anyone watching the six puppies prog on bbc2

trolleyrun

I watched this (thank goodness for live iplayer) and I got frustrated within minutes. Why get that petulant and lazy child a high energy dog when said child stays in bed playing video games all day? I just couldn't believe they left the puppy to his own devices on day 1! Bless the pup, he was trying to tell them he needed to go outside, and everyone in the family ignored him.

As for the rest of them, I have no words. I thought my Pipsqueak can be a bit naughty at times, but she's a complete angel. Mostly because I did a lot of reading about dogs and behaviour and knew exactly what I'd like from my dog. Of course she doesn't always do as she's told, she's a terrierist after all. But in general, she's very good. Phew

Not sure if I'll be able to watch it tomorrow in fear of breaking the computer...

gettingtheresometime

I know my mutt would bite me when he was a pup and especially so just before he went to sleep so having never had a dog before I looked it up on the internet for the best way of curing it.

who was the stupid mare who said she didn't want to put her pup down ? I hope that if she did try to follow through that decision then the vet she took the dog to would tell her straight that she was barking (no pun intended!)

pawsies

I think Byron's owner is right to be concerned.

He is overly boisterous but this can be redirected onto other things, without using pet correctors and things.

However he also does not seem to be getting any socialisation. Big red warning flags atm.

Johnny_Dangerously

For me, it just reiterates the point that people need to do more research before getting a dog. Research what puppies need, definitely research the breed so you are aware of what traits they tend to have that may need to be encouraged/discouraged.

Was really happy to see a sensible 'trainer' on tv though. Glad to see she focused on the dogs needs rather than coming over and teaching the owners basic obedience. Not sure who she was but well done to you.

and get that lad off the XBOX! How can you want to play video games when you've got a brand new puppy in the house?!

tea_lover

Johnny_Dangerously wrote: »

and get that lad off the XBOX! How can you want to play video games when you've got a brand new puppy in the house?!

I know! Don't get me wrong, I love my xbox :rotfl:, but how that whole family could ignore that beautiful puppy was beyond me. I know very little about dogs, but even I could see he was clearly saying he wanted to go outside. Poor little mite, no wonder he was bothering the other dog, it was the only one responding to him at all.

Kinski

I've just watched it and I'm gobsmacked that there didn't seem to be a clued up owner on it, wonder what the makers put in the ad when they were looking for participants. I did think the young lad with the collie might be okay but soon changed my mind as soon as I saw him trying to get it to sit and the way he picked it up by grabbing the fur on it's back. It also looked as if the weimy x was being fed Bakers, I think that's what was being put in the box by the trainer.

trolleyrun

I'm surprised the dad didn't get involved in regards to the Collie. He's a dog trainer, for goodness sake. I know the kid has to do the training if the dog is his, but some guidance wouldn't go amiss.

And some of the crosses are simply too silly for words. Crossing a beagle with terrier? That just oozes trouble, especially for novices. I hope I'm wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if some of these dogs are rehomed at some point this year.

artbaron

tea_lover wrote: »

I know! Don't get me wrong, I love my xbox :rotfl:, but how that whole family could ignore that beautiful puppy was beyond me. I know very little about dogs, but even I could see he was clearly saying he wanted to go outside. Poor little mite, no wonder he was bothering the other dog, it was the only one responding to him at all.

When I got my Staff as a pup I was with him every waking minute and spent time teaching him what's OK and what's not. Oddly, I didn't experience any of the problems on this show. He was from a litter of only two and as such had very little bite inhibition when I got him - he'd spring out of his crate baring his little teeth and snapping like a crocodile - and it took less than a week to get him to quit, just by being consistent and saying 'No' then ignoring him. Simple, basic stuff that these idiots on TV can't seem to understand, or more accurately can't be bothered with.

Kinski wrote: »

It also looked as if the weimy x was being fed Bakers, I think that's what was being put in the box by the trainer.

Christ alive, Bakers is poison, it's animal cruelty to feed a dog that.

kt1inamillion

I'm glad (if that's the right word to use) that I am not the only one thinking this way about the programme.

I came across and thought it would be good to watch as my 2 eldest want a dog and as I have not owned a dog for years thought it would be a good reminder how dogs can be.

The lad on the xbox really got on my nerves! You know your childs lazy so why get a dog? ??? I'd suggest a goldfish but even the goldfish would deserve some attention.

The rule in my house when it comes to pets is....if I'm not willing to look after them then the answer is no.... I've had to say no to a lot. Most of the time parents buy pets for the children but end up looking after them.

Poor byron.....i wouldn't be surprised if she gives him up.

Agree with a above post rode and own back spring to mind.

Johnny_Dangerously

I think there is a big aspect of it being a TV show though. It would have been pretty boring if they picked a group of experienced dog owners who took it all in their stride had everything ticking over in a couple of days. I doubt the border collie will have many real problems. That dog will have one of the most natural lives a dog can hope for, and I'm sure his father will guide him more than well enough.

The one I worried about the most was the owner struggling with biting. That for me is a bad combination of intelligent dog, lack of experience, and nervousness. The only issue I could see there is she had no idea of how to communicate with the dog, and was too anxious to work it out methodically.

The fact that she was already worrying about it biting children outside is a real concern. Danger of it being a self fulfilling prophecy with that type of approach.

Really hope she gets some help as it's an easy one to solve, and is a massive opportunity to turn her into a long term dog lover.