“Quiet!”, “That’s Enough!”, “Shut up!” Words often heard coming out of the mouth of an owner of a barky dog. I’ve uttered them myself, usually in exasperation, hundreds of times over the last 8 years. I haven’t said them once in the last two weeks.
Scene: A very frustrated owner, an excitable dog, a treat pouch and some biscuits
Issue: “He refuses to sit or lie down or come unless I have a cookie in my hand! He’s so stubborn”
My response: “He’s not stubborn, he’s being bribed not trained!”
We are given about 5 months to fall madly and hopelessly in love with our puppies, then we face the challenge of adolescence. By that time, for most of us, we are far too smitten to do anything but muddle through the challenge and keep dreaming of calmer, more cooperative days.