No Jumping!

Written by Collen Demling

Dogs jump to get attention and most of the time it works great! It’s hard to ignore a dog when they are knocking you over! However, we can teach them more appropriate ways to get attention!

Make sure everyone ignores the dog when they first get home. It’s hard to do but if every time someone walks through the door there is a mini party with the pooch then we can’t blame him or getting excited and jumping on them!
If your dog does jump, say no as you firmly walk into him (don’t raise your knew just take a few firm steps forward). This clearly tells your dog that you don’t like what he just did. Plus, if he is backing up to get out of your way, he can’t rebalance and jump again. The only feed back your dog should get from you is the No. If you start to lecture him or give him any eye contact, he may confuse your NO for a YES since he got your attention when he jumped.
When he stops jumping, lavishly praise him. This will teach him that jumping equals correction but all four paws on the ground means he gets all the love he was looking for in the first place.
Most importantly, as you work on this jumping, we are also going to teach him that sitting is the absolute best thing to do in the whole world. If he is constantly and consistently rewarded for sitting he will learn that sitting is the best way to get attention. Makes sure to reward him (even with a simple “good boy”) every time he sits. Even if he just wanders into the room and sits down, stop what you are doing and praise him. If he sits next to you when you are talking to someone, briefly stop the conversation and tell him good boy. All of this positive reinforcement for sitting will decrease his frequency of jumping because it will teach him how to be polite in order to get attention.

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Play Time

Saturday, 29 May 2010 06:41

Written by Colleen Demling

Early Play

Play is an important part of the puppy's life. Not only does it provide physical exercise for him but it can also be used as a training aid. When you play with your puppy you increase your bond with him and since you are the one setting the rules, it enhances your role as his leader.

Benefits of Playtime

Proper amounts of physical exercise is critical throughout the dog's entire life. It minimizes behavioral problems by reducing high levels of energy and at the same time alleviates boredom.

A structured exercise program can also calm an excitable puppy because it allows him to burn off his energy in a constructive way. As a result, the puppy will be more content and restful during other times of the day.

Obesity is a problem with domestic dogs and has been linked to a shortened life span. Along with a high quality diet, a good exercise program can help to keep the puppy in top physical shape as he grows.

Proper Play for Your Puppy

Try to have at least two 30-45 minute exercise sessions per day. Good forms of exercise include long walks, hikes and games. Do not jog with the puppy on pavement or for long distances before he is ten months old. The jarring can cause bone and joint problems. If the puppy shows any sign of limping or physical pain, stop the exercise until the problem is resolved.

Be sure that you and not your puppy decides when a game should start or end. For example, if he drops a ball in your lap, do not begin a game of fetch. Instead wait for a time that is convenient for you and then encourage the puppy to play.

Do not rough house with the puppy or engage in any type of play that encourages him to growl, nip, jump or be "mouthy." Also, do not play tug of war with the puppy until he is at least 12 months old. Although these behaviors can be cute when he is young, you are instilling bad habits that will be difficult to get rid of later.

Most people play “chase” with their puppy. It can be fun to chase your puppy around the house or yard but you are teaching him that he is quicker then you are and that you will always come to him. This will make it more difficult to teach him “come” when he gets older. Instead, have your puppy chase YOU! Move or run away from him, using a lure and lots of praise and encouragement to get him to follow you. As the puppy learns to enjoy this game and play by your rules, you are also laying the foundation for a well behaved dog in the future.

Do not worry about practicing commands during play time. Just have fun!

Colleen Demling

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 June 2010 08:33

Who is Colleen?

Colleen Demling

With over 7000 hours of HANDS ON dog training experience, Pawtopia's founder, Colleen Demling, has vast experience in a variety of methodologies. She trained Service Dogs for Canine Companions for Independence and is one of only a handful of trainers in San Diego that is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is also a member of a select group of training and behavior advisors for Muttropolis, Labs and Friends, FOCAS, Bichon Furkids, and numerous other pet businesses in San Diego. She has a professional association with the International Association of Canine Professionals and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Colleen Demling

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