Exercising an apartment-bound rottweiler-shepherd mix puppy? Also, barking for table scraps?

Question

We have an almost fourth month old rott-shepherd mix puppy. He is great all day at home crated in our bathroom with plenty of toys, but when we get home, he's a nightmare. We take him out for several walks in the evening and morning (before leaving for work), but we're not sure he's getting enough exercise. He seems to be defiant a lot of time - he'll start running around and barking, then stop and pee right in front of us. We live about 5 minutes away from a park, but we also have a toddler to keep on schedule every night. Suggestions?

Also, he's taken on this new habit of wanting table scraps all the time! We don't give him any supplemental food other than his dog food and treats, so we're not sure where he developed this fascination. He barks and paws at us while we're cooking and eating a meal, and he starts to get aggressive. Again, suggestions?

Answer 1

You are dealing with a mix of 2 very intelligent breeds and 2 very energetic breeds.  

Your young pup is crated all day, several walks is not enough, this dog needs romp, he needs to release his excess energy.  This dog needs to go to the park, play with other dogs, play ball, whatever, you need to tire him out and alot of his behavioral issues will go away.  

Get him in a puppy obedience class, get the dog on a good exercise schedule.  

Being in an apartment is not the issue, this dog would be bored and be barking and causing problems by being left in the back yard.  That doesn't use up any energy either and you'd be having the same exact problems.  Your issue is your not meeting his needs.

Get a dog walker to come in the middle of the day and get the dog out.  Either your going to have to make more of an effort or place him in a different home where his needs can be met.

Answer 2

watch the dog whisperer with cesar milan

Answer 3

Well, one of you needs to take him on a long walk after you get home (at least an hour or so), to get rid of his pent up energy.  If you have a dog park in your area, take him there to let him run and play with the other dogs.  He needs to be socialized also and this is a good place to start because most of the dogs who go to dog parks are well socialized and friendly.  

Try putting him in his crate or in a seperate room while you are eating. Give him a bone or toy to chew on and make him stay in that room until you are done eating.  

Answer 4

young dogs have a looooooot of excess energy. walking them in the morning is a good idea. but also and night or the evening again, and make it a long one. if you want the best results make sure he is tired by the end, make sure his tongue has been hanging out for some time before you go back.

as for the table scraps. never give your dog any food or treats while you sit down at a table. and make him sit away from the table, lots of repitition but eventually he will get that you want him to stay away from the table while you eat, but don't reward with treats right then, maybe after.

Answer 5

I strongly suggest keeping your puppy at a friends house while you're working, or leaving him at a kennel. This will especially be helpful later on when he gets older and will therefore need even more exercise. What if one of you stayed at home with the toddler, and the other went to the park with the dog?

Good luck!