PetDoctor.com.au

Nicole Beasley of Planet K9 gives basic tips for that excitable dog, learn how to stop him from jumping up, to sitting calmly on his mat. Think you’ll never be able to take him to a cafe? Read on to learn how to start your dogs training. For more information on Planet K9 classes you can go to Lost Dogs´ Home website and search for Planet K9.

How do I stop my dog jumping on me?

When your dog jumps at you totally withdraw your attention, cross your arms and turn away from him. Your dog may become frustrated for a moment and jump at you desperately trying to get your attention. Continue to ignore the dog until he stops jumping (even for a second) then ask him to sit. When he sits praise him giving him your full attention. If he jumps up again, repeat the process. If you are consistent your dog will learn that the surest way to get your attention is to sit when he greets you.

How do I stop my dog from jumping on my visitors?

Invite your friends to your house for dinner. Beforehand explain to each guest that when they arrive at your front door they must totally ignore your dog until he stops jumping. As soon as he stops jumping they can acknowledge him with a pat. Over the course of the evening have each friend leave and return to the house several times. This will give your dog many opportunities to be rewarded for greeting people politely.

How do I stop dog from jumping up on people we meet while out walking?

If when you are out walking someone asks to pat your dog, politely explain that he is learning to have ‘nice manners’. Ask the stranger to please wait until your dog is sitting calmly before approaching. If you have difficulty gaining your dog’s attention in public contact Planet K9 at the Lost Dogs’ Home for assistance.

How do I get my dog to be calm in the house?

I am so pleased that you want to teach your dog to calm down. If your dog is able to be relaxed when you ask him then he is more likely to be allowed inside the house, taken on outings and welcomed as a guest by your friends. The best place to start is to teach him to lie calmly on a mat. Begin by showing your dog a mat and encouraging him to move towards it using a treat or toy. When he touches the mat praise and reward him immediately. Repeat this step several times, gradually increasing the distance at which you send your dog to the mat. Over several training sessions gradually increase the time that he stays on the mat. If you are sitting on the couch watching television a training session can be undertaken during an ad break!

My dog is out of control. Will my dog settle down as he gets older?

I bet you have been told that your dog will calm down as he/she gets older. This is a common myth and the reason why so many dogs are surrended to animal shelters at around 2 years of age. People wait around for the dog to calm down and often this just doesn’t happen. A good place to start is with a basic pet dog manners course such as the one offered by Planet K9 at the Lost Dogs’ Home. This course teaches dogs basic life skills including: come when called, attention focus on owner, how to greet other dogs calmly, walk on a loose leash and go to a mat. It is important to use only positive reward based training methods when training any animal.

How Do I teach my dog to sit quietly while I have a coffee with friends?

Don’t fall into the trap of only paying attention to your dog when he moves from his mat. It is too easy to become involved in a conversation with a friend and forget about the dog until he gets up and moves. Initially you will need to remain connected with your dog. This means that even when you are engaged in conversation you should randomly reward him for being on his mat. If he does move calmly direct him back to the mat, wait a few seconds and them reward him for good behaviour.

What should I do when dog does the wrong thing?

If you need to reprimand your dog make sure you give an instructive reprimand. It is no use just shouting NO! - you must show your dog a suitable “good’ alternative to his misbehaviour. It is very important that a reprimand lasts no longer than 2 seconds. Any longer is unnecessary abuse. If your dog is engaging in ‘bad’ behaviour, think of an alternate ‘good’ behaviour and teach him how to act this way. Here are some examples:

Jumping Up Teach your dog to sit when he greets you
peeing in the house House train your dog (would you like to know more?)
Excited in the house Teach your dog to lie calmly on a mat
running off Teach your dog to come when called.