Training Credentials
View Carrie Silva’s Achievements!
There are few things more annoying than going over to a friend’s house with the hopes of enjoying a night full of fun and relaxation, only to find when you arrive at the door you are met by their dog jumping all over you. Even worse they can’t get the dog to stop or they choose to overlook it.
This is common, even more so with puppies and smaller breed dogs. Often this behavior is dismissed as cute and harmless due to the dog’s size or cute factor, it should not be dismissed in any case. This type of dog jumping or any variation of it should be stopped immediately before it becomes harmful. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets knocked over and an injury occurs.
Does your dog?…
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are dealing with the very same issues countless other dog owners are dealing with and it’s time to stop dog jumping once and for all.
As will any training, you really want to ensure that you choose the proper training techniques and remain consistent when implementing them; if you are not consistent your dog will become confused.
For instance, if you allow him to jump on you at the front door, yet you correct for jumping on you when you are sitting at the dinner table the he will become confused as to whether jumping is allowed or not.
Choose a command such as “off” and stay consistent with that word. Be sure when choosing the words you are comfortable with using you don’t choose words that may later conflict with commands such as “down” which will be used in teaching your dog to lay down on command.
It’s pretty commonly known that dogs do not like the feeling of being off balance so using this discomfort may help you without being over rough. The next time you come in the front door and your dog jumps on you, immediately take a step or two forward. As you move forward tell him/her “off” in a calm yet firm voice. This action will likely both surprise him as well as throw him off balance resulting in him putting his feet to the floor. The moment this happens you can acknowledge him, but only if all fours are on the floor.
If your dog starts to jump again, again rush towards him. Only when your dog greets you calmly give him praise. Be careful not to get too excited when praising so that you don’t stimulate more jumping behaviors. Remember the dog is happy to see you, so it doesn’t make sense to start punishing the dog right when you walk in from being gone all day!
Also practicing walking in and out the door numerous times throughout the day, this is called desensitizing. The dog’s reaction will become less and less excitable if this is practiced. Your dog will soon understand that if he wants your interaction and praise then he will need to be respectful.
My father was an officer on the St Pete Police Dept for 25 yrs and 13 of those were spent in the elite K-9 Unit. This is when I first discovered a passion for dogs and the art of dog training. More
Mobile Version
Phone: 813-770-9834
Email:
info@thedoghousellc.com
Location:
Tampa Bay | St Petersburg FL
Webmaster:
webmaster@thedoghousellc.com