Brrrrrr! It sure is cold here in the Pacific Northwest, home of the Original Teddy Bear dog, the amazing, cuddly, and loving Habibi Bear puppy! As the winter chill settles in, lots of us are spending more time online and maybe have seen a fairly recent trend on social media channels of “Air Jail” for “misbehaving” pups (we’re looking at you, TikTok). We at the Habibi Bear Central Hub, in our continuing quest for expanding dog education, would love to weigh in on this trend and put in our two-cents worth of knowledge.
First off-what in the world is “air jail” ?
Air Jail is a term that has popped up recently describing the act of lifting up a puppy or dog in the air and keeping them suspended for a certain amount of time, as a deterrent or punishment for unwanted behavior. In various images, Whale-eyed (see Santa’s Stocking: Doggie Decoder blog) dogs of all breeds and sizes are being shown hoisted, either by hand or with a grooming harness, into the air, with captions added to image for humor or emphasis describing the nature of the crime and how long their punishment was.
As harmless as it may seem, “air jail” could actually undo some of your long, hard progress in your efforts to build a strong loving bond with your Habibi Bear puppy. The main result of “air jail” is overall confusion for your puppy. We all know dogs don’t speak our language, and the chances of misunderstanding in this particular case is very high. Your puppy would not exactly equate “air jail” as a punishment or deterrent, only something unusual that their parent is doing to them that is unpleasant, unexpected, and surprising.
Immobilizing a dog for any reason causes some level of physical and mental stress, and it should be avoided unless it is a safety or health issue. As puppy parents, we want to be a source of comfort and reliability for our Habibi Bear guy or gal, someone they look to in times of trouble or uncertainty. We want to be consistent in our reactions and calmly redirect unwanted behavior, not punish our puppies with things that scare them.
Try this instead
If we find our puppies doing something, like chewing inappropriately, remove the object, give your puppy a better alternative (frozen Kong), and maintain better supervision. If the time is not right and you are busy, this is the time to use your puppy’s doggy Condo, their very own crate, so that their ability to chew indiscriminately is monitored. If puppy is extra bite-y (see Baby Shark blog), neutral withdrawal and a puppy time-out in the crate to allow them to decompress and regain their self-control works much better as a method of discouragement and distraction. It is better to redirect than to punish a puppy, and your Habibi Bear puppy will love you for it.
A New Puppy Raising Course
Are you interested in learning essential tips for raising your puppy? Our puppy raising course, “Human’s Guide to the Dog Galaxy,” is designed specifically for new puppy parents like you. This course includes helpful flow charts and guidance to help you establish a strong bond with your puppy through our three bonding rituals, as well as manage your puppy, provide enrichment and socialization activities, and follow a Schedule for Success. Our approach to puppy raising is inspired by the Montessori method, and our main focus is to empower you to feel confident in your new role by understanding your dog’s behavior and having the necessary tools to manage it without feeling overwhelmed. Join the movement and become a confident puppy parent!
How do you deal with a burst of puppy naughtiness? What has worked for you and your family? Leave a comment below to share with the other members of the Habibi Bear tribe. We are always here for you, cheering you on!
Exciting Updates from Habibi Bears!
Waiting list is now open for 2024
In other news, our waiting list has reopened as we gear up for our breeding schedule in the coming year. The upcoming puppies are bound to be extraordinary additions to your family story, and we’re looking forward to being a part of that journey. As we approach selection day for the New Beginnings Litter, we have openings on the current waiting list for this time slot. If you’ve been dreaming of welcoming a Habibi home to join your family, now is the perfect opportunity. This litter is truly remarkable, boasting captivating colors and markings. They are thriving during the weaning process and learning to enjoy solid food. It’s almost time to begin the selection process with these adorable little ones.
For more details about our selection process, feel free to reach out to us and schedule an introductory call using the button below and kickstart the journey to becoming a part of our wonderful Habibi Bear Tribe.
Wishing you all a joyous New Year! The Habibi Bears Team
Not Sure Where to Start?
We know it can be overwhelming getting a new puppy, you want to find the right breeder, get the right pup, and get started the right way! You’re in the right place! If you’re not sure where to start, schedule a call and we’ll help you out!