If you like it when your dog jumps up to greet you, that's fine, but there's no reason that your dog should be so disrespectful of you that he knocks you over. Other dogs would never permit such rude behavior, and you shouldn't either.
Silly young puppies are taught by their elders that it's not polite to leap onto another's head and be oblivious of his personal space. There is no reason that dogs shouldn't learn to be respectful of your personal space, too. It's actually very easy to teach dogs to be polite when they greet you or when they want to come cuddle on the couch. You just have to stop acting like a human and learn to move like a dog. Rather than backing up when a friendly but rude dog lunges toward you, use the body blocks to protect your personal space around you. Lean forward with your chest and shoulders and meet him more than halfway. Avert your face, keep your hands tucked into your belly, and use your shoulders and torso to block the dog from entering the circle of space around you. Once he's stopped trying to climb into your lap, reinforce him with petting, praise, treats, or play when all four of his paws are on the ground. Usually have to repeat the body blocks a few times before all four paws will actually stay on the floor, but it's amazing how many dogs drop leaping up at you from their repertoire. The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnel
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All my dogs know "Enough," which means to stop whatever they're doing (like asking for petting or bugging me with the ball) and leave me in peace. It's easy to teach, and it's a wonderful way to let your dog know that as much as you love her, it's still your life. All you need to do is to say "Enough" in a low quiet voice and then pat her briskly on the head two times. If she doesn't go away (which most dogs won't the first several times you do this), stand up and walk your dog away from the couch a few feet, using your body-blocking skills to back her away. Cross your arms and turn your head away to the side as you sit back down. If she comes right back as you sit down, "pat pat" on her head again and body-block her away a second time. When she returns, be sure to do a "look away" so that you're no making eye contact. (I'm always amused at how often we humans tell our dogs to go away and yet continue to make eye contact with them. Meanwhile, the dog is desperately looking at your face, trying to find the cue to what the heck it is that you're trying to communicate. If you turn your head away from your dog, you're saying that your interaction is over, and many dogs will seemingly understand and go away.
The Other End of the Leash by Patricia B. McConnell |
Dogs are some of God's most vibrant and loving creatures. The chance to work along side these amazing animals everyday is a blessing!Archives
November 2016
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