Pepper Is In For A Rude Awakening

My sweet little puppy Pepper is about to have his world rocked. He is growing fast, and acting like an adolescent. No more morning cuddles on the short couch. At best, he'll run in and throw himself against my legs, put his front paws on my lap, take a half-hearted nip at my hands and wrists as I pet him, then scamper back to the laundry room for his FOOD. 

That's okay. Pepper is growing up. But his rambunctiousness needs to be toned down. I am worried about him jumping up on me as I try to walk across the porch. He's pretty good about not launching himself at me. He'll jump up and put his paws on my leg. Then get behind me and follow. A true heeler. At least he is not yet poking me with his nose, trying to steer me.

Pepper had a few days of darting into the garage through the people door as I tried to leave for town. That got him a scolding. And then dragged by collar right back out that door, along with, "Pepper! NO!" Then praise as he sat on the other side, whimpering. Pepper is a pretty quick learner. He only went into the garage like that ONCE in the past several days.

I know it's hard for Pepper to understand why going into the garage is forbidden when I leave, but allowed through the garage door when I come home. Jack sometimes runs in then. No harm done. Sometimes we talk. Sometimes he gets a pat. But we can all exit through the people door.

Anyhoo... Pepper has started being MEAN to Jack. His nips are growing more serious. Jack endures it until he can't, and then returns a nip with a growl. Whereas before, just the growl would suffice.

My plan for Pepper's improper behavior employs an aid. An empty bottle of dishwashing detergent. Which isn't empty anymore. It has been rinsed of all soapy residue, and is now full of lukewarm water on the kitchen counter. 

As I leave for town, I plan to take the bottle with me. When Pepper jumps on me, he will get, "PEPPER! NO!" And a squirt in the face. The temperature is in the 60s to 80s these days. Pepper won't get a chill from being wet. He won't be blinded by suds. He will be startled. Hopefully, this will be unpleasant for Pepper. And help him learn to control his actions. He will aslo get a squirt for biting Jack. I hope Jack isn't hit with too much collateral "corrections."

If I can only get Farmer H to follow this plan, Pepper should catch on quickly what is not allowed. Unfortunately, Farmer H likes to give the dogs a lecture, rather than a clear, concise, NO!