Parenting shortcuts

[korky_777]

My new realization: bully stix are to puppy parenting as Disney videos are to child parenting. Every now and then, when we don't want her in her crate, but need her to just be calm and stay in one place for a little while, we give Butter a bully stick. We feel a little guilty about it. Not that there's anything bad about bully stix, and goodness

Comments

[zoe_1418]

It's true -- Butter does appreciate the break. And just like every toddler, she needs to start learning to spend increasing amounts of time amusing herself. And she's working on her chewing skills!

conscience can be clear

[korky_777]

Thank you. You always know just what to say.

[glassgirl7]

Zoe used to adore those; I think at this age, they need some time alone. For one thing, they have chewing and thinking and resting to do. For another thing, some day you want them to be able to entertain themselves for a little while, and this is practice. Good parenting!! Good Girl! Have a...um...cookie?

will work for treats

[korky_777]

Thank you for the reassurance. And the positive reinforcement! It's funny, you really do fall into the habit of rewarding every behavior -- so much so that the other night, when T started to do the dishes, I suddenly had the impulse to say, "Good boy, good wash dishes!"

I took her to Bad Dog Frida today to say hello and to enter a picture in their photo contest. Butter was, as she has been so far on every trip, very calm.

Re: will work for treats

[glassgirl7]

A photo contest?? Well. Butter will win. And if she doesn't, she certainly should!

And "good wash dishes" is great!! Careful, though...I know parents who have gotten in trouble for cutting up their partner's dinner in to little pieces for them, and you're in the danger area, I'd say.

Re: will work for treats

[korky_777]

You should enter a photo of Zoe! It has to be 5x7 or 8x10, I think. I believe the details are at the website.