Dogs are Kids Too

H.O.T. Dog Club
Training Articles

Dogs Are Kids Too! ~ Love-- Part 3

by George Anna Bobo

I have a new puppy and her name is "Remy". I can't seem to pick a name that I love that meets all of the breeder's requirements. Personally I prefer the name Parrana Lips but I'm sure that would not have passed the breeders kennel name and champagne theme test.

I haven't had a puppy in years and have forgotten the amount of work,
responsibility, and fun one can have. She is 10 weeks old now and is a
typical "alpha" puppy. She romps, jumps and chews on Robin (my 7 ½ year
old angel Shorthaired Pointer) and constantly steals toys from her. Sweet
Robin's nerves are just about shot. Introducing this "high energy" puppy
into our easy-going home has become a challenge.

I have brushed up on my puppy training manuals and have proceeded down the road of crate training, housebreaking, and improving general manners. All is going well but something has been bothering me. I feel like I've been
here before. Then I remember the similarities of raising a high energy
"alpha child" 20+ years ago with the "alpha puppy" I have today.

So I have drawn upon my experience years ago as a new mother with a hyper child and have modified it somewhat with Remy. Every night when David and Robin go to bed (they are morning people & dogs) I pick up Remy, hold her wiggly body tightly in my arms, position her "Parana
Lips" head facing me, and proceed with the ritual of rocking her, stroking her head and feet and belly until she calms down and accepts "Love". The first few nights, she really hated being confined, and squealed and struggled. Now, she wants to be held. She lays at my feet until I pick her up and gives me kisses instead of teeth marks.

If you have more than one pet in the house, spend some one-on-one "Love"
sessions with each one of them. Your relationship will improve and the quiet time will be good for you too. Like I always say, "dogs are kids too".

See you at the training lot!

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