Dear Puppy Program Manager:

You might remember me, I don't know. My name is Ansel III. I weigh 52 lbs now. I have been trying to learn the "car" command and have run into a wall. If the humans use a 12" platform: no problem! I will jump right in when they say "car". I also have no problem getting into the side doors, but when those humans take away the platform, well, it is like they are asking me to jump the moon! What am I--a cow? (Think about that one--you'll get it). They've tried removing the kennel and putting down a big rug so I won't slide, and they've used tasty treats to entice me in. But, hey, I am just not going to attempt this dangerous and scary feat without a platform!

I mean, the bumper is 24" off the ground, which is the same height as the short fence I have up in the backyard. Yea, so I jumped that fence when my ball bounced over it one time, but I can't convince the humans that it just isn't the same thing! So what that SWMBO has to lift me into the car every time we go to K-State? I mean, really, is that too much to ask for someone as cute and cuddly as me?

So Dear PPM, please settle this dispute with the humans. Should I be jumping in and out of the blue bomb at this point in my young life?

Sincerely,

Scared-to-Jump-in-Council-Grove

P.S. I have attached a picture of the car.




Dear Scared-to-Jump-in-Council-Grove,

I am here to tell you that the car is not too high for you. We see puppies like you all the time that don't like to make the effort...or they don't think they can jump that high, even though they can.

I suggest that you instruct your humans to put your food into the car every night. You will build a positive association and WANT to jump into the car--won't you?

I also recommend that you practice a lot of jumps of varying heights on different surfaces. Don't be scared; just keep practicing!

Your-PPM-Who-Has-Your-Best-Interests-At-Heart