Manding is one of the things these sweet pups have begun to learn here at Kindred Pup, and I certainly hope that our Kindred Pup families continue the process!

Have you ever been at a park and seen a beautiful dog that you’d just love to meet and pet, only to be jumped all over? This new dog friend means no harm, and certainly doesn’t intend to send you to the dry cleaners; He just wants to let you know he’s friendly and that he’d like a nice chin rub.

It’s us pesky adult humans that mind this behavior. Especially when the dog is an 80 pound labrador with muddy paws. Am-I-Right?

Manding teaches the puppy to sit when an adult looks to them, and reinforces that with affection and some delicious treat. Puppies take to this at different rates but I’m pleased to say that all our puppies have caught on pretty well.

I didn’t have my camera on me the whole time and training while trying to snap a photo isn’t the easiest thing but here are a few shots of our session this morning.

I mean, really. How can you say “no” to that face?  I didn’t. And while encouraging this behavior, you definitely shouldn’t! Want a treat? Sit nicely! Good girl!

Green has it down, too! Even with a little distraction from his sister.

The point of this initial Manding is to let the pup figure out the desired behavior on its own, without a verbal cue such as “sit”. So while this sweet manding puppy waits for its next treat, siblings circle around trying to figure out where that yummy smell is coming from. they soon were all sitting nicely, waiting for their due reward. But treats for three pups doesn’t leave any room for a camera in hand! (Note to self – teach my children to snap the picture!)

Mr. Yellow, who soon will be used to his forever name – Bandit – sits waiting patiently for his treat. Good job manding, little guy!

While training using disciplinary actions and physical restraints are common among trainers, this type of correction is inappropriate for pups this age. The positive reinforcement option is much better on these eager-to-please youngsters, whose emotional development is still very much in bloom and whose physical statures couldn’t withstand a physical restraint (such as a choke collar). Whatever training you choose to use with your pup, and you’ll need something!, this is the best route for the foreseeable future.

Do you have treats on hand for when your pups come home? Need some ideas? Here are a few of my favorite go-to treats for young pups:

Pieces of unseasoned meat, such as ground beef, turkey or chicken (no bones!)

Pieces of cheese such as American or string cheese (some people have very strong opinions about dairy for dogs; just as a heads up)

Jarred Baby Food, meat variety (if using a baby food pouch, it can be squeezed directly into the pup’s mouth)

Royal Canin Puppy Mousse  (available at Chewy Here)

Remember that the goal here is consistent reward, so VERY small amounts is key. Roll up the treat into a tiny ball or give a tiny squirt (some people use a syringe) so that you aren’t draining your bank account on treats!

I hope you all continue manding with these pups. It sure is an adorable little face and their little tails still wag across the floor even when sitting. It’s the cutest expectant look ever.

Until next time…