Wouldn’t you like to enter your yard or house without worrying about your dog jumping all over you?
Training your dog to stop jumping can be done by almost anyone, given some time and by learning the techniques. The challenge is to ensure that the unwanted behavior doesn’t return.
You have a choice; teach a trick/train to solve a problem, or change the dog’s mind by employing permanent solutions that help to solve many common problems.
This first video demonstrates the power of ignoring your dog whenever you return from a separation. It is just one of a few simple rules, that when used consistently, creates a powerful shift in your dogs’ behavior.
My 7-year-old dog, Phoebe, has lived outside, on ranches for her whole life. It wasn’t until she was a few months from her 7th birthday that she was trained with the Calming Code. She would constantly jump up on people when they entered the yard. That has changed drastically. Sure, there are times when she still jumps at the gate, but she doesn’t stay up on the gate and she quickly “switches off” and stops all jumping.
In fact, most of the time, she runs to the gate, looks me over, and then does a lap around the property as if to show me she cleared the property of all danger. When she returns, she waits until I call her over to give her pats and cuddles. That might be anywhere from five to fifteen minutes later.
Dogs can be taught to switch on and off by simply following a few easy steps. In this video, Phoebe quickly switches from walking calmly to playing and back to a calm walk.
A Bullet-Proof Recall
I really don’t care whether it’s a response to triggering the amygdala or a cortisol response. It works. The sound of a whistle, especially the right one (see the Acme 210.5), will have your dog returning to you quickly. And without you having to yell.
The 13-second video shown above demonstrates the power of the whistle even in extreme conditions such as being at the beach, with other dogs running around. Sadie and Sophie had only two days of training and they already know to come flying back to me when I whistle!
Whistles Aren’t Always Needed
You can also get recall using your voice and patting your leg when your dog isn’t far or distracted.
In the video, above, Maya responds pretty well to my voice commands while playing ball at the park. She’s just a bit stubborn about bringing it all the way to me ( a bit controlling, this highly intelligent girl is!). Give her credit though, we’ve only been working together for a week.
Below is Maya again, a few days before. She ignores my voice command but charges back when I blow the whistle.
Sometimes They Are
If you want to know how to help your dog become the calm, obedient, loving pet you dreamed about, give me a call or fill out the form on the home page.
