! We have been getting him big bones and they help but he goes through then quickly so I am going to bulk order some. He loses interest with toys very quickly. As far as training, we started and already I'm amazed at how quickly he is learning commands. He is definitely more behaved after even learning sit, down, and stay. 

Making some agility equipment for the back yard is an awesome idea, thanks! 

I would be very careful about this. Your dog is only five months old. Most agility trainers won't start a dog on equipment until they are at least a year, and if you don't have experience and know how to safely train obstacles, I could see this being a recipe for disaster. Dogs are very susceptible to injuries before their growth plates close, and that can be 18 months for some breeds. 

 

Thanks for the advice, that's good to know! Your right, I do know how to do basic training but know nothing about agility training. We will probably just stick with wearing him out with a ball and other toys in the yard. 

bekahdrum

If you have stairs in your house you can play what I call "stair ball"  it is a variation on a recommendation I got on this very board.  It is a mix of training and exercise.  Take a ball (or treats) and have him sit at the top of the stairs and wait while you throw ball down the stairs then tell him to get it.  He gets the exercise of running stairs and some mental exercise having to stay until you release him to get it.  My Aussie Lab mix LOVES this game!