SearchPuppy underfoot
Hello All! I have a question that maybe some of you can help me with. My 9 week old pup won't stop running under my feet when I walk through my house. She's almost thrown me down and I'm afraid I'm going to hurt her if I fall or step on her. She runs in front of me very quickly and I try not to step on her. What kind of obedience training can I use to stop this or is it just the puppy in her? If I sound like a newbie, it's because I am! I am trying really hard to train her but I'm worried I am doing everything wrong. I'm also doing potty training and that's not working so well either but she's starting to get the hint I think. Help please?
Thank you sooooo much! Very insightful! LOL I didn't know they were called "velcro dogs". That about describes my girl. I was just worried that I was gonna hurt her.......not that she's small lol. Thank you very much for your time. :)
I second the advice from Kevin! my Dakota is 25ish inches and 76 lbs and she STILL will get under my feet sometimes when I take her for runs. I always have to watch so I don't trip on her and bail down the gravel road...and yes it has happened a few times haha. It's like, the closer they can get to us, the better! It's such an endearing trait...as long as you don't mind if you never pee alone again! :p
At least Dakota somewhat understands personal space... Ok, not really, but if you tell her to back up, she will lol. Our cats will sit in your pants while you're doing your business!! And Fenny (cat) seems to be most comfortable laying directly across your face in the middle of the night. Dakota lays on the rest of us, but at least we can breathe, and don't have fur in our mouth and up our nose!
lol! How's the breathing with cat fur up your nostrils? I guess if one of you two is a snorer that could be a good thing...kitty muffler!
Dakota now knows "out" but only in the context of the bathroom...that one came about when she decided that everytime I took a shower it was playtime! I would hear a THUNK and look down to see a toy in the bottom of the shower and a little brown nose sticking past the curtain. Then she would whine until I tossed the toy back to her...rinse repeat!
Velcro for sure. I'm always turning around and tripping over somebody. I'm a weirdo but sometimes when they're napping I try to sneak around. But then since I'm home alone most of the day alone, I do a fair amount of talking to them like they're people. Hey it's better than talking to myself, isn't it?
Thanks guys! All your stories have made me smile. This is certainly the right place for me. I was feeling so bad about stepping on her, but now I've made a mental note to just keep a closer eye. And yes my dobie had followed me to the bathroom as well. My kids are like "MOOOM!" when they go lol.
Laith follows me everywhere. Bathroom, bed, closets, window. It's like my personal bodyguard.
Same here with Deeks. When I am in the bathroom he sits outside the door and barks and whines. When I try to shut the door, any door, that is going to leave him on the opposite side, he very quickly will lift his front foot and knock the door back at me. Luckily I am a quick learner
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The first couple of times took me by surprise and the first time I about got knocked in the face!
Kevin is on the money with the potty training. Deeks is 5 1/2 months now and has been completely housebroken for about 2+ months. He will go to the door and bark when he wants out. Until he reached that point I used my oven timer as a reminder to take him out. I started at 2 hours and of course everytime he would wake up.
Now that Deeks has learned the heel command, he just heels with me wherever I go (on his own) which is way better than tripping over him. He is hard to miss because of his size, but size doesn't really matter when they step in front of you and stop, right!!
You will have to get out your mom's instinct until she gets a little older 
I kind of got off track and forgot to mention what worked for Deeks and I. When he was younger and got in his run mode I would try to be aware of where he was and when he got close I would come to a complete stop and say settle. I would not move again until he calmed down. Once he did I would praise him and then continue on. It took about a week for him to get the idea but now whenever he gets his engine in overdrive that command really comes in handy. Of course you can use whatever word you like. Good luck!
Well an update on Pixie girl....she is using her puppy pads! I hate that I'm having to use them but I have to with the other dogs around the place not being vaccinated. I'm just happy she will go on them. Other than the chewing/jumping she is doing well and learning a lot. I've got her to "sit" now I'm working on the word she seems to hate, "no". I am trying to not use "no" so much, like saying "Leave it" or "get down" but she seems to ignore me. Any ideas?
You have to teach her "leave it", she's not going to just understand it. Sit down on the floor in front of her with a treat in both hands. Offer her one with an open hand, with your other hand behind your back. When you offer it to her and she goes for it say "leave it" and pull it back so she can't get it. Repeat and repeat until she finally makes no move for it. When she makes no move for it IMMEDIATELY give her the treat from the other hand and praise. The idea is when you say "leave it", it's like poison to them. Do not give her the treat from the hand you used to teach the word. "Leave it" is a vital command in my book, she'll be going for stuff and get it before you can make it to her. It's also very helpful when you're out walking and they get interested in stuff they shouldn't be. (Also when she's bigger and lifting the lid of the garbage can with her nose to investigate---UGH).
Now, "get down"...you are going to run into trouble using this phrasing. I'm assuming you want her to get off of something. Drop the word "get" and just use OFF. "Down" means to lay down. If want her off of something like a chair or whatnot, you'll probably have to take her by the collar and guide her off, using the word. Don't forget praise when they get something right.
Good news on the puppy pads, I know it's a drag, but better safe than sorry. It will be harder to get her to go outside, but, as I did, you do what you have to do to keep them well.
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For the potty training, she is too young to understand, and has no control over her bladder. If she has to go, she will go, wherever she is. At this age, it becomes our responsibility to take them out as often as needed to not make a mess. If she makes a mess in the house, make a mental note to take her out either more often, for longer, or both, as needed.
For the walking under your feet, get used to it lol. Dobermans are accurately known as "velcro dogs", for good reason. My girl, who is a mix, but displays all the doberman behaviors and mannerisms is the same way. If we're on the couch, and I get up to get a drink, she comes in the kitchen. If I go to the bathroom, she waits by the door. If I go outside, she peeks around the corner hoping I invite her. If I go upstairs, so does she... you get the point.
Just last night, I was out in the garage looking out the door at some awesome lightning. I turned around without looking, and kicked Dakota into the wall lol. After over a year of having her home, sometimes I still forget to look before I walk.