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Puppy Code of Conduct

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  • Bob Schlick
    • Gold Top Dog

    Puppy Code of Conduct

    Bob Schlick

    Posted : 8/31/2006 11:12:14 AM

    I am creating a Puppy Code of Conduct for myself and anyone else who may take care of my puppy.  I want to make sure that I (and others) are consistant and fair with dealing with unwanted behaviors.

    I am looking for any suggestions others may have.  Also if anyone thinks anything is unfair, or too leanient, please let me know.

    Punishments:
    1) Ignor the puppy
    2) Walk away from the puppy
    3) Give puppy a 5 minute time-out in an isolated room (ie. a bathroom)


    Code of Conduct:
    • Unwanted Barking:
      • Ignore the puppy
        • If barking doesn't stop, walk away and do not return until 30 seconds go by with no barking.
        • If barking stops, praise puppy calmly.  If barking starts again, walk away.
        • After 30 seconds come back and continue play.

    • Biting:
      • Light bite (teeth touch skin but doesn't hurt)
        • Remove body part from puppys mouth, and give him something appropriate to play with and praise him if he does
        • If light biting continues, end game and ignore puppy.
        • After 30 seconds of no biting, return and continue playing.

      • Hard bite (a bite that hurts)
        • Stop play immidiatly and ignore puppy.
        • If biting stops (for 30 seconds), calmly praise him and continue play.
        • If bitting continues, give an immidiate time out.

    • Chasing the cat:
      • As soon as puppy looks at cat, give the "leave it" command and try to distract him so he doesn't start the chase.
        • If the puppy shows dis-interest in the cat, praise him.
        • If puppy goes after the cat, give one last "leave it"
          • If puppy stops, praise immensly!
          • If puupy does not stop, give an immediate time out.

    • Other unwanted behaviors (ie chewing)
      • Distract the puppy and find something more interesting for him, praise him calmly for being good.

    • Good behaviors (i.e. walking good on leash, siting calmly, playing nice with others)
      • Praise calmly as often as you can.
      • Give puppy treats in small amounts.


    This is just a start but any feedback would be helpful.
  • mudpuppy
    • Gold Top Dog
    mudpuppy

    Posted : 8/31/2006 12:52:54 PM

    it seems to be rather negative in tone-- all you have listed are "bad" things puppies tend to do and how to react. It's much better to be pro-active in preventing bad things by managing the environment, and then trying hard to catch the pup in the act of doing desired behaviors, and reward them. What about-- reward puppy for being quiet? reward puppy for chewing his bone? reward puppy for sitting instead of leaping up on people? reward puppy for not-pulling on leash? reward puppy for staying near owner?
  • Bob Schlick
    • Gold Top Dog
    Bob Schlick

    Posted : 8/31/2006 1:59:02 PM

    ORIGINAL: mudpuppy

    it seems to be rather negative in tone-- all you have listed are "bad" things puppies tend to do and how to react. It's much better to be pro-active in preventing bad things by managing the environment, and then trying hard to catch the pup in the act of doing desired behaviors, and reward them. What about-- reward puppy for being quiet? reward puppy for chewing his bone? reward puppy for sitting instead of leaping up on people? reward puppy for not-pulling on leash? reward puppy for staying near owner?


    Thanks for pointed that out.  I know to praise him, but others may not.  I updated it to include more praise.  Also, as I said, this is what to do when an unwanted behavior arises.  The good behaviors is a whole different part of this that I haven't posted.

    For me, chasing the cat and hard biting are the two behaviors that are completely unacceptable (because they can cause harm to another living creature).  Would you concider a time-out acceptable punishment for these behaviors?