I feel like a puppy mom failure for needing to seek a professional dog trainer for my puppy’s behavior issues

So, I don’t think he is going to understand a time out like that. All he knows is that he is being confined to a spot and that you’re upset when you put him there. I think when people use “time outs” it’s for when a puppy is over-stimulated and just needs somewhere to calm down- or reverse time outs where you walk away from them and let them cool down without you in the room. Idk if it’s necessarily to punish them.

Also, I would start reassociating my touch with positive outcomes. Not when you have to move him to clean something up- but when you’re playing or just chilling out, touch him and reward him for being calm when you do so.

I think meeting with a trainer is a good idea- and it’s a good idea to try and fix these behaviors early on. You’re trying to do better and that’s really important and great. You did not fail- puppies are hard and sometimes guidance is needed, no shame in that at all. Also you’re not too late for socialization… so I’m wondering if this trainer is the right person for the job.

/r/puppy101 Thread Parent