Jumping Up - Training your
dog
by David the Dogman
Teach your dog to sit whenever you ask him to. Sit at the curb when you cross
the road. Sit in front of you. Then when he runs at you, or anyone else, if told
sit he will sit.
BUT it has to be practiced, and used constantly, not just now and then.
When he sits as you have asked reward him with a tidbit...a very tiny one.
Sit while his food is being prepared.
Lying down is another skill that is useful. Lie down, I am busy. Lie down, I
want to watch TV. Lie down, while we eat.
If you say DOWN when he jumps up, the word does not mean lie down on the ground
and keep still...it means stand on four legs and don't jump up. So you need to
use another word, like LIE, or FLAT, for him...
Also QUIET is often the noisiest word in the English language for dog owners
...and all it does is make him think you are helping him bark. So WHISPER
"quiet."
When he is excited and jumps at you, turn round and walk away. Pretend you cant
see him. Don't speak or shout at him as that is still acknowledging him and he
wants your attention. Only speak when he has settled down...it will take time at
first but he ought to learn that jumping up is useless as nothing nice happens
when he does it...or nasty for that matter. Nothing at all happens.
If he asks to be petted, DON'T. Keep your hands away. Don't sit and stroke him
absent mindedly as that gives him too much attention and makes him feel much
more important than you are. When he goes away from you, then you can call him
and YOU pet him, not because he has forced you to, but because you want to. I
have petting times...when I call my dog and make a fuss of her...not too much or
she will over excite.
If he asks to play, don't play. Ignore him. Then a few minutes later, IF it is
convenient, you call him and start to play.
Pack leaders eat first, and you are the pack leader...he isn't...so he has to
learn that...but just eating before him will show him you are boss.
Pack leaders go through doors first...so he must not rush through in front of
you.
His change of diet ought to help, but it wont happen overnight...it will take
about six weeks, as he will still have the elements of the old food in his
system. Many foods on the market have the same effect as those that excite
hyperactive children. I had help with this from someone who works with them in
the NHS. One Smartie can cause a problem if red is what triggers a child. The
same with the dogs. Can be coloring, preservatives or content.
(By the way, red dyes in carpets can cause skin problems.)
If you have been shouting at him, and most people do...dogs can be very
annoying...then stop, and WHISPER to him. Their hearing is fifty times more
acute than ours...they can hear a beetle walk across the floor.
Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.
About the Author:
Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send
your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David
is a Canine Behaviorist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345)
2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net.
David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and
magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his
career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all
forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained
dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behavior
and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check
chains, or any form of aggression.
David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home, for
further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388
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