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In life with your dog, you must ensure Buddy is in good health. If you haven't had Buddy to the veterinarian for his annual check-up, you really must tend to that. We were working on "Manners 101" last time. How did the jumping on people modification work? Did any of you try it? My Buddy Boxerdawg is doing well with it and is quite confident now to sit instead of jumping up, but the front feet continue to fly, so it's a work in progress! Terry Ryan's ideas aren't new, but she uses positive twists to training problems which were often confrontational in the past. She gets the job done, but in a friendly, and for the most part, non-confrontational manner. I agree with of lot of what she says, and I'll be using her techniques liberally in some of these problem solving columns. If you are interested in reading an entire book, one of the best I've found is The Toolbox for Remodeling Your Problem Dog by Terry Ryan. There are lots of other books and I own most of them, but this is far and away the easiest read. The Furniture Lounger A common problem is the dog who insists on getting on the furniture. Some folks allow it. Some invite it. Some compromise and put a cover on a certain chair and let it become "Buddy's chair". But let's suppose you're a person who believes dogs should not be allowed on furniture. Here's how to go about keeping Buddy off the furniture. Say “get off” instead of “down.” It's important to bear this in mind. You will be sending mixed messages and making matters very grey for Buddy if, during obedience training, you command "down" and expect him to lie down and then at some later time, you holler "down" when Buddy jumps on the chesterfield. Imagine the confusion, when he finds himself unceremoniously plopped off the chesterfield and onto the floor as you continue to repeat the word "down" and scold him. From his point of view he was, in all likelihood, just about to lie down in response to your command to "down". MAN! I sure would have difficulty figuring out what is wanted by someone who treated ME that way! Would you? Buddy will be performing some serious mental gymnastics trying to decipher what it is you want. Training a dog to stay off the furniture doesn't need to be negative. Let's suppose Buddy keeps getting on the big recliner chair. First step: teach him to "get off". Once Buddy is comfortably settled on the chair, lure him with a toy, offer to go for a walk or dinner and use the command "get off". Remember, don't shout or use the command in a heavy, deep voice, but rather "get off" is said in a conversational tone of voice. If Buddy won't budge for the treats, attach a light line to his collar and assist with a little nudge on the line as you say "get off". Reinforce with a treat. When Buddy is getting off consistently in response to the command, begin to hide the lure and then offer the treat after Buddy is off. You're next step is to vary the length of time between the command "get off", Buddy's response to getting off and getting the reinforcement treat. Finally, a little praise is all that will be required. Next step is to keep an eye on Buddy and when he is about to jump up, use your command "get off" and then praise and reward when Buddy walks to you instead of jumping up. If your dog is an elder, be sure he has lots of soft comfortable blankets and pads on which to lie. It's often the comfort of the furniture that reinforces the behaviour in the first place. Old bones in particular appreciate soft beds, but it is important to provide Buddy with really comfortable bedding at any age. It's also a good idea to make the furniture uncomfortable. Doing so reinforces Buddy's desire to be on his own warm, soft, snuggly bed instead of the furniture. Some ideas for making furniture unattractive to Buddy include:
Try these when you're home. You want to be in a position to step in if things don't go exactly according to plan. A little reminder --
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