[i12bmenhappy]

My little girl is nearing 9 months old and she is out of control. She is a min-pin attached is a picture. She can not sit still, even at night when she is in bed with me she is always up and moving around. She stays in the back yard while I am at work and tears up anything she can get her little teeth around. We also have an Italian greyhound who is so laid back I can hardly tell he is there. What can I do to get her temperament more to his level? She is so hyper and I can't leave her alone for a second or something is ruined. I love her to death and have tried everything. She gets treats when she is good and I always try to give her enough attention to make up for when I am away so I don't think she is acting out. Any suggestions on how to train this little girl?

[Jessyfay]

She's so cute! Wow I've never seen a pinch with blue eyes and a chocolate coat.
Someone else on the boards once suggested a soft muzzle when you leave the dog alone that way they can't chew on anything.
Hopefully over time she will learn from the greyhound and become more mellow. It took a year for my mini-doxie to mellow out and after he was fixed I noticed a huge improvement. Good luck

[labman]

Much of the problem may be due to poor breeding and early socialization. It will be difficult changing her now. The one easy fix is to spay her if not already. You need to get into a good obedience program. The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position

Certainly giving her as much attention, exercise, and stimulation as you can find time for will help.

[RubyPitbull]

Mini-pinschers are VERY high energy dogs. She is still very young and the settling down stage is still a long time away. They practically bounce up and down when they walk! They need a lot of hands on management and training. The good news here is that they are very smart little dogs, and there is still time for you to undo the bad habits if you are persistent and willing to put in the time needed. Please listen to labman's advice. It will serve you well to find a good obedience class in your area. This will start you on your path of placing yourself in the alpha role and gives you the opportunity to create a wonderful bonding experience with your dog. You may also want to take her back to square one by crate training her. Among various other positive outcomes, it will allow you to sleep at night. Please review the entire link that labman has given you on his post. He talks about crate training. Picking up the book he mentions, or any others on the list. They will also give you many more in depth training ideas.

Here is a link that I like to use solely as a quick reference on breed temperament:

Miniature Pinscher Information, Miniature Pinschers, Min Pins

You need to really start reading up as much as you can about these great little dogs. They can be a handful, as you have already experienced, but once under control, just the greatest little companions! When you go to the training class, seek out the name of someone who has experience with this breed. Speak to them and gather as much information and advice as you can get. If no one at the class knows of anyone, ask around. Ask your vet if he/she knows anyone that is experienced with them. Find someone who has a love of this breed that is willing to help you get a handle on your baby.

[labman]

My daughter has a Lhasa/Min Pin. He is a handfull.