In case you haven’t heard, we’re delighted to be opening our hearts and home to a new family member, a German Shepherd puppy named Buzz. They say it takes a village, so I’m hoping you can help me raise her to be a productive canine citizen. Consistency will help her understand the rules of the game, so I’m sharing some of my expectations for her with you:
Saying Hello
It’s true, puppies are so stinkin’ cute that everyone just wants to squish them, but some dogs are more interested in social interactions than others. And some don’t appreciate being squished. If you’d like to interact with Buzz, please wait to see if she’s interested in having a conversation with you before engaging her.
If she doesn’t approach you don’t take it personally. Puppies have a lot of things on their minds! It just means she’s not interested at the moment. Please be respectful of her space and time rather than approaching her for an interaction unless she approaches you first. For some puppies, uninvited interactions can lead to avoidance of people in the future, not something I want for her.
Picking her up with encourage jumping, so please don’t. If she approaches you pet her when all four feet are on the floor, and don’t pet her when she’s jumping on you. As a future therapy dog it will be important for her not to practice jumping.
Giving Him Treats
Treats are for training. Using them to foster social connection isn’t necessary and can become an indecent proposal if a dog isn’t truly interested in having a conversation. Since you’re not training her to do anything, she won’t need your treats. Authentic connection is preferred.
Loose Leash Walking
If you see her on a leash, please don’t draw her attention. It will encourage pulling, something I never want her to think is necessary or appropriate.
That’s pretty much it, except for don’t wake her up and thanks in advance for your patience if I need to interrupt class to take her out to potty 😊
And if helping me raise my puppy isn’t your thing, I’m OK with that. I’d just ask that you not interact with her during this critical time.
Looking forward to sharing his puppy kisses with you!