Puppy antics – the good, the bad and the adorable

Dear Fisher –

I am really a pretty happy camper living with my people. We are a family of firsts – first marriage, first house, and first puppy. Life is good here and we get along great. There is just one thing that puzzles me. I can do something one time and they smile and think I am very cute, and then if I do it again, they scold me for it. We are all three learning new rules, but sometimes I just get confused. Sometimes I think I confuse them, too. I am wondering if there are some easy steps to follow since we are all new at this. Do you have some good advice?

Scotty

Dear Scotty,

I think if you ask any human what the cutest thing in the world is, they would say a puppy (or a kitten!). It gets a little hard to be firm with such young and adorable exuberance, but a good dose of proper etiquette will help you all in your future. You are right to mention that the rules are for everyone in your household. Consistency is the key to helping you learn your boundaries and it is important for your people as well. Everyone knows you are not trying to be naughty – you are just being a puppy! But that cannot be an excuse. You all have the delightful opportunity to learn together. What a solid relationship that will lead to!

Chewing is a result of your teething. You will not be teething in a few years, so at that point, chewing on everything in sight is just plain naughty. Time to learn now, and the best way is for you to have your own toys. Your toys are to be treated in any way you would like, unless you decide to flush a big stuffed animal down the toilet. The rule here is to monitor your behavior so you can be independent when dealing with your personal belongings, but realize that if it affects others in the household, you have to think about consequences. Old socks and shoes should not be part of your toy box. That will cause confusion when you decide one day to add to your collection by collecting new socks and shoes to chew up.

Dogs love to dig. Puppies start out by clawing. Anytime you are inside the house, you should know that clawing is a bad thing. You probably have carpet in your new house and if you should happen to spot some loose fibers, and if you should happen to claw it, and then get excited and claw more, you will surely get yourself into trouble. An old friend of mine did that with a Berber carpet and the results were horrendous. His people came home to find something akin to an unraveled ball of yarn. So unless anyone in your household would like to knit up a new carpet, leave it alone!

Your people will do well to use your name, Scotty, for positive reinforcement only. “Good boy, Scotty!” When they want to impose a rule, they should use a short firm command like “Stop!”, or “No!” Your name is special and endearing and should always stir up good feelings.

Most of your behavior can be measured on a scale, and you must try to tip it for good. On the good side is your active, energetic nature and on the bad side is hyperactivity. The good side, mouthing and chewing on your own toys, as opposed to the bad side of biting, snapping, or attempting to bite people. You get the picture. A very good site with lots of information on puppy behavior is the Dumb Friends League. Starting out on the right track of good behavior at your young age will lead to much happiness.

Your friend,

Fisher

published in tbt* Tampa Bay

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