Dog-training expert and author Sarah Hodgson explains how to solve common behavior problems and introduce a new baby to your pet. Excessive Barking When your dog barks, don't yell at her (figure A). Yelling is barking to a dog and simply reinforces the negative behavior. You must train your dog to respond to sounds and other stimuli in a different way. Sit quietly on a sofa or chair with your dog on the floor, and slowly introduce noises such as a soft knock on the door. When she barks, say "sh" quietly, and gently calm her down. Give her quiet, calm examples from which to pattern her behavior.
Excessive Jumping Take a light leash, and tie a knot in it about 4" past the spot where her paw is if the leash is on the ground (figure B). Step on the leash at this spot whenever company comes or she gets excited and jumps. When she goes to jump, she'll be stopped -- not by you but by the leash. During this time, you must ignore her and look up to the sky (figure C). Encourage your guests to do the same, as this will prevent reinforcing negative behavior. When she stops jumping, say "sit," and when she does, pet and praise her.
Choking Dog Dilemma When your dog pulls away from you as you walk and chokes himself, use the turn-around method to teach him to stay by your side. Hold the leash and walk forward. When the dog begins to run away, turn around, and dart in the opposite direction (figure D). Say his name and "let's go" as you turn. You dog will begin to follow you happily.
New-Baby Dilemma Begin by teaching your dog the four-paw rule--that he must have all four paws on the ground at all times. You must station your dog, which means attaching him to an immovable object (figure E) and not letting him up on you or the furniture. Prepare him for long periods of isolation in your presence. For example, practice feeding or changing a doll while ignoring your dog. Get him used to being present but not the center of attention. Practice the command "excuse me" by making your dog move around you instead of your moving around him. Gently shuffle toward the dog until he learns to move out of the way for you.
Bring home blankets that the mother and new baby have used at the hospital, and let the dog sniff them. When the baby comes home, let the dog sniff the baby so he feels as though he's welcoming the baby home too. Create a place for your dog to station with a mat and some favorite toys so he feels he still has a place. Spend time before the baby is born giving your dog the cold shoulder so that when the baby arrives, the dog won't associate the behavior with the baby (figure F).
Take-Charge Tips Remember that you must be in charge of your dog -- not the other way around. Practice taking charge by leading her around with you while you perform normal activities, but do not make eye contact with her during this time. You're telling the dog that you're in charge of where the two of you go and do. If your dog leans against you, gently push her off and say "excuse me," again without eye contact. Remember to keep her calmly behind your heels. This places you in charge (figure G). Instruct your dog to "wait" when she gets excited, but remember: make no eye contact.
To teach her to be away from you and behave while you're gone, station her in a room, secured by a short leash, for brief periods of time: 30 seconds or a minute or two, and work your way up. When you return, ignore the dog if she is stressed or agitated. Increase the time you're absent until she's comfortable with your being away.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Choosing, Training and Raising a Dog
Author: Sarah Hodgson
Unfortunately, this book is currently out of print. Please check your local library or used bookstore for a copy.
Macmillan / Alpha Books
Website: www.macmillan.com
Sarah Hodgson
| ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: | | Solving Doggie Dilemmas |
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