New family member

[SumitaSinh]

I have some big news to share with you all. I have become a mom again...a furry baby has joined our family.
Bella is a 2.5 month old beagle. Her previous owner was a gynecologist, who found out only within few days of adoption that taking care of a baby is not at all easy when you have a hectic schedule. So, there was an urgent rehoming. We had absolutely no plan for another adoption and a puppy was out of question. But, but and but, my husband is a passionate dog lover and he simply cannot just watch a baby being homeless.
So bella has arrived to her new home and already won our hearts.
Now, I need advice...I have no experience of being a dog parent. We're keeping the birds separated but they feel I've betrayed them.

 

[SumitaSinh]

This is our Bella. She's quite energetic and stubborn.

 

[TikiMyn]

Ahwww congratulations!

 

[TikiMyn]

Very difficult though, were the birds previously in the living room? Maybe the cages can still be there without a problem but for out time your new baby needs to go to a different room? I can imagine they miss the interaction if they are now in a different room.
I have had dogs and birds but when they could be seperate no problem, now I sometimes watch a neighbors dog(s), a juggling act giving enough attention to anyone, normally the birds downstairs are out the majority of the day.
@Mizzely has a beautiful dog too who is somewhat around the birds I think.

 

[Sparkles99]

Congratulations!

My advice is to start rewarding the dog now for ignoring the birds & not fixating on the door to their room. Beagles were bred to hunt rabbits & have a high prey drive. My dog is rewarded to this day when I disappear in their room.

Similarly, you’ll want to reward her for not vocalizing indoors - a plaintive Beagle whine is loud & so sorrowful it sounds like everyone just died! I was shocked the first time I heard one really start to howl, & not because something terrible just happened! Actually, it was just another dog’s turn…

This way, when she starts going through puberty around 6-7 months old, you can reinforce the previous training & make everyone’s lives easier. Many new dog owners think they’ve seen their puppy’s instinctively bred behaviours before puberty. I did. It’s a rude awakening when you realize it’s suddenly the same behaviour times 100.

Beyond that, make sure she goes to a puppy socialization class where they’ve verified that puppy vaccinations have been started & the room is disinfected prior to the class.

 

[Mizzely]

I basically walked around the house with Luke on a leash and bag of treats for weeks. That way he was always next to me, and I could reward him for leaving birds alone. I also kennel trained him so he would be there in short spurts while I was occupied somewhere else (bathroom, etc).

Once the leash was retired I started directing his attention when the birds flew around. So I'd call him over for a cuddle, send him to his kennel, or simply have him lay down depending on where he and I were.

He's a chill dog but I still don't leave them unattended in a room together.

My mom's dog is a mini Australian shepherd and very high prey drive, so I haven't trusted the birds out with her at all (I watch her on occasion for a couple days at a time). Although she completely ignored the bat flying around my living room when she was here once, so perhaps I judge her too harshly

 

[Sparkles99]

Ruby drags a leash attached to a back clip harness indoors to this day. Great suggestion, Mizzely!

 

[Emma&pico]

 

[SumitaSinh]

Thank you friends and sorry for the late reply. I've so very busy for last 36 hours, you can imagine my situation. Our shifting and unpacking still going on, few construction works are going on and there's a heavy load at workplace. Then top of everything, this cutie pie new baby! We've started toilet training, yesterday was day for a vet visit. Bella is not so curious to the birds after 48 hours and birds are also no more scared ( looks like I'm also forgiven for bringing a new weird four legged noisy creature) but we're constantly trying to teach her how to avoid the birds.

 

[SumitaSinh]

I need your advice how to discourage barking inside, I know beagles are noisy.

 

[Mitzi]

What a cute beagle. Congratulations on your new family member.

 

[Sparkles99]

I need your advice how to discourage barking inside, I know beagles are noisy.

As someone with a Sheltie in an apartment, here’s what I deliberately did.

Every time there’s a noise (neighbours, cars, lightening, fireworks, whatever), if it came from the building, I’d tiptoe up to the door, speak in hushed tones & praise her. I turned my dog into a spy. Food rewards were sparse past puppyhood for this - it needs to hold when you’re out. Now if I’m home & don’t do it, she sneaks up & looks at me like, ‘Hello?! You’re supposed to be sneaking with me!’.

Though I can’t recommend this due to safety, I did it. Outside noises were investigated. I can walk her in a thunderstorm or during fireworks. Make sure more than one thing is securing your dog, so not just a collar! This has ample potential to go south quickly.

Here’s what I inadvertently did.

Stuck to one dog. When dogs play, they bark. The next colleague is out of luck.

Raised a very confident dog. Ruby has only ever known love. That doesn’t mean she does whatever she wants, but as my mother says, “Ruby has no self esteem issues”.

Socialized her very well with people & dogs.

Groomed her myself (leaders groom; it’s a loving gesture - why give that to a stranger?). Handle her teeth, paws, etc. (Thanks, @Toy ).

 

[Toy]

Awww how cute

I had 8 yappy toy poodles all at one time, along with puppies. I bred & raised toy poodles for 51 years. Everyone different than the next. My current poodle never barks & I mean never. He squeaked a few times when he was a puppy, but has never barked. He doesn't even try to bark. He whines & growls in his sleep, so I know his voice works. He stands at the fence & looks at the neighbors dogs barking at him, but he just keeps quiet & wiggles his tail.

You need to teach them that sounds are not to be feared & a cause to bark. Mine only barked when the doorbell rang. Outside they were free to bark to a certain extent then told to be quiet. Example: Dog hears a sound & starts to bark. You try to find out what the sound was & then explain to the dog that it's just a car, truck, thunder, a door closing, etc., & it's OK, nothing to be afraid of. Talk to & explain things, as you would a small child, and/or your parrots. Keep command words consistent, so as not to confuse him.

Grooming: I tell everyone to gently rub all 4 paws daily. This helps the dog to get used to having toenails cut & not fuss. Same with their teeth. Using one finger gently rub it across the dogs teeth. Try to go all the way back on both sides & the front. Pull the side lip out. Gently press down on it's tongue too. Again this helps if you need to remove something from it's mouth, when having teeth cleaned, etc. Later, once it gets used to having your fingers in its mouth, you can use a dog toothbrush. Whole body should be rubbed so they get used to it. Tail, ears, nose, face, etc. Weekly brushing with a medium bristle brush to remove loose hair. Beagles have a strong scent & there's nothing you can do to change that. A bath every 4-6 weeks will remove excess dander, dirt, etc., unless he's muddy, then bath as needed. Use only dog shampoo, as human shampoo is not ph balanced for dogs. I also recommend a cream rinse as well, as it helps to keep the hair & skin in good condition. Beagles have floppy ears, so they are prone to ear infections, so check & clean ears often. You can buy ear wash for dogs.

Avoid tennis balls as toys, as the covering on them can damage the enamel on his teeth. Stick to rubber balls.

 

[SumitaSinh]

As someone with a Sheltie in an apartment, here’s what I deliberately did.

Every time there’s a noise (neighbours, cars, lightening, fireworks, whatever), if it came from the building, I’d tiptoe up to the door, speak in hushed tones & praise her. I turned my dog into a spy. Food rewards were sparse past puppyhood for this - it needs to hold when you’re out. Now if I’m home & don’t do it, she sneaks up & looks at me like, ‘Hello?! You’re supposed to be sneaking with me!’.

Though I can’t recommend this due to safety, I did it. Outside noises were investigated. I can walk her in a thunderstorm or during fireworks. Make sure more than one thing is securing your dog, so not just a collar! This has ample potential to go south quickly.

Here’s what I inadvertently did.

Stuck to one dog. When dogs play, they bark. The next colleague is out of luck.

Raised a very confident dog. Ruby has only ever known love. That doesn’t mean she does whatever she wants, but as my mother says, “Ruby has no self esteem issues”.

Socialized her very well with people & dogs.

Groomed her myself (leaders groom; it’s a loving gesture - why give that to a stranger?). Handle her teeth, paws, etc. (Thanks, @Toy ).

Thank you so much...I never knew you've some awesome experience on paw parenting....please continue guiding me.

 

[SumitaSinh]

Awww how cute

I had 8 yappy toy poodles all at one time, along with puppies. I bred & raised toy poodles for 51 years. Everyone different than the next. My current poodle never barks & I mean never. He squeaked a few times when he was a puppy, but has never barked. He doesn't even try to bark. He whines & growls in his sleep, so I know his voice works. He stands at the fence & looks at the neighbors dogs barking at him, but he just keeps quiet & wiggles his tail.

You need to teach them that sounds are not to be feared & a cause to bark. Mine only barked when the doorbell rang. Outside they were free to bark to a certain extent then told to be quiet. Example: Dog hears a sound & starts to bark. You try to find out what the sound was & then explain to the dog that it's just a car, truck, thunder, a door closing, etc., & it's OK, nothing to be afraid of. Talk to & explain things, as you would a small child, and/or your parrots. Keep command words consistent, so as not to confuse him.

Grooming: I tell everyone to gently rub all 4 paws daily. This helps the dog to get used to having toenails cut & not fuss. Same with their teeth. Using one finger gently rub it across the dogs teeth. Try to go all the way back on both sides & the front. Pull the side lip out. Gently press down on it's tongue too. Again this helps if you need to remove something from it's mouth, when having teeth cleaned, etc. Later, once it gets used to having your fingers in its mouth, you can use a dog toothbrush. Whole body should be rubbed so they get used to it. Tail, ears, nose, face, etc. Weekly brushing with a medium bristle brush to remove loose hair. Beagles have a strong scent & there's nothing you can do to change that. A bath every 4-6 weeks will remove excess dander, dirt, etc., unless he's muddy, then bath as needed. Use only dog shampoo, as human shampoo is not ph balanced for dogs. I also recommend a cream rinse as well, as it helps to keep the hair & skin in good condition. Beagles have floppy ears, so they are prone to ear infections, so check & clean ears often. You can buy ear wash for dogs.

Avoid tennis balls as toys, as the covering on them can damage the enamel on his teeth. Stick to rubber balls.

Thank you so much...we're also planning for home grooming. I'll convey your advice to my husband. He's the Alpha

 

[SumitaSinh]

Very difficult though, were the birds previously in the living room? Maybe the cages can still be there without a problem but for out time your new baby needs to go to a different room? I can imagine they miss the interaction if they are now in a different room.
I have had dogs and birds but when they could be seperate no problem, now I sometimes watch a neighbors dog(s), a juggling act giving enough attention to anyone, normally the birds downstairs are out the majority of the day.
@Mizzely has a beautiful dog too who is somewhat around the birds I think.

I've ordered few barriers to keep them separated . Bella is not bothering Inca or Pestaa but she's taken a strong interest in my alex. I'm constantly working to discourage that.

 

[SumitaSinh]

Friends, I need few tips for basic training methods for my Bella. She's 2.5 months so it's high time we start training.

 

[SunnySandi]

Repetition, and ngl, you’re on an uphill battle with a hound. Notoriously stubborn little guys. I would use the stinkiest treats you can find, if you have their nose, you have their attention.

Keep training sessions short (less than 30 min) and always end on a happy note. For example, if your struggling with something in particular, end the session with something you know they can do to give a good reward and keep their enjoyment of training, they get frustrated too.

 

[Sparkles99]

Get the book, “Puppy Socialization: What it is and how to do it”. IME, most training issues have at their root a socialization issue.

Take my dog’s car reactivity, for example. If I’d have known, I’d have praised & treated her for ignoring them. Instead, I took it for granted & later thought exposure would help, as though she were a human toddler. Then, when she hit puberty, I’d not have had a suddenly reactive dog.

You’ll want to do this for small animals like whatever the Indian equivalent is of rabbits & squirrels. Expose & teach a simple word now that encompasses all little critters. Praise & treat for ignoring them & focusing on you. Plenty of hounds are reactive; they just go insane at the sight of a squirrel instead of a moving car. Yet I know one who isn’t.

Teach Leave It, letting a treat get ever closer. Look is also useful. Don’t expect perfection; she’s a baby! You just want to introduce the vocabulary & add a few seconds. You’ll ramp it up at 6 months old.

A major problem of mine was not knowing the vocabulary. Here are words to research in the context of dog training: impulse control, reactivity, threshold (for reactivity), frustration tolerance. These aren’t covered in pup class, but they’re way more crucial to teach in a specific timeframe than Sit ever could be!