Getting Things Under Control

The first part of yesterday had me seeing red. I was furious with my dog for not listening to me. Period. I know you need immense patience to deal with puppies but my patience was at its end. And then, I found a way to control my puppy and "assert my dominance" and keep his bad behaviour under control. 
 I put on his leash and harness in the house. Not only does he absolutely HATE it and calms down and doesn't bark or bite, but he is unable to jump up or bite the furniture because I pull the leash back--physically stopping him from doing so. After one pull, he realizes he is not in control and doesn't even bother to attempt to jump up on the couch. He sits like a good boy with his toy. It was miraculous! It also helps me potty train him. If I see him peeing on the floors, I can pull his leash and stop him and take him outside to remind him to do his business outdoors. 

Since he is a working dog and very energetic, when he is older, a muzzle will help him be less harmful in the house alone. He won't be able to chew all the furniture and walls and shoes to bits and pieces or bark like crazy. If anybody has heard a cattle dog bark, they will understand why this is cause for concern. Of course, he is still a puppy and I'm committing to training him 100% but if the muzzle helps erase some problems while we are not there, I do not see what is wrong with using it. It isn't like we are using it for punishment. If we go to the grocery store or somewhere dogs are not allowed, we know he can be trusted home alone outside of his crate as an adult dog without chewing everything to smithereens--thanks to the dog muzzle. And if he chooses to bark, he won't be able too and the neighbours won't complain. 

Right now, my job is to make sure he is going outside, he is healthy and he understands basic commands like his name, "come" and "sit". Last night, calm and relaxed, Benji was an enjoyment to his small family. There is hope.