Some dogs or maybe that’s most dogs, will attempt to greet a human by jumping. If only our arms were connected to our knees, they wouldn’t have to jump to get a pet. It goes without saying we also contribute to this sometimes negative behavior by unintentionally rewarding the dog’s jumping by touching them in some way. Even if it’s just to push them off. Any affection in this case equals, “good dog!”
Some dogs will approach and attempt to jump until their hips no longer allow it! For (exuberant) dogs like this, don’t wait for their paws to be on you. As they approach, tell them, “no jumping.” When my hands are free, I move my forearm in a back and forth motion in front of me as I say, “no jumping.” When all four paws are on the floor (and only then) do I give affection or treat. I have had great success with ignoring the dog upon entering the home. COMPLETELY! No words, eye contact, or stopping as you enter. Walk in as if there isn’t a dog and move to an area away from the door without acknowledging the dog until they have calmed down.
I use the word, “off” in the event I’m not quick enough to step back or turn prior to the dog’s paws touching me. Off is also used for counter surfing, or being on anything they shouldn’t be even if it’s just for a time; as in, “off” the furniture.
The beauty of having a trainer work with you is they can also do a leash correction and work with the dog as it approaches you and others. They learn how to greet in a way that will get them the attention and affection they desire without leaving their imprint on someone’s blouse!
I also want to add that if the only exercise or energy focus your dog gets is when you walk in the door, jumping should be expected. Even having a favorite toy for them to run and fetch when you walk in can help use their excitement more appropriately.
I hope these tips help. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding your jumping dog.
I have clients ask if it is confusing to their dog to be told to wait some times and other times the command is to stay. There is a difference in the two and any dog can and will learn the difference. The stay command (request) is associated with a position; i.e., sit, down, or even standing. It means they do not move from that position until you return to them and give them a clear release, such as a word like okay.
Wait is very similar to what it is for us two-leggers; i.e., give me a second. It’s not attached or associated to the dog’s position. They are free to move around in the area where they are told to wait. It’s also used for entering and exiting doors or at a curb prior to crossing the street.
The most important thing to remember is that when you are teaching these requests, you need to be consistent. Don’t release your dog from a stay at a distance. In time, that may be something you choose to do; however, initially, other than the dog’s position, your returning to them for their release will differentiate the two commands (or requests as I like to call them).
Let’s say you’ve asked your dog to wait at the door as you open it. The first few times, don’t push it too long. The purpose of having them wait is so you can open the door without them rushing out AND to allow you to go first. I have corrected a dog for starting to walk through the door as they have always done and the expression on their furrowed brow as they look at me is clearly an indicator they have no clue why they just got corrected for something that was normal the last time they went through that door!
So, when you are teaching it, remember that for both “stay” and “wait” they are learning! It is so very clear to us big brains what we are expecting. It’s not so clear to our dogs. For either request, only make them stay or wait for a second. Reward! They will quickly learn what is expected and will wait or stay until given the request for them to move.
If you are having challenges in teaching either command (request), I am happy to provide assistance!
In case you think that Mac-Nanny was being a little rough with Pepper, there was a purpose to their “play” and it was supervised. Pepper was being too rough with her older brother who wouldn’t defend himself. I knew Mac-Nanny could demonstrate a few moves that would make Pepper a little less certain of herself! (I miss you Mac. Thanks for always being such a great puppy nanny)
Here’s an interesting article about Gina, a military bomb-sniffing dog, and her experience with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Having witnessed this in many dogs, I know how long of a process it can be to help the dog be comfortable being a dog again. So, while the article is informative, I am greatly disappointed to read the dog is being rehabilitated so it can go back into service. I don’t know about you, but knowing that would be enough for me to be sure I didn’t heal completely. I wish Gina could make that choice.
Maybe your dogs are like mine and know the furniture is off limits. Well, unless they are invited. I can step out the door to water the plants or do laundry and return within minutes to this scene:
I, of course, look at them authoritatively as I sincerely ask them to, GET OFF THE COUCH! But, first, let me get the camera. They are so cute when they disobey!
Usually, when you think of a dog enjoying a breeze on its face, you think of them riding in the car with their head out the window. Some dogs really love it. I can only imagine the 1000’s (that’s a modest number) of scents they are aware of as they stick their muzzle out as far as they can.
In California (and other states) there is a $500 fine if someone reports you for having left your dog in a car. I understand the law was made for those who are inconsiderate or perhaps naive to think that when it is 100 degrees outside, there may be temperatures double that in a closed car – and in a very short period of time. I’m not writing to talk about this; however, maybe it’s a good reminder or information for those who don’t know this law exists or if someone needs a law to prevent them from accidentally endangering their dog. Whether or not this law is necessary year-round is a topic for debate.
This time of year in the desert, there aren’t many places to take your dog where you can have the window down as they ride along feeling the wind in their faces. As I sat in my living room, I witnessed how my dogs also love this experience but they don’t have to leave the comfort of the ottoman to have it! The fan was oscillating and little did I know (until now) how much they enjoy it.
It is often said by dog lovers and advocates that our dogs just want to please us. All they want is for us to be happy and happy with them. There is a lot more to it than this.
I consider myself to be a practical trainer/behaviorist. I do what I do because of my love for animals with my focus being on the understanding and ever-growing knowledge of canine behavior. Personally, my dogs live a grand life. They have nice beds, they respond to commands, they are all now to a stage of wanting to please me. Why? Because they know me, and I know them. It can take years to create this type of relationship. It is worth it.
Pleasing humans is not inherent in a dog’s psyche. Being a member of a pack is. They don’t walk down the street and see a human and think, “oh, there’s a human being, I want them to be pleased with me.” In fact, the opposite may be true! They may have learned that humans are good and will give them food and affection, or they may have a negative association.
Much as it is with humans, respect of a dog is earned. I like to think the feelings are mutual – they respect me, and I respect them. Gaining a dog’s respect only happens when they know you and what to expect from you (this goes both ways).
Now, back to the question…do dogs really want to please us? Yes. Why? They want food, AND they do enjoy our attention and affection and all of the other experiences we share with them.
You may have a dog that has no interest in pleasing you. Some dogs act as though they just don’t care what we think and there is not an ounce of the need-to-please in their body. You can’t train that into them. You can accept their nature and look for ways to connect with them using their natural drive and instinct.
So, whether your dog appears to only want to please you or it never does; it is important to understand what makes them who they are and to be patient with the process.
I have clients, particularly those who have a dog with an unknown past, ask if I think their dog has been abused. One of the definitions given for abuse is misuse. I think it applies adequately to the amazing dogs who share our lives.
Misuse doesn’t feel as strong as abuse. If a dog is left alone in a yard without being socialized adequately, I consider that misuse. A dog in this situation may later appear as though someone had hit it because it becomes afraid of everything that wasn’t a part of its life as it matured. It can tuck its tail and cower when it hears an unfamiliar sound as if it had been hit.
A dog may cower and release their bladder when someone reaches for them as if they had been hit in the past, when really it was misused in the sense that it didn’t learn positive touch as a pup. Some of this behavior can be hard-wired, but a lot of it comes from how they are socialized and the appropriate attention given as they mature.
A high energy dog could be considered misused if it isn’t given a job. That job can come in the form of specific training, appropriate exercise, and/or something like agility training which provides focus, exercise, and structure.
Describing our dogs as having been abused should not be something we coddle or shy away from; rather we should find positive ways to encourage these beings to participate and be in life with a family. Most dogs who have been truly abused have forgotten or lost the ability to be dogs. There’s nothing like another confident dog to show them the way. I often bring a dog of mine to work with timid dogs. He does in minutes what could take me hours.
For as much as we love our dogs, we are humans! We need to spend less time attempting to see their humanness and more time seeing who they are as dogs. They will be much happier and so will we. Every dog is different just as every human is different.
If you think your dog has been misused or you may be contributing to a life of misuse, please contact me. I am glad to provide guidance. The more dogs who are happy dogs with happy humans, the fewer that end up in shelters.
If you are interested in what to do to work with your dog to focus on you while it exercises, learns, gains confidence, and has fun….try an agility class. This video is of my recent graduates from the beginner classes.
