He’s wonderful with us, except when…
She’s the sweetest puppy, only she…
He’s such a cuddle buns, if only he wouldn’t…
Inevitably, the first sentence dog owners say when I ask them to tell me about their dogs is one of the above.
Everyone has the BEST dog. And that dog also jumps on Grammy, barks at the vacuum cleaner, potties in the family room, chews the newspaper, or has this nasty little habit of biting Uncle Joe.
Of course, there are reasons behind all of these behaviors.
He’s tired/hungry/frisky/exuberant.
She’s still a puppy.
She doesn’t like men.
He doesn’t have accidents every single day.
She’s just playing with you and she doesn’t know how strong she is.
This would be the equivalent of saying: My son is a great kid, but when he gets bored he robs liquor stores. Or, my daughter is really smart but when she gets angry, she breaks my dishes.
I know. Your dog is exceptionally cute.
Sit down and make a list of how any dog should behave in your house so that you can enjoy the food, furniture, decorative objects, and aroma; invite people over and visit with them undisturbed; come and go to work and other activities without anxiety.
Now, even if your dog is cute – yes, as cute as your dog – consider having him or her abide by those rules.
Don’t make excuses for your dog. It’s okay to admit that she is cute AND loveable
AND needs training.
Commenti