My pup and I love it too, and tug of war is actually helping him to get out of play biting as he knows as soon as his mouth gets too close to my hand or accidentally touches it, the toy will go away !

Can I ask how people got their pups to deal with strangers? did you simply get the stranger to offer the dog a nice treat? I know it is best for childres to hold out a treat for the pup to take from palm of their hand. Any other suggestions or is this the easiest and best way to get to know strangers? I have a 2 year old neice that I cannot wait to introduce to little Derek, it will be cuteness x 100000000000.

I am pretty keen on doing most of the training myself and am reading lots of great info and advice but would people suggest going to puppy training classes? I would rather not as I don't like things like that (by which I mean I have to go same time each week), but I guess it would be a good way for him to interact with different pups, which he won't get a great chance to do otherwise. Any comments?

Puppy classes are great for socialisation. The trainer should be able to support you and help you with your methods which can be really good.



With strangers, that say come into my home I ALWAYS get them to throw a treat on the floor and not make eye contact until both my dogs go up to them. My oldest puppy is 8 months old, and with certain people a certain smell he can be really nervous and will bark at them. I think it's important while your pup is this young to take him EVERYWHERE, ideally you will pick him up and carry him until he's had all his vaccinations to reduce risk of diseases. Take him as many places as possible. Be careful not to overload him and just go on what he feels.

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I would wait and see how he is with strangers. Some puppies, like mine, love absolutely everybody and don't need any encouragement. You shouldn't assume that he is going to dislike strangers; could be just the opposite. It is a good idea if he turns out to nervous of them, but otherwise would escalate to him pestering every person he meets for a treat!

As to puppy training classes, if you don't like the idea, don't go. I have never been to one. The problem is they all have different ideas and from what I have heard and read on here, some of those ideas are outdated and flawed. I want to train my dogs how I want, I don't want someone else telling me what I should and shouldn't do.

Vets sometimes hold puppy parties in their surgeries. Might be worth enquiring.

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Will always miss you, my little Joshie Woshie xx

If you want real love, buy a dog

If you wouldn't use it on a child, don't use it on a dog

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Thanks NicoleW and Newfiesmum, great advice on the puppy meeting strangers question, I will just gauge it as and when the opportunity arises.

Also I am relieved to hear I will not be frowned upon for not going to puppy classes, I don't know why but I just do not fancy it, plus yes I think I want to train Derek myself.

Wow this forum is great, are people always so friendly on here? Will people get mad if I just ask question after question?

You may well be frowned upon, especially by interfering strangers, but I wouldn't worry about it. He is your dog (Derek - love that) and it is up to you how you do things. You will probably find when you walk him, because you have a puppy everyone will assume you have never had a dog before and start telling you what you should do (most of which will have been gleaned from watching the bloody Dog Whisperer) and I got so fed up with people asking me how Ferdie was getting on at puppy training classes. I got funny looks when I said he wasn't going to puppy training classes, as I knew what I was doing, thanks very much.

People are generally friendly and helpful, as long as you have your dog's best interests at heart, and nobody cares how many questions you ask. Better to ask a million times than get it wrong just once.

In exchange, you need to post pictures of Derek at the first opportunity or we might turn nasty

__________________
http://www.gentle-newfoundland-dogs.com
http://www.royston-pet-care.co.uk



Will always miss you, my little Joshie Woshie xx

If you want real love, buy a dog

If you wouldn't use it on a child, don't use it on a dog

http://pettaxisg8.yolasite.com/
http://www.help-for-learner-drivers.yolasite.com/

Ah yes we have a few people in my area that look like professional dog handlers/trainers, I bet they will stop me and give me loads of advice, but to be honest I can't wait, it will be nice to hear peoples funny puppy horror stories.

I will get some of our pics of Derek on here tomorrow, I promise, please don't bark at me!

Thanks again to everyone for your great replies today, very very helpful.

I train Tummel myself using good ol' fashioned treats and praise so rewarding when they actually start doing the commands on the first go, Tummel learned lie down in less than an hour

Can't wait to see pics of Derek when you get him