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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!decwrl!daemon
From: daemon@decwrl.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: net.pets
Message-ID: <4832@decwrl.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 9-Jan-84 10:37:53 EST
Article-I.D.: decwrl.4832
Posted: Mon Jan  9 10:37:53 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 10-Jan-84 00:36:40 EST
Sender: daemon@decwrl.UUCP
Organization: DEC Western Research Lab, Los Altos, CA
Lines: 36

From: gold::dzekevich
SUBJ: GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPY

To the Golden Puppy Owner:

I think that you are going to have to teach your 12 week old puppy some
submissive rules.  He is at the point where he will start test the hell
out of you.  It also sounds like he is trying to establish a dominance
over your 8 year-old.

In any event, he (the dog) has to be the bottom of the totem pole in your
family.  You and everyone in your family have to make him submit, otherwise
he will be out of hand when he gets big.  Golden males go to 90 pounds.

You should be your house's "pack leader".  When he does something wrong, grab
him by the scruff of his neck and pull him over, just like his mother would
do in the litter.  Also, once a day, make him submit.  Pick him up under
his forearms, facing you, and let his feet hang, just like his mother would
do.  Hanging feet is submissive.  Look him straight in the eyes, and if he
moves, shake him and tell him no.  Praise him when he settles down.  Do this
for a minute.  You should look him right in the eyes.  He will break eye
contact with you first.  This is a sign that he is submiting to you.

Also, once a day, roll him over, and stroke him around his groin area.  He
should stay still, and be submissive. 

In summary, at 12 weeks, your Golden is trying to find his place in your
family, just like he did in the litter.  It is also the time that you must
"humanize" him.  You do it by doing submissive exercises with him, so that,
you will be the boss, and not him. 

Have fun,
Regards,
Joe Dzekevich
decvax!decwrl!rhea!gold!dzekevich