Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have a six month old puppy, he's just been neutered. His mother was 1/2 Chihuahua, and the father was a "Heinz 57". He's VERY active, even though his littermates were all mellow, which is why we bought him. He barks for attention, and if he doesn't get any, he'll bite. We have tried ignoring him, but it doesn't seem to be working. Any other time, he's a very good puppy, he just seems very bored. We always buy him new toys, but he grows bored with them within a day. Would it help if we got him a slightly bigger playmate of the same age, someone he could play with out in the yard and burn off some of his energy? We have never had a dog with this much energy, and as much time as we give to him playing, he just seems to need more. What are some suggestions?

>>We have a six month old puppy, he's just been neutered. His mother was 1/2 Chihuahua, and the father was a "Heinz 57". He's VERY active, even though his littermates were all mellow, which is why we bought him. He barks for attention, and if he doesn't get any, he'll bite. We have tried ignoring him, but it doesn't seem to be working. Any other time, he's a very good puppy, he just seems very bored. We always buy him new toys, but he grows bored with them within a day. Would it help if we got him a slightly bigger playmate of the same age, someone he could play with out in the yard and burn off some of his energy? We have never had a dog with this much energy, and as much time as we give to him playing, he just seems to need more. What are some suggestions?

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Nope, when you have a problem puppy, you do not get another puppy until you have solved these problems. You'll just wind up with two problem dogs. Get in a puppy training class with him. You can also find lots of ideas about training and activities at the link below my signature.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Unfortunately, there is no Obedience or training place anywhere near my home. The closest place is 4 hours away, so I have to try and train him myself. I'll see what I can do with the link you've given me. Thanks!

>>Unfortunately, there is no Obedience or training place anywhere near my home. The closest place is 4 hours away, so I have to try and train him myself. I'll see what I can do with the link you've given me. Thanks!

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Ask at your veterinarian's office. There may be a private trainer or a group that meets or a class through the parks department, YWCA, animal welfare group, boarding kennel, veterinarian's office or other group that doesn't advertise. Kennel clubs often have classes, too. And there may be a private trainer who could meet with you and your dog once or twice a month and give you homework to work on between sessions. A Schutzhund club might let you join in on the obedience part of their practice. Check local dog groomers, too, and the animal welfare division. Even the police, if there is a K9 unit--or the sheriff, etc. They might have a trainer who moonlights training companion dogs and their owners.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

I have a wild one myself! Boy is that fun! In fact, i would say mine has the dog version of ADD or something! Some things i find work well for him have been 1) i got him a kong toy, and he has yet to become bored with it because of all the different things you can do with it. 2) the bitting thing - are we talking, biting biting, or mouthing?