Puppy parenthood

Parenthood is not for sissies! This applies to parenting puppies as well as people.

Part of a parent's job is to help their child learn how to get along with others. That is also true when one is parenting a puppy. The rules are pretty much the same. Puppies may not wear diapers, but they still have to learn a few bathroom rules-- like "we" (meaning dogs) don't go potty in the house. They also have to learn not to bite or nip at others, which is kind of hard because they explore the world by using their mouth. When they get excited, they can't go ballistic, but have to learn how to control themselves. We don't jump on or push others.

As the parent, it's my job to help Sammie learn these things. Even puppies have their equivalent of "time out." The guidebooks instruct that when she nips at me, I'm supposed to say "Ouch" in a very loud voice and to walk away from her and leave her alone for a few minutes until she can calm down.

Superheroes are not renegades. They know how to get along with other people. Think about it... have you ever seen Superman or Spiderman or any of the other great superheroes be rudc to others? No. Even when disguise as their alteregos, Clark Kent or Peter Parker, etc., they do their very best to behave appropriately. Someone had to show them how to behave and how to interact with others-- they had parents and other people who served as mentors to them to show them the way.

Even adults have mentors. When they are new to a situation or environment, these are the people who teach them the "unwritten" rules they need to know to succeed. Superheroes understand the value of a good mentor. They look carefully at the people around them and find the person with the best attitude, the one who gets along best with everyone, and the ones who are the most productive and successful at what they do. Two of the most important words in the English language are "Teach me." And superheroes aren't afraid to ask.