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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Moving Day

Thursday, 24 June 2010 18:51

moving day

Written by Collen Demling

Moving to a new place can be nerve-racking for your pooch because he is suddenly in a different environment with new smells, sounds, and people. However, a few simple tricks will help him settle into his new home quickly!

Moving day! Moving day can be stressful for people so imagine what it is like for your dog! To help make moving day easy for him, make sure that he is locked in a spare room with his favorite toys or out for the day with a trusted friend.

Unpack Fido's stuff first. We want to make sure that your dog understands that this is now home so unpack his toys, bed, food and dishes right away. Make sure that his things are in the same area as they were at your old home. For example, if the dog bed was in the master bedroom then put it in the master bedroom again.

Meet the neighbors! Your new home and the surrounding area are filled with different smells and people. Take Fido out for a walk and let him explore this new area. Give him extra time to sniff and investigate so he becomes familiar with his new neighborhood. Make sure that he is always on leash and that you clean up after him.

Update his information. Make sure that Fido is wearing a tag with your new phone number and address. Don't forget to update his micro chipped information too! Finally, if you have decided to take Fido to a new vet, make an appointment for a wellness check so you and your dog can meet the vet BEFORE there is an emergency.

Be Pro-Active. If Fido does not know his basic commands, then hire a trainer. You will be taking your dog on a lot of walks so make sure you can control him. Also, if he has any issues with barking, separation anxiety, or growling at other people or dogs be proactive and hire a trainer PRONTO. You want to make sure that Fido enjoys his new home and that your neighbors enjoy Fido.

Exercise! A tired dog is a happy dog. A dog with excess energy is more likely to bark, chew furniture and generally get into trouble. Make sure to give Fido at least 2 30-45 minute walks or runs per day.

Last Updated on Thursday, 24 June 2010 19:25

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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