Aloof puppy

[fullhouse9873]

Hi everyone - I'm new here, and I was looking for some help with my new pup. He's a siberian husky a little over 3 mos old. I've only had him for a week - but he seems really independent. I'm starting to work with him on the basics. Actually we haven't gotten past sit yet - but we're working.

My problem is that nothing seems to motivate him. I've tried praising him until I'm blue in the face and I've tried bribing him with treats - but nothing works.

It's been a long time since we've had a pup in the house - is it normal for him to have a short attention span? If it is - how can we work around it?

I have been to dog trainers for my last two dogs - and would like to try to train neko by myself. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[DogExpert]

Your pup will not be fully use to the house yet as it is a new habitat for him. So he won't be that active yet until he's been there for a little longer so he can get use to it. You could also praise him by using some sort of toy when he does something good-you could play with him.

[fullhouse9873]

Thanks - sometimes I think I'm jumping the gun with him. I suppose it is a lot to adjust to: new house, new mom & dad, new human brothers and a new dog to play with.

It doesn't help that as a pup he didn't spend much time in a house - he was mostly kenneled with other dogs.
We'll work on it - hopefully I'll have good news..

*Some good news though - yesterday we went a full day without any accidents in the house!!!

[Dawn]

From what I understand huskies are very toy motivated and not very treat motivated. He will have a very short attention span. Try doing several lessons a day each 3-5 minutes long.

[DogExpert]

Oh and fullhouse good look with the training! I read that he didn't have any accidents for a whole day! That is really good news! I'm sure the day will extend to two days, what do you think?

[fullhouse9873]

I'm glad to say - we've gone two days without accidents!!!! I'm thinking I may be able to put the cleaning products away (we have carpet cleaner, a scrub bush and papertowels in every room in the house).

Now I've got another habit to break him of. He's been "going" on the deck. We do have a nice size yard for him, but for some reason he does his business right in front of the door.

We moved the tie out so that he can only go up about half of the stairs. The only bad thing is I can't let my dog out in pajamas anymore!
(I can't wait until we get our yard fenced - it will be soon, but not soon enough)