ENERGY BURN OFF

Most all puppies have big bursts of energy at one time of the day
or another. These energy burn off times can be a positive or
negative experience. Lets analyze the positive first. If an energy
burn off comes up when you are at home with your pup, it can
provide you with an excellent opportunity to structure some really
fun and educational use of a playtime. The results of this type of
session are easy training, fun learning plus the added bonus of a
tired out pup at the end of it all. A tired pup is a quieter and less
destructive pet in the house. For this reason, I recommend working
owners or busy families, to try at all costs to have an energy burn
off session with the puppy before leaving for the day. Even 5 to 10
minutes will make a tremendous difference.

Then place your puppy in the most puppy-proof room or spot
available in your home. A garage is OK if it has been completely
puppy proofed and the temperature is reasonable for your
particular breed. Provide lots of chewy things, and an old blanket
or towel. (OLD so that when you come home and find it shredded
you can laugh as you sweep it into the garbage and replace it with
another old one.) Remember, what you give him in that restricted
area is his, so don t leave anything you are too attached too.

Playing a radio also helps soothe the puppy and give him a feeling
of not being left alone. Someone really should try to exercise the
puppy at least every 4 hours if possible. In some situations this is
impossible, but don t feel guilty. Your pup will adjust to whatever
lifestyle you provide for it. Perfection is not what is important to
your pup. Your mutual love and his respect for you are what really
count. Now you actually have to have respect for your puppy as
well but, don’t forget you are the master, not the puppy. Like your
children, you love them and respect their space but you still are the
parent. And, to be sure, kids should love and respect their parents.
At least that is the ideal situation. Ordinary walks are good for
your pup but these are not energy burn off where the pup rips and
tears around at full speed, being himself, a silly, clumsy, typical
puppy.