Sarah Hodgson > Quotes

“Working with Your Budding Adolescent: 16 to 24 Weeks

When you and your puppy reach the budding adolescent stage, you may feel like hiding in the closet. Some days are livable. However, other days you feel like moving. Your puppy doesn't listen or respond to known directions. He bolts, chases, and nips at everything that moves. He demands your attention and barks or mounts you when he doesn't get his way. He insists on being the center of attention every moment of every day.

Keep in mind that this stage is normal. I managed to live through it, and you will too.”
― Sarah Hodgson

“Have a spray deterrents (like bitter apple) around the house to spray objects or furnishings that your puppy may show an interest in chewing. Remind everyone to spray the item, not the puppy.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“As I stress throughout this book — and even more so at this particular stage in your puppy's life — keep your cool. Sure, your puppy may act like a stranger at times, but they still identify with you and adore you most of all.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“This direction is the human phrase equivalent of saying “please.” Give the direction once in a clear, strong voice. If your puppy ignores you, don’t be afraid to walk closer to them and say it again. Sit is not optional.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Other forms of discipline are often viewed by your puppy as confrontational play.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“As long as you don’t react to a new stimulation, your puppy won’t, either — they'll get conditioned to new noises, sights, and people, often without pause or hesitation.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“bribes are a big no-no unless you want a puppy who listens only when you’re waving a big piece of chicken in your hand.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Using a head collar or front-clip harness, use incentives to urge them to walk with you. Don’t tug or drag your puppy, because they will resist following you even more.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“All puppies need someone to look up to: Like kids, they’re eaily intimidated when they’re little. Though they idolize their birth mama, that attachment will transfer to you, and just like that, your puppy will be watching your interpretation of new people and experiences for guidance on how to react. This is the ideal bonding experience if you cop a been-there-done-that attitude. Stay calm, be confident (even if you have to pretend), and use lots of rewards to help your puppy see that life is nothing to fret over.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Choose a few different words for different toys — like “toy,” “ball,” and “bone.” Encourage everyone to name the object as they toss it. Soon your puppy will be able to identify up to five different toys.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“puppies repeat behavior that wins them attention — they don’t care whether the interaction is negative or positive.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“As you come to a stop bring a treat to the floor by the side of your left shoe. As you do, say “Find it!” As your puppy gets the rhythm of the sequence lesson, you may drop the treat by your foot, so you eliminate the posture of bending down to get their attention.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Doing so may signal fun with paper towels or a nurturing acceptance — after all, their mom did lick up their messes — that will encourage a repeat performance. Calmly place your puppy in another room or with a family member as you clean it up.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“In other words, when either the kid or the puppy is getting wild, you need to remain calm. Yelling at either puppy or child will upset the balancing act between them even more.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Go into an open area with your puppy and have the leader tell the players when they can start to wiggle and dance! If your puppy begins to get excited, instruct “Wait.” Repeat “Wait” in a strong voice as you stop abruptly. Toss a toy for your puppy to reward their self-control!”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“I talk about Find It a lot in this book, but that's because it has tons of important uses, from calling your puppy to your side or teaching them to play with the children without jumping or nipping to conditioning them to look down when cars, cats, cyclists, and critters pass. You can also use Find It to keep greetings with strangers on an even keel and teach cooperative leash walking skills.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Running and shouting “No” to a puppy may make them stop at the moment, but you’d stop too if someone shouted at you. Your puppy doesn’t understand; you’ll only succeed in making them afraid of people.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Approaching a door, at home, or on the road: Puppy must sit, coming in and going out. Greeting: Puppy should grab a toy from the basket and only be greeted after they’ve calmed down enough to sit or roll on their back Mealtime manners: Puppy must sit and wait for puppy food and also lie on a mat with a bone during your meals. After-hours TV/computer: Puppy should lie on a mat and chew a toy.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Stay cool. Frustration makes you look foolish. As you work toward off-lead control, your puppy may act confused and unresponsive because your guidance is gone. You used to give the direction and guide them with the lead.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Condition them to erratic handling, such as touching, poking, and hair-pulling. Babies and small children like to grab and pull, and your puppy may be startled if the baby’s tug is the first one they experience. Feed them a savory or lickable treat as you gently condition them to your mimicking of a baby’s touch. Say gentle as you do this, and repeat this phrase when it happens in real time. Don’t forget to make some baby sounds, too, for the full effect.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“EXPLORING A REAL WORLD APPLICATION FOR WAIT”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Having objects scattered all over the floor can confuse your puppy, who may think that everything on the ground belongs in their mouth.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Don’t rush this direction. Take your time and use encouragement to ensure that your puppy has a rock-solid Stay throughout their lives.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Many puppies learn the magic of holding still along the way. They often default to sitting still and just patiently waiting, watching you. Reward that action!”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“So, at your puppy’s first veterinary visit, ask the doctor for a recommended method for inducing vomiting.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“Instead of reaching for the toy in their mouth, shake and bounce your toy as you wait for the puppy to release the one they're holding. As they are releasing the object, say “Give,” as you toss the copy.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“To encourage proper greeting manners, wait to greet your puppy until they're calm enough to sit for a treat.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“If you’re expecting inclement weather, don’t leave your puppy alone outside. Go with them to their potty area and bring them directly back inside after they're done.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“After you bring your pup to the area, ignore them until they eliminate.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies

“As you say the cue word hello, lure your puppy to stand sideways instead of straight into you. Now pet them shoulder to tail instead on top of their head.”
― Sarah Hodgson, Puppies For Dummies