So you want to train your dog or puppy? Fed up with your best friend jumping up on people all day long no doubt! Don't get me wrong, I am sure you, like me, enjoy the eagerness and the “I am sooo pleased to see you!” attitude which comes with that eager jumping. Ain't it nice to be wanted! The main reason why dogs jump up on people is because this is how they like to greet. It's that simple. Trouble is, they're so excited to see someone that
they literally jump for joy, with their muddy paws all over your nice clothes and frightening your aunt in the process! In this article I will share with you 7 great tips you can use to train your dog or puppy to be the obedient and lovable joy you deserve!
Here they are:
1. Here is one vital tip that most miss, or never consider. That is, to NOT introduce any verbal commands UNTIL the correct behavior you wish your dog or puppy to exhibit has been demonstrated. Only then should you use verbal commands. Otherwise you will be shouting “down!” "DOWN!" when your dog clearly isn't, and your dog will be relating that command to whatever he or she is doing at that time... which is jumping! Not what you want at all.
2. Dogs don't just jump up to greet you. They may also be trying to establish their dominance. If this is the case, then consider using more heavier methods of correction. You might need to physically hold your dog down, until it learns this is how to act. A well-aimed squirt of water can do the trick also!
3. If your dog is super keen to jump at anyone he or she meets, the least you should do is tone down your own enthusiasm when greeting. Also, never push your dog away as he or she will take it as "play time!" and push back right at you. It is instinctive, nothing personal!
4. Here's a great tip – always greet a calm dog at their level. Get down, squat or kneel, open your palms towards the dog, and he or she will love it! Like us, they like to be greeted at their own level. They will sense your calmness and respond accordingly.
5. Don't let your dog be the first to greet visitors to your door. Be the dominant one, not your dog. Get them to sit behind you, then open the door. Be sure, confident and assertive. Your dog will soon learn not to freak every time the door bells goes when seeing you take control.
6. Here's a short one - avoid training your dog immediately or soon after he or she has eaten.
7. Finally, do not permit everyone to give commands to your dog. Think "one man/woman dog", depending on you alone to feed and care for him or her.
There are course many, many more tips, tricks, dos and don'ts out there which you can and should read up on. I think the best tip I ever read though, which I will leave you with now is this:
ALWAYS ENJOY TRAINING YOUR PUPPY OR DOG! It should never be boring, tedious or a chore. Don't allow yourself to get angry. Always approach training your dog as a fun to do activity.