In case you were wondering why Chewy boxes are so apparently flimsy

 

Ember, in demon-puppy mode:  Good stuff came in this box, I can smell it!

Mom, choosing my battles: The contents have been put away, have at it, destructo-pup!

The was on our porch step Thursday mid-morning, already looking a bit beat up, as we were leaving for a walk.  Took a bit of persuasion to get the box inside the door as we left.  When we got home, it was full on "attack the box" mode.

She tore enough of it open to grab one item out.  Turned out to be a bag of 3 tennis balls, but it was in a plastic bag.  I let her worry at that while I rescued the rest of the contents, which included training treats, a replacement leash, and a pair of "over the headrest" doggy seat belts for use in the car.

Then I dropped treats to distract her while I retrieved and unwrapped the tennis balls.  When she swiped the empty box off the counter, I decided to let her destroy it.  Face it, a professional dog trainer I am not.  Working out emotions is something both humans and canines need to do.

Once the box was pretty much shredded, Ember collapsed on the floor.  She's been exercised!  Long walk followed by the battle of the box.

Private Training Session:  what did we learn?

The goal I stated was that I wanted to learn how to safely play with my puppy, who is growing so fast and is total muscle!  So, the trainer took her in hand, left her on leash and got her to act the way she does at home when I try to play with her.  

So, we now have a script to follow:  calm puppy.  Get out treats, sit, treat, toss toy, "wait" (while stepping on leash so she can't get the toy), when she ceases to lunge for the toy but is calm, "OK" to release her to "go get it".  Lather, rinse, repeat this game.  It's a mind game for her, not just body exercise.

Try with different toys.

Then there is the tug toy, tug for a short while, then let the puppy win and play on her own with it... totally OK.

Scatter of treats to get the toy back is OK.

Bought tools:  a 16 foot long line to work on the fetch games, as well as later for recall.  Three different "highest value" treats - venison, wild boar, and chicken livers.  To be used ONLY on the fetch games and recall exercises.

OK then!  Ready for the next cycle of puppy training!

Also, tips on length of time in crate.  She should be able to handle 3 daytime hours in the crate, while I do human things, including shopping, trainer workout, etc.

So much about these private training sessions is reinforcement and encouragement for ME, as a hu-mom.

Once home, total wipeout of the puppy... she slept on the kitchen/dining room floor.  Got up to take a leash walk in the 89 degree F heat, then had her supper.

I told you she was teething:  first baby tooth fragment found in the Chewy Box debris!

Life is good.  Spark on to a wonderful Friday!