Our friends at Tails-a-Wagging in Bellingham are offering training tips to KAFE listeners with dogs in the family to encourage better doggy behavior.
Angi Lenz, owner and “the alpha” at Tails-a-Wagging offers this tip for people whose dogs jump up inappropriately:
“First, let’s understand why dogs jump up. Dogs like to greet us face to face and it’s not their fault we are 5-and-a-half feet tall. It’s an attention seeking behavior that often gets A LOT of attention, from you!
Think of it this way. Your dog jumps up on you and you respond with pushing them away, saying their name and telling them NO or OFF. In those few seconds you touched your dog, said their name, and talked to them. That is awfully rewarding FOR THEM. No wonder they do it. It sure gets the job done: ATTENTION.
Anytime someone tells me they don’t like something their dog is doing, I am always going to ask what you want the dog to do instead. this alternate behavior needs to be specific. We don’t want to just say, “I just don’t want him to jump up” because pooping on the floor fits that description, so specifics are necessary. Not sure? Let’s choose SIT for all greetings.
The plan goes like this: You come home and walk in the door, immediately ask your dog to sit, and reward the sit. If they do jump up, turn your back and take a step away. As soon as their 4 feet hit the floor, turn back and ask for the sit. Reward the sit.
What should you use as a reward? It depends on the dog. For some, it’s petting and praise. For some it’s treats. And for some, it’s a toy. I am motivated by chocolate and wine, so everyone is different. It just needs to be rewarding enough for the dog to choose the alternate behavior. We have already established that jumping up is fun and rewarding for the dog, so a substantial reward for learning a new behavior is essential.
-Angi Lenz, Tails-a-Wagging
Want to learn more? tails-a-wagging.com
Or email info@tails-a-wagging.com.
Check this space every week for more training tips from Angi. And if your dog could learn a thing or two, check out the training classes offered at Tails-a-Wagging.
Tails-a-Wagging: Their dogs love school!
