Calming down the monster in your puppy 101

[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.

[BabyBrownz]

What a fantastic post and truly looking forward to applying these in two months when we bring our pup home.

[MontanaRott]

Wonderful, insightful and very informative as usual Pooh! Sticky worthy to be sure. Thank you for taking the time to post this, it was much needed!

[Luvs]

Originally Posted by MontanaRott

Wonderful, insightful and very informative as usual Pooh! Sticky worthy to be sure. Thank you for taking the time to post this, it was much needed!

I totally agree!!!! Thank you!!!

[pazzo]

STICKY, STICKY, STICKY!!!!!

Thanks for taking the time. Very nicely put
Dana

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by Dimtiri

actually one question here. my pooch is incredibly hand shy and doesn't really like it when strangers come up to him to pet him. i have told everyone approaching him that he is hand shy and they should just let him smell their hand, but he still doesn't like it and early this morning he growled at some lady who did approach him the right way (slowly and holding out her hand)

Just wrote a thread especially for you, Dimitri, entitled "Dealing with a shy pup".

[poohbearsmom]

Just bringing this back up to the top, as this is a popular subject!

[Ann Felske-Jackman]

Excellent Post. I too vote for it to be "sticky'd"

[JaniceH]

Excellent post, thank you.

[kelis]

I agree a defo STICKY!!! love the post good advice!

Kelis and Kiya.xxx