You have a beautiful family! My suggestions here - (hint- look at my handle name carefully): Explain clearly to the children what are your explectations in terms of behavior regarding the puppy. Make a simple chart listing these behaviors. List the expectations in the positive (ex: say please DO be careful when you walk near the puppy and ask before touching). Reward the children when they DO as you expext. Set up reward jars for the kiddos containing small tangible reinforcers that you can hand out when you "catch someone doing a super job of following the puppy rules". Giving out rewards in a variable rate as opposed to every time is much more powerful. Your home should be BUILT around positive reinforcers very strongly for the next 6-12 months, for both the kiddos and the fur-baby. One positive reinforcement is worth the impact of 20 punishment type responses. Think rewards!!! It CAN be done if you and spouse sit down, make a clear, concrete plan, and stick to it!!! Eventually, as the children's behaviors become consistent, you can reduce the frequency if the rewards. Reward yourselves as well for remaining consistent and rewarding everyone else!!! The rewards will be sooooo worth it. You can do this!!!! |