Can you guess the top 3 training troubles dog parents deal with? Maybe your pup has a hard time with one or more of them. Dog parents contact us for help with jumping, coming when called, and leash manners more than most other behaviors. When it comes to training, we start with a management and prevention plan and then we lay out a training plan to help you and your dog with the concerning behavior and reach your training goals.
Management and Prevention
This is the first step in any training plan. When we can manage the dog’s environment or access to it, then we can prevent a dog from rehearsing the behaviors that we do not want. We can use specific tools to help us achieve our goals. A dual-clip harness can help a pup with leash manners, an extra-long leash can help with recall, and gates and enrichment toys can help your pup become a polite greeter when guests arrive. It can be trial and error to figure out the best management plan for you and your pup, but we can help!
Jumping
When it comes to having guests over, is your dog just so excited they jump all over them? It sounds like it is time for an arrival plan when guests come over. This means that you will have the same routine every time someone comes over. Eventually, your pup will head to their space when a guest arrives. Check out the example of a guest arrival plan that could work for your pup!
Guest arrival plan
Have your guests text or call when they arrive.
Do not let your dog greet your guest at the door, it is just too exciting!
Use a spare room, gate, or crate to create a safe space for your dog.
Give your pup an enrichment toy, like a Pupsicle or Kong, to keep them occupied in their space.
Once your pup is calm, then they can greet your guest.
Coming When Called
Do you want to give your pup freedom off leash but you can’t count on them coming back? Well, it is best to not give them that freedom until they earn it. When it comes to teaching your pup recall, starting inside your home can be the best place to start. Once you move outside, using a long line can be key to continue being successful with new distractions. Also, make sure you use extra high-value treats like steak, chicken, or hot dogs. Call your dog from a short distance and be sure to praise them every time they come to you. The more you practice the better your pup will get. Here are some more tips to keep your pup coming back to you when you call.
Tips
Always use an exciting and positive voice.
Having multiple people can be a fun way to practice your dog’s recall and make it more reliable.
Stay consistent and practice in different locations.
Call your dog for fun, even when you don’t need it.
Leash Manners
If your dog loves their walks but is just too excited on their leash, the 1-2-3 pattern game could be a huge help! Dogs thrive off of patterns, whether they are nervous or exuberant. This pattern game will help strengthen your bond with your dog and enjoy your walks together again.
1-2-3 Pattern Game
Slowly count to 3 and then give your pup a treat.
Count and step at the same time
take a step, “one”
take a step “two”
take a step “three,” then give your pup a treat.
Try this in your home, then outside in your yard, then in low-distraction areas on your walk.
Need more help training your dog? We offer a free mini course for any dog who gets distracted...which, let's face it, that's all dogs! You can sign up to get our lessons and training plans delivered right to your inbox. You'll get the step by step lessons, video tutorials AND the accountability of reminders along the way. Sign up and reserve your seat today by clicking here. We'll see you there!
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