How to Train a Muppet

[Shoney & Ruby]

Ruby. Is a muppet. Really, she looks exactly like one. She is a great puppy. At five months though we are refining some of her behaviors, for example, she never jumps on strangers, just sits down sweetly near or on their feet and looks at them sweetly. But at home, in her excitement to tell us something [yes, she talks, though so far her French and Spanish skills are lacking, English is fine]. 

The problem? She is so darn cute. Like I said, she looks exactly like a muppet. Trying to discipline a muppet? Often I have to turn my head away and remind myself not to smile, coo or any way let her know I think she is adorable.

Everyone on the trails where we walk daily is in love with her. When my friends asked our plans for her, just in case something ever happens to us [that is, we die]--they suggest with an eagernes that is slightly disturbing that they would be happy to take her. Anytime.

[Shoney & Ruby]

Hi Leslie,

We haven't cured her of jumping on us but are working on it. We try turning our backs, but she jumps on our backs. Lately I have been putting her out of the room or in her crate every time and that seems to help--she's a people-dog and can't bare [bear?] to be apart. She also is mouthy, that is she puts everything into her mouth like a little shop vac---this has gotten better as she's gotten older. Good luck. Your Ruby is adorable.

[Leslie Kurnick]

I have a muppet named Ruby too. How did you get her to stop jumping on people? She only does it to people that she knows, but it is still not ok. Plus shes super mouthy! Doesnt bite, but wants to put hands in her mouth. We tried the ow method for a while..scream ow when she does it, but its hard to make other people do it. Suggestions?

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Ruby is a doll!  I do not think you ever get past their cuteness! 

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

She is just the cutest Muffet/Doodle ever!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

She is adorable!  Good luck in enforcing rules for all that fluffy adorable muppetness.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

She does look like a muppet!   a very sweet and pretty one at that! 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Awww, she is an adorable muppet too!  Tara is 6 years old and I still have trouble getting past her cuteness to discipline her.  So, sorry, it doesn't get any easier! LOL

[Ginny Nightingale]

adorable!!! Love that fluffy puppy coat!!