Sensible dog training brings the whole family together!
How do I stop my dog from jumping up?
Dogs like to jump up because people pay attention to them when they do. In order to teach your dog to stop jumping up, you must be sure that nothing you are doing is rewarding the annoying behavior! So, ignore your dog, if possible, when he jumps. If that's not possible, have him on leash for greetings so you can prevent the jumping and teach proper behavior.
Next, teach your dog to SIT. Tell him to sit before he reaches you. Then, if he jumps on you, ignore him. Turn your back and fold your arms. When your dog stops jumping and looks at you, say "SIT". If the dog sits, hold his collar while you bend down to pet and pay attention to him. By holding his collar, you can keep your dog's feet on the floor while rewarding him. Further training can help your dog learn to sit while greeting visitors at home. Consider a House Call for more assistance. Email Catherine@SensibleK9.com
Why does my dog pull me on-leash?
Dogs pull on leash because they haven't considered there is another way to walk! A Sensible K9 solution is for you to refuse to walk when the leash gets tight. Plant your feet and say nothing. When your dog realizes that you aren't going anywhere, she will eventually look up at you as if to say, "Well?? Are we walking?" At that very moment, hold a tiny treat in your fingers by your leg.
Encourage her to come to you for the treat. When she has eaten it, say, "Let's go" and take a step. She'll bolt off, as usual. Just stop again. A tight leash is a brake line to your legs. Again, put a treat by your leg and encourage her to enjoy it. With practice, your dog will realize that the only way to get where she wants to go is to keep closer to you. This Sensible K9 behavior solution is a prelude toward formal heeling. Heeling can be very useful in distractable environments. Schedule a house call for more help by emailing Catherine@SensibleK9.com
My yard looks like the moon. How do I get my dog to stop digging?
Digging is a self-reinforcing behavior. It can be difficult to stop unless the dog's motivation is understood. Commonly, dogs dig because there is nothing better to do. One Sensible K9 behavior solution is simply to meet your dog's need for mental and physical stimulation. Add play-time, games, tricks, food-searches and obedience training to your dog's daily routines. For a thorough assessment of your dog's intrinsic motivations and the best way to direct his energy, email Catherine@SensibleK9.com
How do I use my dog as a Therapy Dog in a nursing home?
It's great fun to share the love your pet brings! Through our House Calls program, your dog's individual personality will be assessed with your goals in mind. A custom training program will then be designed to meet your needs. House calls provide personalized attention and support to reach your goals effectively. Also, please see the Delta Society Pet Partner website: www.deltasociety.org
Group Therapy Dog classes are in the works; Please email Catherine to find out more.
Catherine Steinke, CPDT-KA, Professional Canine Behavior Coach
Sensible dog training brings the whole family together!
