Puppy- Good or Bad Sign? - Page 3

Swifteagle:

I wouldn't  analyze so much - just enjoy your baby and have fun!  Sometimes us humans look for problems where there aren't any.  As mentioned before, I would suspect your pup is in a stage where he is discriminating his world and this shows a sign of intelligence.  If he hadn't "recovered"  to the new situation then you would have something to be concerned about.

Re: other people.  If he allows others to pet him - then that's a good sign.  The fact that he isn't  willing to be away from you for a great length of time indicates to me that he is very loyal to you AND even at this young age has the confidence to know whom  he belongs to.   Like I said before, it sounds like you should be very proud of this baby and excited about a great partnership in the future.

When in doubt contact your breeder.  Most of us are more than willing to help out our puppy buyers and give them good concrete advice.  Plus we have the advantage of knowing the puppy's ancestors and what can be expected from the bloodlines we use.

Based on what you have shared - I think you made a wonderful selection.  Oh yeah - if he was my guy - I wouldn't let him chase the mower - to avoid any accidents.

Cassandra

I have not read all the posts, but introduce him to every type of circumstance you can imagine.  Moving things, unusual things, sounds, smells, water, crowds etc. etc.  You name it, introduce it to him in a positive manner.  It should always be a fun time for him and he should always be victorious in his new discoveries.  Machinery, going over graits that have water flowing under them, anything.  Learn to read his apprehensions and concerns or fears.  Then take it little steps, always winning.  Be creative, just remember to take it slow in the begining.  Be animated, treats etc. 

Never coddle or reinforce any fear in him.  Many folks inadvertantly teach their pup to be afraid by protecting them from their fears.  Just blow it off, devert his attention to something else then take him through it patiently but positively, always leaving him a proud winner.  The next time you encounter the object that caused some consern, he should run up to it and be happy to see it if you do it correctly.  He should learn that he is the master of the universe and the world is his for exploring.  Put things in your yard, then watch his reaction the first time.  Distract him if he shows fear, then introduce it to him in a game mentality.  Life should be fun for both of you.  As the last poster said, don't get toooo rapped up in analyzing, just learn to read him and see what his eyes and body language is telling you.  Then turn it around.  If he does have ddr blood, you will want to get to read him for sure.  When he comes into his own he could turn into quite a protector.  If you want him for sport, all of the above should still apply.  Personally, I do not over due the socializing with people after he gets older if I want them for ppd.  Keep him around people, but IMO I stop the petting after awhile.  this is a marvolous time for you to get to know this guy and you two to become one in a sense.  DDRs IMO bond much closer.  Often little work is needed to bring out defense/civil drive.  Just depends on what you want him for.  Go to a good club and have someone with some good experience with his bloodlines take a look at him for sport etc. 

Don't forget to have fun!!!!  He is a pup.