Good Puppy Manners

Good Puppy Manners become Good Dog Manners in shared public spaces

Keep in mind that 'Behavior that is rewarded is Behavior that is repeated'

A reward is something that has value TO THE PUPPY.  I may not find a piece of dried liver a reward, but to a puppy it has great value.

I do not let anyone tease my puppy, scare my puppy, threaten my puppy or make my puppy do something that is clearly uncomfortable to my puppy.  My puppy needs to trust that I will keep him safe and always do what is best for him.   

I keep an eye on my surroundings.  I know where the off-leash dogs are that could come running over and scare my puppy - I calmly take my puppy in an opposite direction.

I know where the group of kids are that want to interact with my puppy - I ask the kids to approach your puppy one at a time in a calm manner so that my puppy is not overwhelmed and can have a positive experience with children.

I will need to teach my puppy behaviors in a calm and consistent and positive manner and these behaviors will need to be repeated until the puppy is consistent in presenting the behavior.  How well would you work in the office if your boss was always yelling, stressed-out and inconsistent in his explanations and expectations of you?  You would probably quit, or at least not give your best effort.