Monday, October 7, 2013

Day Thirteen -- Transitions

It's time for Mr. Ubu to spend a week with his family. That will make a puppy smile. He loves his family.

Ubu transitions very nicely to new environments. He bonds easily and he walks into new situations with confidence.

But he also gets very excited and distracted in new environments. Just know that he will likely increase his jumping behavior a little in the beginning. Just stay consistent with him and he'll pull it together.

Have everyone in the house reward him for sitting when he wants attention and turn their back on him if he jumps.

Think of everything in your environment as a reward for him and consider what behavior you are rewarding. Is he jumping and getting his way? Or are you expecting a sit for things he wants? Everything in the environment can be a potential reward; pets, a door being opened, a fresh water bowl being placed on the ground, getting his leash on, playing with toys, etc. Just make sure you are rewarding the behavior you want.

He's doing really well with his house training but, because he is going into a new environment, you'll have to be on top of getting him out when he needs it. When he first wakes up, when he's been up and playing for a while, or after eating/drinking are key times to take him out. He will give you signs when he needs to go out but you need to watch for them; pacing by the door, standing at the top of the stairway looking back at you, or a sudden antsy behavior that wasn't there before.

For barking when he wants something, ignore him. Don't look at him, don't talk to him. He needs to learn that it won't work for him. He may be a little more vocal in a new environment but that will quiet down quickly.

Calling him to come will help distract him if he's doing something he's not suppose to do but remember to always reward him when he comes. Never call him over to scold or punish him.

He's had a good time with his friends but he'll be happy to have a lot of human attention.

He likes his dog friends and all but being with his people is where it's at!


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