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Hi all, I have a Portuguese water dog puppy. He is so gorgeous! However, when it comes to walking, I have a couple of problems which I hope someone can help with.
We’ve done some training with him and it went pretty well. When we take him out, he is fine for a while, then all of a sudden, he gets this energy like he drank a Red Bull! He takes off until he reaches the end of the leash. It is one of those retractable leashes.
I pretty much let him do it in the hope that he will calm down afterwards. This action bugs me because we have done some training. It seems as if all that training flies out the window.
The other problem in walking is that he tends to turn around and start biting his leash. It is hard to walk with him when he does that. Besides, he will eventually damage the leash. Any thoughts? I’m going nuts and hope someone can relate to this or give me advice.
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To be honest, this may be quite normal. I do not have a Portie, but my dog did this too when she was a puppy. I think many puppies do this. As far as that burst of energy is concerned, maybe just wait every time he does it, or perhaps distract him with something, like a squeaky toy?
As for the biting, I suppose you could try verbal cues so that they get the idea that you are not happy. Use commands like “leave it” or perhaps an emphatic “no”. With repetition, they will eventually get it. It takes time, so you need to be patient.
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OK, I can see how a squeaky toy might distract him. I will give that a try. I feel bad when I scold him though! However, I see your point about using verbal commands.
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I have to say that I think this is all pretty normal behaviour. They will eventually grow out of it. Mine did similar things and eventually stopped doing it. This does not mean you ignore it. I agree with the other comment regarding distraction and using commands.
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Don’t let this upset you too much. They will stop this behaviour. Maintain your sense of humour and have fun with your puppy. If this behaviour carries on and you are getting worried, why don’t you contact a Portuguese water dog breeder for advice?
They will have knowledge on many of the challenges many owners go through. But you need to contact an experienced breeder, one who has been around for years, like Kybra Kennels, for example. I am sure they can help you out.
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Yeah, that might be worth looking into. Thank you for that.
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I suggest you train him in your living room and reward him for good behaviour. Instead of working in the problem situation, work at it before and not during, if that makes sense. Try training him in your home more so that when you are outside, you can enjoy your walks, free of the problems.
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OK, I will try that. Thank you all for your advice.
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