I have a new puppy about 12 weeks old. I keep him in a 10 X 10 kennel most of the time. What is best advice ?

I will be very busy with college course and work for next 3-4 months. If I can only spend a few hours a day with the dog (Rhodesian Ridgeback), will this suffice? I will have to get away to be able to study. He seems to get more aggressive with his biting, although I can't tell if its playing or just geting mean. Maybe I should get another dog to keep him company. I hate to give up so soon, but I want the best situation for both of us.I have a new puppy about 12 weeks old. I keep him in a 10 X 10 kennel most of the time. What is best advice ?
WOW! With a Rhodie you are heading for a train wreck..they are THE breed that requires the most socializing and training... Training won't keep until your semester is over....The most important thing for a Rhody is to get him out and about as soon as he is vaccinated..he needs to meet new people and dogs daily..or at least 3 days per week..Getting him a playmate will only compound the problem..


A solution would be to enroll him in a doggy day care 2 or 3 days per week...this would get him socialized and some basic training..Be sure to choose one with references, and that allows dog free play time...Your puppy will be the darling of the day care, and all will be fine...Day care for large breed is about $14 per day here, and a bit less if committed ahead....that would cost you about $140 per month...for a good experience for your dog, and peace of mind....





You always try the most positive method first:


Some ideas for discouraging finger chewing: when your puppy clamps down, let out a very loud YELP in imitation of a hurt puppy. Then, fold your arms and ignore him for 10 minutes. With very young puppies, this sometimes works wonders - it's the same thing that happens when they get too rough with another puppy. The wounded puppy yelps and runs off, refusing to play for a bit. The yelp must be startling enough to stop the behavior. If nothing changes, you probably weren't a good enough actor.





That should do the trick, . however, if it doesn't fix the problem this will work:





To introduce an element of ';natural discipline';, grasp the recalcitrant pup by the scruff of the neck with one hand, place your other hand over the top of his muzzle, gently pressing his muzzle towards his chest as you say, in a low, growly tone of voice, ';No BITE';. If they begin to throw a tantrum and thrash around trying to bite, just hold the line until they ';give in'; and ';say uncle'; (quit resisting). You should not find it necessary to get aggressive with a young puppy. Simple restraint is usually enough to get the message across.I have a new puppy about 12 weeks old. I keep him in a 10 X 10 kennel most of the time. What is best advice ?
Don't keep your dog outside all the time. That's a recipe for an aggressive dog who's totally unsocialized to humans.





Adult dogs do okay with being home alone for a max of 7-9 hours daily, but puppies need someone to take them to potty every couple of hours. Can you get a dog walker to come?





You can make it work if you bring the dog inside, crate-train, get a dog walker and when you are home, devote that time to the dog, especially in the training/playing department.





Honestly, a puppy was a bad choice for your situation. Adult dogs do fine in working families if trained properly for alone time, but puppies need so much more attention. Also ridgebacks are powerful high prey-drive dogs who can and will turn aggressive if not trained.





Ridgebacks are fairly rare dogs, so I have to wonder, did you go really out of your way to get this dog? And why, if you were going to be so busy?
Didnt u know that u will be busy.Dont hate yourself for giving up soon but love yourself for sharing it with us.Getting another dog for ur puppy is not a solution,since u dont have time for one. Be sensible and find a good and loving home for ur puppy and keep a dog when u can give it proper love and attention.
WHY GET A DOG IF YOU PLAN TO LEAVE HIM IN A KENNEL. DOGS IN KENNELS TEND TO GO KENNEL CRAZY, I HAVE SEEN IT BECAUSE I WORK AT A BOARDING KENNEL. THE LONGER THEY ARE LEFT IN A KENNEL, THE MORE AGGRESSIVE THEY GET TOWARDS THE PEOPLE AND TOWARDS EVERYTHING. IF YOU DON'T PLAN TO KEEP HIM OUT AT LEAST 3-4 HRS A DAY THE BEST THING IS TO FIND HIM A NEW HOME WERE HE CAN HAVE RUNNING ACCESS TO RUN AROUND. IT IS NOT FAIR FOR HIM TO BE LOCKED UP WHILE YOU ARE IN THE SAME HOUSE WITH HIM.
You have no business getting a dog, especially a large and active one, if you don't have the time for him!





Of course this dog is getting more aggressive - he's totally frustrated, definitely not getting any necessary exercise or other stimulation. Please don't get another dog to ruin, rather get a home for this one where someone will have time for him.
awee.. what a cute little dog. anyways. the puppy will need a lot of attention...or it will become depressed or get more aggressive. the puppy is going through teething right now so have fun with that one but make it common to the dog to chew on like little bones and ';HIS'; toys...so he won't shread up your house like my two pups did. dogs do go through depression...when my big dog died...my other dog was a pup and she was sad and not energetic...so we got a puppy and she got so much more playful and everything because she has something to do...she acts like the mommy of the two. it would be good to get another dog. whatever you do... do not get rid of the dog. just get another one if you know you can't share enough attention...and make sure they become familiar with many people including babies, little kids, adults, and old people...and also [when not busy] take walks and make sure they don't tear after other dogs. it's not that hard. the only problem i had with puppies is they ate a lot of furniture and my stuffed animals...so just keep them happy. i would suggest getting another dog if it's not too much of an inconvenience.
Ten foot by ten foot, I hope? I'm afraid you are in for trouble, your dog will need more than a few hours a day and two will only make it worse. If you are working and going to college, you will need time to study and other stuff. Your puppy needs at least an hour of exercise a day and then play time with you. It would be best if you found a new home for your friend.
Honestly this is not a good situation for him. We only needs to be in a kennel a couple hours at a time. This is the most important time in his life he needs the socialization. I would say you should find him a new home if your to busy with school. It honestly would be the best thing for both of you.
Frankly, I don't think so. A dog that young is going to need your attention, and is going to need you, period. If you don't have the time to devote to one dog, why get another? That's just doubling your problem. If you don't want to get rid of him, I'd see if maybe a friend or family member could keep him for you until you're done with school, and that way you could see him, play with him, and then get him back when you're done. If you're not going to do that, though, I'd tell you to find him a good home with someone who can give him the time and attention that he needs.
You need to spend a lot more time than just 2-3 hours a day with your dog. Even if the dog is inside with you it will be happy. If you get another dog then that one will be just as miserable since dogs love to have human companionship. I would really recommend either allowing more time with your dog or give him to someone that can spend the time with him.
Give him alot of chew toys because he will start growing in teeth so he'll want to chew alot.





For biting, you would want to take him for and hr long walk a day where it is kind of crowded and there are other dogs. All pups need to be socialized!





Also, you can adopt an older more trained dog to be his ';here.'; kind of like some one you look up to!





Don't forget exersize! I Rhodesian probably wasn't the best dog to get if you arent around that much, but everything will probably be fine!





Hope it works out out :)


-Jocy





PS: A friend you have could watch him! Elderly love dogs and dogs help them too! If they have dogs too, ask them to watch him. I'd also be good if they were retired and have nothing to do, then your pup will have alot of attention! I'm sure it will work out.
Why in heaven's name did you get a little puppy that you can't care for properly. No, a few hours a day is not sufficient. Dogs are pack animals and must have some sort of social stimulation. If left alone most of the time they become destructive and aggressive because they are so bored and lack exercise. Any kind of biting should not be tolerated as it will escalate in intensity if you don't stop it right now. You as a pet owner should be totally in charge or before you know it the dog will not respect you and want to be the dominant one of the group. I strongly suggest that if you plan to keep this dog for it's entire life that you pay to take it to day care when yyou are away and obedience training immediately. If you don't have the means to do this then find a rescue for Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. Keeping this dog isolated is cruel and getting another one is just compounding your problem
OK, this is going to sound critical, and it is, but: what were you thinking? Getting a puppy takes lots of time and as a student, you admit you don't have it. Also why do you want a puppy that lives in a cage. What's in it for you? There's certainly a dismal life of social deprivation in it for him. Dogs in a cage are little better than fish in aquariums. And don't try to say that you'll spend time with him outside. We all know you won't. Even if you try your best, how long will you stay outside in the freezing winter or the 100 degree heat and humidity? And if you don't find it pleasant, what do you think your dog thinks of it? OK lecture over.





Dogs need to be part of a pack. The second best thing you can do for him is find him a home now while he is young enough to still charm prospective owners. The very best thing you can do is bring him into your home and into your life. Sell the cage and buy a crate. When you don't have time to watch him, he is in the crate or on a leash attached to your belt loop. You will be amazed, but spending time with your dog in a home situation will make him a better dog and a happier dog. It doesn't take hours a day to train a dog. Just small blocks of time many times a day.





The ';aggressive'; biting is really just play. He doesn't know that your skin is more tender than puppy skin. He thinks you are having a good time with him (and he is too, because he is WINNING!) Dogs are designed to have excellent mouth-eye coordination. There is no excuse for him touching you with a tooth as long as he knows that is what you expect of him. As it is now he is getting rewarded for the behavior because you continue to play the game with him. To teach him your expectations, play safe games like tug on a toy, fetch (and the all important bring it back). While playing if he even touches you with a tooth, the game is up. Immediately leave the room taking the toy with you. Wait a short time out of two or three minutes. Go back and play some more. Repeat often, and be absolutely consistent that if he touches you with teeth, you leave. He will learn that if he wants fun, he has to play by YOUR rules.





As for your idea of getting another dog: Dog math works this way: 1 good dog + 1 bad dog = 2 bad dogs. On the one hand, yes, if you insist on making your dog lonely by leaving it outside all the time, then certainly get it another dog so he can have some mental stimulation. But make it a year old dog or even two or three years old. If instead you do the right thing and you bring it into your home, you will find two dogs to be more work while you are training your puppy and teaching to be a good dog. Best to start the one dog off right, then add a second dog once you're happy with the one you've got.
Training is great for any dog at any age. It gives you more control over them and gives them something to do which is usually why the bite (trying to get attention). Best of all it gives you and the dog something to do together that only takes less than an hour a day.
If you don't have time for one dog, DO NOT get another. Although they might entertain eachother, they will both require time and training from you, especially at this age. My first reaction is to say give your dog to someone who actually has time for a dog. HOWEVER, most people have more time than they realize, they just lose some of it doing unimportant things like watching TV or surfing the 'net. If you can really make your dog a top priority (which you should, he is your responsibility), you will find you have time to train him and do your work and classes. Take a good look at your schedule and fill in lots of small periods to interact with your dog. Play for 10-15 minutes in the morning before you leave. You should study at home, you need to train the dog that he can't always be the center of attention, but then you can also take ';study breaks'; and play or do a quick training session with him. Find a dog park nearby where he can work off some energy and sociailize with other dogs and people. If you have a friend or neighbor who could look in on the dog while you are gone for long periods, that would also be great. Get a book on ';clicker training'; -it works great and is best learned in short sessions. It also helps with high energy dogs.


Good Luck.
Puppies require LOTS of time and attention in order to grow up into well socialized dogs as well as to learn proper housebreaking. A puppy that does not receive enough attention will not be able to learn how to behave properly. Another dog will only give you more work at a time when you seem quite busy. Dogs need a pack leader (YOU). While 2 dogs may ';keep each other company'; they will not grow up to be good canine citizens without the human direction that they need. Can you enroll him in puppy school? There are lots of places that take dogs for so many hours a day to teach them and socialize them. Good luck with whatever decision you make!
Dog will need at least 2 walks a day, 20 minutes each time. A dog that is confined to a small area or on a chain most of the time will become frustrated, and in turn, agressive.





A R.Ridgeback will become a large dog and will need a lot of space and excercise. A companion animal would help, but if you can't provide a good life for a pet, its best not to own one.





Always remember to put yourself if your pets place, and ask if you would be happy.