Puppy Training Challenge: How does the Canine Companion puppy handle food on the floor? Can the puppy walk over food, sit, or down on the food? The puppy should not avoid or snag food off the floor. Teaching self control is extremely important.
Puppy Raising Tip: Thunderstorms
Tis the season for thunderstorms. Some dogs react to thunderstorms, others don't. The reason for fear of thunderstorms is unclear and varies between dogs. Some theories stem from the sound, while others theorize the pressure changes cause the puppy to become uncomfortable which builds a negative association. If a dog is going to become fearful of storms there is nothing we can do but be good dog handlers. Cracks of thunder and lightening can scare us, but it is our responsibility to not reinforce any fear.
When a Canine Companion puppy reacts to a thunderstorm by panting, licking, or pacing, the best thing to do is to ignore the puppy. If the behavior begins to escalate, please put the puppy in the crate. Turn on a radio or T.V. to block out the sound. If a loud crack of thunder/lightening happens that startles both you and the puppy, ignore the startle and go back to whatever you were doing.
Sometimes you can distract a puppy that is stressed away from the thunderstorm by playing fetch or practicing commands. However, this does not always work. Ignoring or crating a stressed puppy will reduce the chances of us inadvertently creating or reinforcing a fear.
Coddling and telling the puppy that it will be okay during a storm will reinforce that this is something scary. Be a good handler and act confident. If we ignore the storm, then the chances are the puppy will settle and eventually fall asleep.
If the Canine Companion puppy is exeriencing fear during a thunderstorm please contact CCI.
Happy Training,
Suzanne Sliclen
Puppy Program Manager
