Train That Puppy!

Fridays we babysit the grandkids. There are three; ages five, three and three months.

Arlene and I couldn’t go together for a few months because of Sidney. He needed all his vaccines to be with our kids’ dog and he needed to work on his manners and control. We were taking turns going.

We have been going together now the past three Fridays.

We start the visit with Sidney tethered by his lead to my belt. Where I go, he goes. He must pay attention to me throughout.

When acclimatized to the setting and commotion, I let him off my belt, the lead still attached to him making it easier to catch him if need be.

The middle child is timid of Sidney and keeps her distance.

The baby is oblivious, but during mat time, attracts Sidney’s presence. Any time any part of his body would touch the mat, he would get a correction to give space. Sidney has learned to look, but not touch. That is serious self-control. (We still always watch. He is still a pup.)

The eldest adores Sidney and wants to engage. As well as training Sidney, that means training for this grandson.

We were clear:

1) No attention to Sidney unless Sidney is calm;

2) If Sidney jumps up, turn your body to repel and say, off;

3) If you want to touch Sidney, bring your hand from below his face so you don’t prompt him to greet your hand by jumping up.

Three simple rules…

Our grandson followed admirably.

By this past Friday, Sidney had progressed well as did our granson. Sidney is becoming a really good and calm listener.

With that we allowed more play between Sidney and our grandson.

Grandson lay on the floor and with my permission, Sidney got in his face, licking and rolling on him.

After a few moments I would give a few gentle tugs on the lead to have Sidney leave our grandson. I would give the command, “Settle,” and Sidney would take a calm sitting position.

After a moment of calm, I would say, “Play” and Sidney would re-engage with our grandson. We did this 5 or 6 times.

So delightful, safe and fun. Both engaged having fun yet within limits. We wouldn’t let the play get out of hand as can sometimes happen. The experience was enjoyable.

Sidney was learning to disengage on command.

We see dog ownership as a responsibility.

It all starts with good planning, teaching and considerable structure.

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I am Gary Direnfeld and I am a social worker. Check out all my services and then call me if you need help with a personal issue, mental health concern, child behavior or relationship, divorce or separation issue or even help growing your practice. I am available in person and by video conferencing.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

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Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert in social work, marital and family therapy, child development, parent-child relations and custody and access matters. Gary is the host of the TV reality show, Newlywed, Nearly Dead, former parenting columnist for the Hamilton Spectator and author of Marriage Rescue: Overcoming the ten deadly sins in failing relationships. Gary maintains a private practice in Georgina Ontario, providing a range of services for people in distress. He speaks at conferences and workshops throughout North America. He consults to mental health professionals as well as to mediators and collaborative law professionals about good practice as well as building their practice.