Welcome to the first issue of the “Pet Puzzle” column! I'm Joe. I'm your neighborhood friendly dog and cat trainer and behavior expert. Every month, we'll answer your pet-related questions. Let's take a closer look at the first inquiry.
“How do you keep your dog from jumping on you or your guests? Mine is obsessed with it. There are two of them, and they're not aggressive, but they won't be able to get through the door.” ”
This is a common complaint. Jumping is normal dog behavior, but it can be annoying and sometimes dangerous. There are many ways to help your dog greet you politely, but here are his two simple suggestions.
Quick fix. I'll leave the candy next to the entrance. Before your dog jumps on you or your guests, throw a treat through the door to get your dog's attention. This will keep your dog away from the front door and keep him busy while you and your guests arrive. Searching for treats will calm your dog down a bit and make him less excited.
Some tips:
- Throw a treat before your dog jumps to avoid reward behavior.
- If you always throw treats in the same spot, you'll find that your dog will start moving there every time someone comes in. Your dog will learn that this is a good place to be when the door opens.
training. This will take some time and practice. Set up a practice session. Practice by yourself first, then with other members of your family or friends. Install a baby gate or another fence to prevent your dog from jumping on you when you enter the door. Wait for the initial excitement to subside. Be neutral and calm, there's no need to say anything. Once your dog has all four paws on the ground, give him some affection. Having the opportunity to say hello to you is a reward. If your dog starts jumping again, stay behind the gate so you can take a step back. Consider your dog's age and excitement level to determine what “calm” means to you. Sitting may be difficult for a very excited puppy. Allowing them to pace, twirl, and run to get their favorite toy will help them achieve training success faster.
You can also combine both methods. Use simple modifications outside of practice sessions to reinforce calm behavior upon arrival.
Do you have a dog that jumps out of happiness? Please try these suggestions and let me know how it goes. Do you have a question to answer next month? Send it to info@highfiveanimaltraining.com with “Pet Puzzle” in the subject line.
Be kind to yourself, animals, and each other.
Joanna Wachowiak Finlayson is the owner of High Five Animal Training, a certified dog and cat trainer and behavior consultant based in the Heights. Please email your pet behavior questions to her info@highfiveanimaltraining.com.
