Yes, you guessed it, night one with a new puppy and not much sleep happened. So now, having read the advice of experts, we are in the process of trying to train her to get used to her own company at least for some of the time and to sleep in her own basket at night without howling for company. The experience reminded me of when my son was a baby. He was happy to be anywhere, as long as I was in sight but as soon as I tried a playpen or a baby gate between us he protested loud and long. In the end, I decided we were both happier without any barriers between us. Our daughter on the other hand would happily play in a playpen, as long she could see me.
But now it’s been twelve years since we’ve had a puppy and I can’t even remember what worked back then with our other pups. So, even though it is hard, rather like parenting, sometimes we have to say ‘no’ and let our puppy know what is unacceptable behavior. We are training her that yes, she will get plenty of love and care but no, she will not always get her demands met. And believe me a ten week old pup can be demanding. Night three she went to sleep in her basket with much less hassle and less complaining. So we all got more sleep and she is learning.
I suspect it’s much the same the way God has to train us. Doing the right thing does to come naturally to us as even the great apostle Paul found out, see Romans 7:15-23.Discipline is an important part of growing up .The reason why we are disciplined by God is given in 1 Corinthians 11:32.
God especially uses His Word for the purpose of training us in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16. Good behavior doesn’t come naturally either for a puppy, a child, or for us. We need to be disciplined and trained as to what is acceptable behavior for God’s people. And sometimes that is not easy. Keep an eye out for my next blog and you will see how often I still get it wrong.
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