Someone has been to her first day at puppy school!
She was not an angel, just a normal little toddler wanting her own way.
Jess said she had a tantrum, as I had no idea what a puppy tantrum entailed I asked Chris to explain what happened.
Here is her reply!!!
Tantrum…..
Chris – “Toffee come here” (offers treat, is ignored)
Toffee – “ Oh, not right now I’m busy sniffing butt”
Chris – No, I said “COME HERE” (changes tone to more serious)
Toffee – “Nope, I’m going to play with this toy under the table”
Chris then goes and gets naughty puppy and scoops her up, flips her onto her back in her arms, holds her very tightly and puts her hands on her chest very firmly.
Chris “ Now SETTLE”
Toffee – “No, don’t wanna WAHHHHHHHHHH” (kicks, fusses)
Chris – “Sorry Toffee but I really don’t care, (grips tighter) now SETTLE”
Toffee – “ No, No not gonna, WAHHHHHHHHHH” (more fussing)
Chris – (softly) “Enough.” (keeps holding tight and waits for her to stop fussing around 30 seconds, then loosens grip) “Good girl, now go to mum”
If Toffee openly ignores her (or you) I suggest Jess sits to do this if possible, Toffee is fairly strong. She needs leverage to keep her grip.
I have been “wrangling” naughty puppies for some time so I am fine standing (haven’t dropped one yet).
This is tough love, not cruelty, Toffee needs to learn the rules.
I am not hurting her, simply demonstrating I am stronger than her, like her doggy mother would have.
Just remember, don’t call her over to “correct” her – go fetch her.
Coming willingly must always be pleasant and be rewarded.
This last sentence is so true, the number of times I have seen people at the park call their dogs [who are being less than angelic] and when they come, give them a smack and yell, stands to reason they are not going to come next time
.
Training puppies is just the same as teaching toddlers, except puppies grow so quickly, that you need to get it right from the beginning.
I must be getting old, I have no memory of Midnight having tantrums at that age.
He was a difficult boy to train [and sometimes still is] thank goodness I never had to try and put him on my knee, he would not have fitted!!
