"Children and Puppies"
Rules for Fair Play

by Jane M. Small

1. Children Never Play On Floor: When you play on the floor with the puppy you become a puppy and increase the mouthing and puppy-to-puppy behavior. Have children play from a Rubbermaid stool for small puppies or from a couch with larger puppies, but never on the floor.
   
   
2. Do Not Offer Five Fingers: Offering a open flat hand looks like a friendly gesture but in fact, offering five fingers is offering five chew toys. Your puppy will naturally nibble on them and why not!
   
   
3. Always Approach Puppy With A Four Foot Interactive Toy: Children need a long interactive toy in their hand every time they approach the puppy. This gives the puppy a clear message to keep his mouth on his toys and away from your hands (see the Supplies You Will Need list on the web site for interactive toys).
   
   
4. Do Not Repeat Commands or Mix Commands: Most puppies learn early on to tune out kids. This is because kids bark out a chain of commands that even the best trained show dog could not follow. With unreasonable speed children will say, "sit, sit," "down," "come," "stay," "sit," "jump," etc. Children should only give a command with an adult is present, so the adult can make sure it is reasonable and the puppy has enough time to respond.
   
   
5. Stop All Play And Walk Away If Puppy Mouths You: If the puppy drops his interactive toy and goes for you, say "Owww," "No bite," stop all play and walk away. This is a clear message.
   
   
6. Promote Puppy's Toys And Name Them: When the puppy goes into his toy box say, "your toys, oh look Fred, you have your toy." Give names to his toys and be very interested when he picks them up. When the puppy picks up your slippers, very calmly grab one of his toys and distract him. Never chase him for your possessions and don't raise your voice. We will teach him the "leave it" command. Always tell your puppy when you're done playing with him "all done."