Of course, this makes me a bit nervous about Saturday when I bring her home. How am I ever going to establish myself as the pack leader if I'm busy bounding after her through our flower beds, and trying to stop her from hanging off my shorts with her teeth? I don't know too many "leaders" who look frazzled at the sight of a dog bounding after a squirrel.
I'm really trying to be prepared. I read Cesar's book "Be the Pack Leader" this weekend, and learned I've got to mentally establish my dominance, and show calm-assertive energy. I even practiced his techniques twice - once on my big cat, and once on my dad (yes, I said dad).
My big cat (aka Paco) was being fiesty, so I put him in a submissive hold. I think I may have let him up too early though, and next time I'll probably wear oven mitts to make sure his teeth don't sink into my flesh as many times. But he did become more affectionate - for about a day. This picture was taken on one of his "good days" when he was happy enough to relax in a box.
As for my dad, he can also be very fiesty - especially when the discussion of politics comes up. And it did on Saturday night when DH and I were visiting. My parents are very conservative. We are very liberal. I don't think I really need to say more (okay, so once he cursed DH and I, and said he wished we would die in a fiery plane crash at the hands of terrorists) but he's really a lovely man as long as religion and politics aren't involved.
So before he could get to a new curse, I decided to put an end to the conversation with a "tsst" like Cesar taught me. My dad fought back with a death stare, but once I saw those eyelids flicker, I knew I had won! (this honestly happened).
Even with all that training, when I went to visit Beatrice tonight, if I said "tsst" and gave her a little touch, she just tried to bite my finger. Then she just rolled all over my lap like a Cirque du Soleil acrobat, and tested her tiny teeth on my sandals.
I think I've got a little more homework to do. I mean, how am I ever going to get her to lie in the crib and sit in the high chair if I can't even take her for a walk?!
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I had to LOL at you "tsst"-ing your dad! Hilarious.
ReplyDeleteI just tired our puppy out with lots and lots of playing when we got him. Got him lots of toys to chew on, took him on reeeaally long walks. Doggies are much more cooperative when they're exhausted :).
Callmemama has the key. Tire the puppy out! You know, they will "mouth" a lot because they first learn to explore with their mouths. So patience and persistence will pay off! You're going to do just fine! (I "tsst" my DH sometimes too!)
ReplyDeleteOh Sandra, this post was absolutely hilarious! I'm sure you'll be fine, just be "calm and assertive"! can't wait to read about the first day home. Love, Fran
ReplyDeleteToo funny - sit in high chair/lie in the crib!
ReplyDeleteYou'll be fine! The secret is to where a leash around your waist attached to the little monster ooops I mean puppy. She will quickly learn that she can't go anywhere on her own and has to follow your lead. You'll do great!
Everyone has their own way of dealing with puppies, and each puppy is different. Mine would go from wanting to be held and cuddling to being a total maniac...and then do the same thing all over again. Personally, I wouldn't worry about being a pack leader right away, but it sort of depends on what kind of approach you want to take and your puppy's personality. Puppies are freaked out at first - they don't know what's going on, who you are, what they're supposed to be doing, etc. Eventually, they get it. Callmemama is right, though - exercise makes a big difference!
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