Quotes About Behavior

Most people put off my mother's erratic behavior to the fact that she was a writer, as if that just explained everything. To me that was just an excuse. I mean, brain surgeons can be crazy too, but no one says that's all right. Fortunately for my mother, I am alone in this opinion.

we were all destined to just keep doing the same stupid things, over and over again, never really learning a single thing.

I understand that you are under a lot of pressure and that it's hard being a bride. That is all well and good. But it does not, ever, entitle you to be rude, selfish, uncaring, and generally obnoxious to me or Haven or anyone else. We've been very patient with you because we're your family and we love you, but it stops here. I don't care if the wedding is two weeks or two hours away, you were never raised to behave this way.

feeling and action are always linked

you should never be surprised when people treat you with respect. You should expect it.

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.

No staring into your puppy's eyes, because dogs view prolonged glares as confrontational, not instructional. Instead, keep looking over their head.

Proactive training involves teaching your puppy what to do rather than waiting until your puppy is misbehaving to call attention to the wrong behavior.

During preadolescence, however, your puppy will be far more interested in how they fit into the fabric of your everyday life. If you don't tell them where to go and what to do, they will turn your life upside down by making their own set of rules — and that's a nightmare I wouldn't wish on anybody.

For example, to prevent your puppy from barking every time someone comes to the door or walks by, have treats and toys at the ready and use them to distract your puppy.

Having objects scattered all over the floor can confuse your puppy, who may think that everything on the ground belongs in their mouth.

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!

Avoid leaving your puppy alone outdoors for long periods. Unsupervised confinement often breeds boredom and territorial behavior. Put those two together and you're likely to end up with a barkaholic.

If your puppy lunges for the treat anyway (and most will), snap your hand shut over the treat like a clam and wait until your puppy pauses from even a split second to toss the more savory treat at their feet, saying Find It!

After they understand that your approach isn't threatening, the next time your puppy grabs something you don't want them to have, find a treat cup, shake it, and call them over. Say "Give" as you offer a treat. Praise them when they release the object and help them find a chew toy. You can say "Where's your toy?" to encourage them.

A territorial puppy, no matter the breed, almost always turns into a dangerous dog.

teach them the 4-paw rule. Shake the cup and reward your puppy if they hold still; if they jump, lift the cup above your head and look up.

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.

puppies repeat behavior that wins them attention — they don't care whether the interaction is negative or positive.

When you offer your puppy a treat, they will spit out the toy. As they do, say Give and either click-and-treat or simply treat as you praise them. Do not take the toy away from them. The goal is to teach your puppy that "Give" means "spit it out." This action highlights your good intentions to play and not steal.

To encourage proper greeting manners, wait to greet your puppy until they're calm enough to sit for a treat.

To encourage licking on command, spread a thin coat of butter on your hand and say "kisses" as you offer your puppy your open palm.

remember that even bad behavior is a sign of healthy development — it signals that your puppy is engaged, focused, and dependent on you.

It's the same with food or water: Wait to lower the dish until your puppy can sit still.