Enzo (formerly Monty) just about four weeks old.

Enzo (formerly Monty) just about four weeks old.

In addition to Cupcake, Monty (now known as Enzo) is also living in Pennsylvania. He is with a couple, and this is their second Dalmatian, although the first that they have owned since it was a young puppy, so crate training, housebreaking and those sharp puppy teeth are a new experience. They found they had more success with housebreaking when they put him in a smaller crate. (There are also crate dividers available that can be removed as the dog grows.) As far as the nipping goes, puppies have to learn that biting is not acceptable. When a puppy bites a littermate too hard, that littermate will either yelp, or nip back, or run away. All three are indicators to the biter that the behavior was not welcome. First, don’t allow the puppy to bite any part of you, even if it doesn’t hurt to begin with. Don’t play games with them that would encourage biting you. Next, when they do nip you, a loud, “OUCH” right in the face and quickly walking away and stopping play time will teach them you don’t like being bitten, and when it happens they will lose their playmate. A little jab with your fingers and a firm, “No”, may also help. As with any training, repetition and consistency is very important. Everyone in the family has to be on the same page because if one human family member allows the puppy to bite, the puppy will not distinguish between people. Also providing puppies with appropriate chew toys to help with their teething is important. Kong toys and Nyla bones are excellent. I use small rawhides and bully sticks, but don’t allow the puppy to have them without supervision so there’s no choking.

Enzo’s new family did a lot of research before choosing their pup, and plan on taking him to a puppy kindergarten. I hope they’ll comment and introduce themselves and let us all know how Enzo is going.