I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I am impressed with the great job you have done with Lila, my competely deaf and partially blind aussie.
I was a little apprehensive about leaving her for the ruff love program and spending a month away from us. I didn’t want her to think we had abandoned her. However, I see how much you have loved her and taken such great care of her that I feel completely at ease that I made the right decision sending her.
I wanted to tell you that you have done a fantastic job with Lila and I look forward to you guys doing a fantastic job with Gussie too! Both of my dogs have a special meaning to me.
Thank you for taking such great care of my two four-legged children.
-- Laura & Katie Hohl - Rancho Santa Margarita
GUEST FRIENDLY DOG
Do your guests leave with war wounds after a visit? Jumping and clawing can lead to strained relationships with your friends. Teach your dog how to be guest friendly.
Jumping is a behavior that is most often reinforced by the owners and that's why the dog continues to do it. Also, some dogs jump to greet humans the way they greet other dogs; by licking their face! Some dogs find it as a way to control humans and may growl or snap when pushed off. No matter the reason, jumping behaviors can be changed almost immediately without having to knee the dog, bonk him in the head, step on his toes, hollering, or any kind of physical punisher. Look at it this way: How would you rather your dog greet you and other people? Sitting is the best option. Finally, be consistent. Your dogs are like Las Vegas slot machines. They keep trying to jump because at some point they hit the jackpot and you give them attention. Don't deposit your coins into a behavior you don't like!
Remove all attention if the dog is jumping on you. Turn your back or walk back out of the house. Now reenter and watch closely. Be quick and reach down to pet your dog BEFORE they jump on you or click/treat before they jump. If they start to jump again, turn your back. Repeat several times for several days in a row. Setup a training session. Tie your dog on a 6 foot leash to a stationary object (stair banister). Walk towards your dog. If they start to jump, back away. If they sit, rush in and pet them or click/treat. Repeat several times and have other people approach as well. Use this method when the kids or your spouse comes home.
Teach your dog to go to his spot. Setup a training session. Get a mat/towel, leash, collar, training treats and a helper. A Wags & Wiggles class can teach you how to shape the dog going to a mat with clicker however you can lead him to the mat and reward with food. Throw the food on the mat to reinforce the spot. Try and slowly move away from mat, still throwing food on mat. Give stay command if your dog is already trained. Now, have helper stand in the open doorway. Reward dog for staying on mat. Be sure to do this on leash. Lead up to the helper opening the door, knocking on door, ringing doorbell.
If your dog is growling or nipping at your guests, please contact a Wags & Wiggles Behavior Consultant immediately.
Take a Wags & Wiggles class. We work on teaching the dog not to jump on strangers.
