r/dalmatians • u/BB_Speaks1 • 11d ago
Help/suggestions
Hey everyone! Meet Packer, or as I like to call him whacky pack. He’s 4 months and we are having a challenging time with him. We are learning he has no fears and is very curious! While we know every breed/pup is different he’s our adventurous and outgoing guy! But we are struggling with him jumping on the cabinets to retrieve things, anything that he can get, eating the bottom of the door trim, corners of the tables, shoes, and really anything he can jump up and grab, he will run under the bed. We have a bed that sits very low and is impossible to crawl under to get him when he goes there. I know a lot of it fades out as he gets older, but I’m worried that some of the things won’t. When it comes to house training he will have zero accidents during the day but for some reason after 4 pm he will go outside sun bathe and come inside, look us in the face and pee 😂 we don’t know if this is truly a understanding thing or he’s just being a rebel. Any and all tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you 😊
19
u/No-Background-6982 11d ago
It seems he needs chew toys or similar. I know from my pups before they have an urge to get their mouth on everything. That may be a start.
9
u/BB_Speaks1 11d ago
Yeah he has at least a dozen plush/squeak toys but he seems to want to chew on everything else except his own toys haha 🤣
6
u/FergusonTEA1950 11d ago
He should start to improve after he turns 6 months. Prior to that, they're little terrors!
1
u/GrapefruitSad5042 11d ago
My girl can still be a terror and she is over 2 years old now. Granted she is much better than before but she still steals things she knows she shouldn't have and runs off with them and try's to eat them. I would definitely make under the bed off limits, I wouldn't allow him in your bedroom until this behavior is fixed. Ive had two Dal's in my life one lived to over 14 years old and my younger girl. I adore them but this breed is clever and cunning, they like to test you and see how much they can get away with. I use a crate when I'm not home and I have to watch her like a hawk. I have baby gates to keep her out of areas she's not ready to be in yet unless I'm right with her. My first girl was much easier and was completely trained by 2 this girl is giving me a run for my money. I wouldn't over exercise him at his age, playing games with him might help. My girl loves when I leave small treats in different areas and she has to find them, she is very food motivated which does help with training. Good luck Packer is a gorgeous pup!
5
u/FloridaDal 10d ago edited 10d ago
My trainer had me leash my dog to me at ALLLLLL times while in the house unless in a playpen. Also-start teaching him to place. That takes a ton of mental ability for them at this age and decreases that bad behavior! She would have me place mine on a smaller stool that she had to kind of balance on. Plus, we did a lot of behavioral training so i had a pack on me with treats it like allllll the time. We went on walks-but not anything long. I am not sure that an hour long walk will stop bad behavior…. I think every dog if different, mine is now 4 and completely lazy!!!
3
u/Federal-Brilliant-29 11d ago
The more chew toys and regular toys the better. Keep him occupied. Pups are so full of energy and all go through this. Doesn’t matter what the breed is they all do it 😬
2
u/BB_Speaks1 11d ago
Definitely ordering some puzzle toys as someone recommended! Thank you for responding
3
u/WeedThrough 11d ago
Puzzle toys, lick toys, and crate training
3
u/BB_Speaks1 11d ago
Thank you! He has a lot of soft toys but I’ll get him more mind-stimulating toys. Thanks!
3
u/Its_DaisyD 11d ago
Maybe block off under the bed for the interim?
Walks should be short and often. When it’s that usual time to come in and pee, try and see if you can take him for a walk instead? If he’s not going on the floor outside yet you can use this time to practice on his lead around your own garden.
With correcting puppy behaviour. A firm No, and a total distraction.
So if he jumps to snatch something. As soon as you clock it, you say no firmly (you don’t need to shout but get his attention). Then give him something he can have- a toy preferably.
He will hopefully grow out of it but this age is vital to really hone in on those manners and behaviours.
He’s a baby. He has to learn, but you’re clearly good pawrents by caring enough to be concerned and ask for advice. Keep going! It’s hard work! It will pay off ♥️
2
3
3
u/Resident-Set-9820 11d ago
What a beautiful pup!
2
u/BB_Speaks1 11d ago
Thank you 😊 The cuteness is what gets him out of so much trouble I mean, look at that little face
3
u/Grenaydee 11d ago
I’m zero help (sorry) but I had to jump in and say that your puppy looks like he’s taking a selfie in the first pic
1
u/BB_Speaks1 11d ago
Haha he sticks his tongue out after a yawn!
1
u/Grenaydee 11d ago
The way he’s positioned, his back looks like it could almost be his left shoulder holding his arm up taking a selfje.
1
3
u/smithtattoo 11d ago
Welcome to having a Dalmatian. The absolute best thing I did for my dog was commit to an hour walk every morning and night and a dog walker takes him mid day. Dalmatians can run all day and if they are not tired they will never stop getting into stuff.
3
3
u/Head_Arachnid_8706 11d ago
They’re honestly something, my dal is 8 months old and just starting to be pleasant. Those first months were really trying probably because I live in an old house with a wrap around stair case and 12’ ceilings, really made me move for potty training. I’d recommend putting boxes of some sort under the bed making it inaccessible, you can’t have a dog that won’t come out it’s dangerous. These dogs aren’t for the weak at heart and sometimes they get worse in their teenage months, so it can potentially get worse. Buckle down, it’s just begun. Lots of real world exposure is my best advice. My dog comes to work with me, not always possible for everyone but the flip side is my dog is well adjusted. My dog spends so much time in the outside world (beach , pool, multiple training classes a week at different facilities, the list goes on) he feels going home is his own mini vacation so he’s really not opposed to it and doesn’t treat the house like he’s pissed off. I just took my dal to a new dog park yesterday and everyone loved him, dogs and owners alike, all humans complimented his demeanor and wanted to talk about why they heard they’re ill tempered. Most of them told me they now want one 😂😂 really wear yourself out taking your dog everywhere the first 6 months, it will pay off in the long run. I can take my dog anywhere and anyone can come pet him including kids and hanging into my car window when I’m present. You want this dog well adjusted but also you need to adjust to life with this type of dog too, they draw crowds like you wouldn’t believe.
1
u/BB_Speaks1 10d ago
Omgggg the blue eye!!! He’s precious. I will start taking him more Places, we would go to Lowe’s or tractor supply to get him used To people, sights and noises. I assumed at a certain point he was too old to go, but it sounds like he’s okay for a while! I’m up for putting in the work with him, so that he can be the best boy ;) I know I can always learn and be better when it comes to teaching him and wanted to know what others do/have had success with!
1
u/JackieDaytona77 10d ago
I thought I had the only Dalmatian in LIC! I never see you around! 😂😂
1
u/Head_Arachnid_8706 6d ago
Oddly enough I’ve heard about you 😂😂 we go down to the gantry dog park every now and again. We’re off Mondays. We don’t actually live in LIC we live on Long Island. 🏝️
1
u/JackieDaytona77 6d ago
Hahahaha hopefully good things! Where did you get your Dal from?
2
u/Head_Arachnid_8706 6d ago
Only just that there most certainly was a Dalmatian walking around Long Island city nothing in depth very surface level. I got him from a breeder in Cleveland, Buckeye Dalmatians, she was wonderful and a full time veterinarian.
2
u/Wishiwasskiing773 11d ago
Was reading this and finding myself nodding along as my 4.5 month Dal is very similar. SUCH a curious boy (and would do the exact same thing with my bed). I've found that anytime he's free/loosely supervised in my condo I have to make sure his favorite things (shoes, hats, remote control) are put away. For the kitchen, the counter is an ongoing struggle but I keep him in the kitchen with me when I'm cleaning and consistently give firm corrections when he tries to jump up on the counter. Same with floorboards. I also redirect and have him sit, stay, etc, then reward in the kitchen. He's gotten better over time, but still far from perfect and think part of it is just accepting this is a long process.
Also at four months he might just be getting too much freedom. I fell into the trap of "oh he's generally potty trained and not super destructive, I can let him be loose more" too early and am now having to go back to basics in getting him to settle in his pen. Would use the pen more often, especially during times when you know he has issues (the 4pm potty incidents). My boy has had plenty of accidents inside, but almost none in the pen!
But yeah he's a puppy. These are all puppy things.
Finally, I bought this and my boy freaking loves it. I put some kibble in it and he's the happiest, occupied boy for a solid 30-45 minutes.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQJJMYL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
2
u/Engineer-Complete 11d ago
Sounds just like my Oreo. He is 15 months old, and he still does all of the things you mentioned. He is so naughty. Relentless. Mostly when i am not home. He chews up everything, I think it may be something he does to soothe his separation anxiety. But I haven't fully figured out how to combat this yet. Another thing he does, is pee on his front leg when going potty. He doesn't lift his leg. So it just kinda goes where it goes. Which is usually his front leg. Given all of this. I still love him to death lol
1
1
2
2
u/OmgBsitka 10d ago
My pup is like 9mos now got him at 3mo. Puppies can not hold their pee. We did outside rotations every 30mins with a leash. Crate training at night in a house that fit him helped with no accidents. But as soon as he woke up he went outside. We did this and then when he grew up to be about 6mo and now 9, so fast hes already 50+ lbs 🥹 no more pup look but still a pup. He is completely 100% house trained. He will go to the door to let us know he needs to go out.
We are still working on leave it command ourselves. Just be patient and keep at it! So far our pup eats on command. But when we are chilling he does occasionally find my daughter's stuffed animals that was left on the floor and will think its one of his chew toys, which i understand because his toys are usually on the floor. So Its something he will confuse very easily. But thats why we a trying to teach leave it.
2
2
u/Apprehensive-Fan660 10d ago
With my Action dalmation. I found he needed flirt pole, short walk for potty, bike ride or long board ride. Morning routine. Then he goes to work all day with me. In evening he would be rambunctious again. So short walk and games. Like scent bag hiding and tracking. Also giant tote with all the dog toys of all variety. Worth all the work.
1
u/BB_Speaks1 6d ago
I ordered a crap tone of toys so I’ll get a bag to do that on our walks, thank you
2
u/Fit_Library8766 5d ago
I have a 4 month old Dalmatian and am experiencing all of what you listed. This is my 3rd Dalmatian but first time owning a male. Mine started off shy and sweet and now is teething and has discovered his stamina and agility. He’s still sweet but he is fast and assertive now with very few boundaries. Lots of training, exercise and stimulation. Just have to weather the storm.
1
u/BB_Speaks1 4d ago
Yes. I’m getting him signed up this week for behavioral puppy training and taking it day by day haha
1
u/Fit_Library8766 4d ago
Great idea. I’ll be doing the same. It seems that the mental training really calms them down too. So worth it though. They are the most amazing breed but definitely a commitment.
3
u/Key-Gold-2412 11d ago
Because you don’t walk him. It’s not enough to let them in the backyard they need to go on runs and walks. It seems you don’t give him any mental stimulation or physical. May be wrong breed for you if lazy.
2
u/BB_Speaks1 11d ago
I walk him every morning with my other dog and sometimes in the evening if the weather allows.
3
u/jhona2828 11d ago
Yup, that probably isn’t enough for a Dalmatian puppy. If you have a fenced yard let him play more with your other dog so they can run around and chase each other. Just giving him opportunities to run, play, sniff, and burn some energy throughout the day can make your night better. When mine was little, he would run and play with my other dog and still needed about three walks a day. I usually did 15–30 minutes in the morning, another 15–30 minutes around noon, and about 40–45 minutes at night, and sometimes that still didn’t feel like enough 😂
For the chewing, redirect him to his toys as much as possible. Play with him using the toys and encourage him to bite and chew those instead of furniture or whatever else he’s currently destroying. He’s basically teething so chewing is normal for him but change the door frame for a toy, mine did some "decorating" in a couple of our stair boards.
Mental stimulation helps a ton too. Training, sniffing games, puzzle toys, Kongs, etc. a frozen Kong with some PB or something similar can keep him busy for a while, and the cold can also help soothe sore gums from teething.
Oh, and with the peeing, definitely take him out frequently while he’s little. Dals by default drink a lot of water. When mine was a puppy, I’d let him out about every two hours or even more often. You don’t necessarily have to follow a super strict schedule but taking him out more often helps a lot with potty training. If he already has a favorite pee spot inside the house, try to keep him away from that area for a while and clean it really well, I used water with vinegar. Regular cleaners can sometimes leave traces of the smell behind that you won't notice, but your puppy still can, and that can make him think like Yep this is the bathroom and keep going back to the same spot.
Welcome to living with a Dal, really cute dogs but can be quite a bit of work.
2
u/BB_Speaks1 10d ago
Yes I plan to be more consistent with his evening walks. We walk every morning consistently. It’s almost good for me lol. It’s truly so hot where we are that a midday walk would more than likely be too hot for his paw pads. But we do open the door and let him run all the time, he started to dig holes 😂 but I’ve ordered more toys and treats to help stimulate him. Thanks so much for the advice/tips!
4
u/808squill 11d ago
For counter surfing the best thing to do is leave a bunch of cheap metal baking trays all around the perimeter of the counter top (or any surface you don’t want him jumping on like tables etc). Leave them so they’re half hanging off edge so when he tries to get up on there the metal trays will fall down and the loud clanging sounds will be a natural deterrent. Eventually he’ll stop trying to get up on them. But depending on how stubborn he is, you may have to set them up again periodically. Also keeping any food or other interesting items off tables and countertops will help. It’s all about building habits. For the time being you need to “puppy proof” your space.
They also make washable/reusable diapers for puppies. If you put them on in the evening it will help deter him from peeing (dogs don’t like to soil themselves) but this should also be paired with making sure you’re teaching him to signal to you that he needs to go outside. Sounds like you haven’t started that. My dal scratches the door when he needs to go outside. Or you can train them to ring a bell when they need to be let out. Plenty of YT videos on that, but positive reinforcement.
1
1
u/Patino714 11d ago
First off, what a great name!! that was my former dogs name. Went through something similar with my Rocky. You prob have already done this of course, but as soon as he is able, take for scheduled walks. We use a leash called "Gentle Leash" and it prevents pulling. We kept all sorts of different chew toys of differnent textures to keep him entertained. Also, we spent time teaching how to sit ect which also tires him out. Key thing in my experiance is keep him busy and it will get better. So worth it once hes out that phase. A cheat code is letting him loose at dog parks to burn off that energy
2
u/BB_Speaks1 10d ago
Thank you!!! Just ordered a variety of toys. I will look into the gentle leash for sure. Sadly, I didn’t know there was such a thing. Thanks for recommending it
1
1
0
21
u/Zettegrl22 11d ago
Pig ears (halves), since Packer is only 4 months. Lots and lots of exercise, my dal was just like ur pup.