Tough Love (cont.)
Don’t allow your small puppy to jump all over you just because he is cute if this is behavior is going to be unacceptable when he gets older.
Adding soft food to his dry food because he won’t eat. If he doesn’t like his dry food by itself, you need to try something different. He needs to learn that he needs to eat what is given to him or he will go hungry. Have tough love.
Letting him out of the crate because he whines. Buy ear plugs and have tough love.
Petting him after he has demanded attention from you by nudging your arm, pawing down your leg or barking at you. He can have attention when you are ready and he is exhibiting the appropriate behavior. Have tough love.
So you see, Tough Love isn’t about having a strong hand, a loud, deep voice or a large presence. It’s about not giving in on behaviors that you find unacceptable just because it’s easier or because you want your dog to “love” you.