Answer: puppy management

Puppy management

We have just recently got Oliver, a Labrador Assistance Dog puppy. We are teaching him to go in his crate, by feeding him there and giving him his Kong. He also is learning to lie down on his mat in the kitchen, and we are only giving him attention when he is calm. I let him lick my son, but put him on the floor if he starts to mouthe or nip. Am I being too harsh?

Answer: I think you are doing very well with Oliver. I don't think you are being harsh, just establishing sensible boundaries. Getting him used to the crate, using it to calm him down when he has a "puppy fit" or gets over-excited is a good way to manage him. Teaching him to lie down on his mat is also very important. Teaching him to sit to say hello and get a pat is also very important. Rewarding him when he is calm is also a good strategy. Don't be afraid to play tug games. Have a look at my article about this. The important thing here is that in playing the game by the rules, you teach him that you have control over his mouth. Crate him when he starts frenzied mouthing, but if he is calm, teach him bite inhibition. This means actually encouraging him to mouthe your hands, so you can teach him to do it very softly, before you teach him not to do it at all. If he mouthes gently, his reward is to be allowed to continue. If he gets too forceful, say "off" and freeze your hands. If that is not enough to make him stop, hold a treat in front off his nose and click when he takes his mouth away. As he learns the meaning of "off" you can use it when he uses his mouth inappropriately. Good luck with puppy class. Don't let him get into free for all rough play, just briefly interacting without getting over the top is better. You will already be at the top of the class with what you have done already.