[moondog]

Originally Posted by poohbearsmom

Floor Play to help Calm a pup: This is a technique I've used on all my pups, and it really seems to make a difference with dominant pups who like to keep their bodies for themselves. (The pup who growls/snarls when picked up, etc..)

Get on the floor with your puppy. Gently stroke the pup from the neck to the rump (this action in itself will calm a dog down) - If you need to occupy the pup with a small toy in it's mouth to keep pup from nibbling on you, this is fine also - Continue to stroke the pup down the back (always stroke WITH the fur direction, not against) and on down the legs. Gently roll the pup on it's side, and continue stroking the pup, increase the acreage you're stroking until you have the pup rolled on it's back. Stroke from the chin down the belly, down the legs to the feet, and the individual toes, and including the genital area. While the pup is in a relaxed state, stroke it's muzzle, check it's teeth, stroke it's ears, etc....

5 minutes or so of this before pup's bedtime is a wonderful way to subtly exert your dominance over the pup. In addition, it conditions the pup to accept being touched all over, and increases your bond with the pup.

This is the best way I found to relax my little Chili monster and get her comfortable rolling on her back to dremel her nails. Spending the few minutes it takes to relax her is worth its weight in gold when it comes time to do those nails, and along with a smidget of treat for each nail done, the tummy massage and soft conversation continues in between nails and she is perfectly happy to remain belly up until the job is done.