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You probably grew up like I did, with your mother trying to instill in you a sense of propriety and humility. As kids, we are fearless about shouting out our accomplishments and trying to out-do one another. As we get older, though, we pick up on clues that other people don't like it when we brag about ourselves and we learn to keep our successes hidden. What we don't learn, though, is the right way to get credit for what we do professionally.

What are some of the things you heard growing up?

"You'll break your arm, patting yourself on the back."

"You have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you talk."

Or, my mother's favorite, "Self-praise stinks."

There's a wide gulf between practicing humility and promoting ourselves at work. What works to our advantage in a social setting (or with our family) doesn't always translate to the workplace. So, how do we make sure our accomplishments get noticed?

1. Own your success. Men learn this early on watch any pro football player who's just waltzed over the goal line. He celebrates immediately and publicly, making sure that everyone knows that he's the MAN! If men in business could carry footballs, they'd be spiking them in the boardroom. Women are taught to be humble and will frequently attribute their success to "luck" or to the efforts of other people. Sure, your team worked hard to come up with the new marketing strategy, but aren't you the head of that team? By all means, make sure they get credit, but don't short-change YOU every team needs a leader and, if you're it, stand up and take the leader's share of the applause.

2. Develop a good story. Salespeople all learn something called the "elevator speech" a 30-second tidbit given in response to the question, "What do you do?" Even though you may not think you're in sales, you need to start seeing your work as a commodity and you as the salesperson who's touting the benefits. Don't just say, "Oh, I'm in marketing"; say, "You know that ad with the elephant playing tag with the rabbit? I'm head of the advertising team that developed it. And let me tell you elephants are no pleasure to work with!" A good story makes you sound interesting and approachable, and gives the other person a place to take the conversation to.

3. Pass the word. If you get an "attaboy" from a client, send a copy to your boss. (Better yet ask the client to write a note to your boss). If your boss sends you a "great job" note, send a copy to the district manager. If the district manager thanks you, send a copy to your boss and to the regional managerand so forth. You get the picture.

4. Network, network, network. Savvy professionals know that no matter where they are or who they're talking with, they're networking. You never know when your airplane seatmate, cab driver or son's soccer coach will be your next big business contact. When you show up fully everywhere and express yourself with authenticity, passion and conviction, it generates attention. When your cab driver's nephew is looking for the perfect widget-maker for a huge order, wouldn't it be great if you just happened to be in his uncle's cab, tooting your own horn?

Remember: good work isn't necessarily its own reward. It doesn't matter how great you are, if no one knows you're alive. So get out there and start choreographing your end-zone celebration!

Joan Schramm, the Workplace Solutions Expert, is a career, executive and personal coach with twenty years experience in management, training and coaching. Joan can work with you to figure out exactly what you want from your life and your career, and how to get there without a lot of detours. For more information, or to talk about whats going on in your life, go to: http://www.achieve-momentum.com

Chewing is an annoying but natural part of a puppys development. It is very similar to teething in babies and the chewing stages are necessary to help with teething issues. Expecting a puppy to not chew is not reasonable, but they can be taught to chew the right thing, rather than your shoes and furniture. Adult dogs that chew often are bored or are suffering from a separation anxiety disorder. Usually the adult dogs that chew can be taught to curb their behavior or chew appropriately relatively easily. Some will require professional assistance from a trainer or dog behavior specialist.

Stages of growth

Puppies chew when they are teething. This usually occurs sometime before the six-month stage, depending on the specific breed of dog. Some of the larger breeds may continue chewing past the six-month stage and some breeds are just known for chewing behaviors. Regardless of the breed up to six months will be problematic for most puppies. There are several steps that owners can take to minimize the damage that may occur with chewing behaviors:

Puppy proof your home. This means removing all hanging wires, electrical cords, curtain pulls and other dangling objects. Hanging plants that touch the ground can also be temping to chew on and can also be poisonous.

Keep chewable items in drawers or out of the puppies reach. For example, toys, shoes, remote controls, books, backpacks and briefcases, telephones and even laptop computers need to put away or kept on tables or desks well out of the puppies reach.

Provide a wide variety of chew toys while you are gone. This means different shapes and sizes. Thick pieces of cotton rope with knots in the ends are great for chewing on. Heavy rubber balls or Nylabone chew toys are safe and virtually indestructible.

Freezing dog teething rings and leaving them in the crate or doggy area of the house provide relieve to the gums and entertainment as well.

If you notice the puppy chewing something that is not correct dont punish them. Simply say No and substitute what you want them to chew on. Praise them when they are chewing on the right things. Make sure you say something like Good boy/girl for chewing on your ball (rope, toy, stick). This helps the puppy learn the word for what he is chewing on. Later you will be able to say, Get the ball/stick/rope and the puppy will know what you mean.

Toys to avoid

Some toys, even those sold in pet stores, should never be used with a puppy. Toys that are flimsy or have many parts that can be chewed off pose choking hazards. Toys that have long strings or ropes that could become wrapped around the puppys neck are potentially deadly toys.

Stuffed animals are appropriate for some older puppies and dogs but for younger puppies that are chewing constantly the stuffed toy will quickly be shredded. This leaves parts of cloth and the stuffing material that can be swallowed leading to gastrointestinal blockages and possible choking issues.

Natural bones, even raw bones, are not generally advised for puppies. They are usually too hard for the puppy teeth and lead to splintering and breakage of the existing teeth. In addition the puppies will be more likely to try to swallow any splinters and this can result in the bone splinters becoming lodged in the gums or the throat. If you do wish to allow your puppy to chew on bones be sure they are raw beef bones that are from a joint. Never allow your dog to eat pork bones and also never allow raw or cooked poultry bones of any kind. Supervise the puppy while he is chewing the bone and remove it at any sign of splintering or when the bone becomes small enough that the puppy might try to swallow it.

The chewing phase in puppies, like the teething phase in children, will pass. By taking a few precautions with your household items, supplying lots of alternative chewing toys and teaching your puppy what to chew on the stage will pass without any problems now or in the future.

Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com - where you can find dog beds, dog steps, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you'll never find at your local pet store.