BehavioRx Case of the Month
for December 2006

Happy New Puppy Christmas

The clients inquired about guidance for bringing a new puppy home into a family of two adults and five children under 14 years of age, the youngest being a 2 year-old boy. When asked about the social activities in the house on the previous Christmas, "Ella," the mother said, How about "chaos!"  Further questions indicated that the children were close to hysterical most of  the time, especially Christmas morning.

They were advised to get either our book, "Behavior Problems in Dogs," or the BehavioRx Instructions for "Adopting a Dog," but to add the following, which have saved many a new puppy from emerging after Christmas day as virtual "nervous wrecks."

1. Explain to the kids that the new puppy is entering a brand new world, and it needs to experience it as a happy one, but not a "madhouse." Therefore, ask them,

"As excited as you may feel, how do you think you can behave so the puppy doesn't become overexcited or even frightened?"

Then, let the kids tell you their ideas. As they make their suggestions, compliment each for making a suggestion, but be sure to suggest variations if they come up with an idea like, "Let's let Tippy tear open our presents with us!"

The best response to that suggestion would be to point out how Tippy would then be learning how to have fun chewing up the house for fun. (Actually, the best way to open presents is to have Dad, "Santa Clause," open each gift and deliver it to each recipient." Explain to the children that this won't be a permanent Christmas rule, but it's the best one for Tippy's first Christmas.

Other situations (and these have come from parents themselves) to avoid  are:
 
1. Kids arguing among themselves.
2. Screaming (even in joy).
3. Shouting (even happily).
4. Running around the room.
5. Eating on the floor.
6. Dropping bits of food.

What can parents do?
1. Be positive and smile a lot.
2. Hold the Tippy calmly if it starts getting too excited.
3. Feed Tippy on time.
4. Send us an email with any suggestions that may help other parents. We'll pass them on in the new year.

Merry Christmas and Joyous Holidays to all!

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