Scout at 8 weeks
Remember that adorable little puppy I got back in February? She was so sweet and precious I didn’t think I could ever get mad at her.
Famous last words
Now, Scout is a rambunctious, STRONG, four-month-old bundle of not-so-cute-anymore energy. And yes, I get mad at her.
This does not mean I am regretting my decision to get a puppy or my choice of puppies. Scout is going to be a great dog in a year or two, but right now she is often a pain in the ass.
I thought I could train her myself with the help of a few books and YouTube videos but I’m just not that disciplined. I need help. The Humane Society is offering a six-week puppy training course that doesn’t fit my tight budget, what with new van expenses and all — but I can’t afford not to do this.
Not after the lesson of Sweetie
Years ago, my ex gave our 5-year-old son a cute little white puppy — without asking me if I could have one in my apartment, which I couldn’t. The rapidly-growing pooch wound up with my parents, who worked long hours and knew nothing about training dogs.
Sweetie, as my disabled dad called her, really was a very sweet dog but she turned out to also be a very big dog. Who jumped on everyone to show how much she loved them. She wasn’t housebroken or obedience trained in any way.
She wound up chained in the back yard with only my dad to spend time with her when he could. After he died, she was desperate for attention and affection. It was heartbreaking.
The good news is that my mom eventually gave Sweetie to a family with a farm. I like to think she was finally happy there, with room to run and other animals and kids to play with.
Sweetie taught me an important lesson
Dogs love to be with people. A well-behaved dog is a joy to be around. It’s cruel not to teach them manners so that people will love to be with THEM.
I just signed Scout up for classes that start next week. It’s an investment I know I will never regret.
p.s. If you’re ready to invest in your future, I’m right here.
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I’m so happy you’re getting some training for Scout. I hope these lessons also involve you because lessons for her will be useless without lessons for you, too.
Dogs are pack animals and when they become our pets, we are their pack, and we should also be the alpha dog in the pack, not them. I hope the lessons accomplish this for the two of you. Good luck! And good on ya for making it a priority now while she’s still relatively small (comparatively!).
And above all, have fun!
Thanks, Lois. Yes, the lessons are for the both of us. I didn’t realize it could be otherwise (unless paying a fortune to a private trainer.) Orientation for owners is this Saturday and the real lessons start a week later. 🙂
I never thought much about crates for dogs but when my daughter and I began working with a rescue group we became the “unofficial” puppy foster house. A trainer gave us an invaluable tip. He said keep your pup on a lease all the time next to you while they are learning the basics. If they start to do something you don’t want you can stop it or distract them immediately, then when you need a break put them in their kennel. It’s gets to be their little house/safe place. Basic lessons are a plus. Good luck, he’s a cutie.
Lynn, I bought a crate when Scout was six weeks old. She was fine in it the first time but after that she got so upset, trying to dig her way out, I was afraid she would hurt herself. On top of that, I knew she would be a big dog and outgrow the crate quickly. The van was too small for a crate big enough for her as an adult. So I decided the van would be the ‘crate’. My friend Lois, who has trained puppies for therapy dogs, taught me to tie Scout to the front passenger seat when I am driving or have to leave her in the van for a short time. That has been a lifesaver! Now I can leave her in the van without tying her up and she just takes a nap until I get back. 🙂
Sometimes the hardest part of training a dog is training yourself.
So true, Al! Puppy training class starts tomorrow, but we all know it’s really owner training class. 😉