Dog behavior specialist reveals unexpected method for curbing door-dashing canines - unfamiliar advice unveiled
Solving the frustrating problem of a dog jumping on people when they enter has got to be on every dog parent's to-do list. Some folks might not mind, but for others, it can be a complete pain, especially when you're caught off guard or carrying something delicate.
Fortunately, there are some straightforward solutions to get your pup to chill out a bit. And it doesn't require a Ph.D. in dog psychology!
Take Juliana DeWillems, the owner and lead trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, for example. She shared some brilliant advice in a recent Instagram post, and it might just be the game-changer you've been waiting for.
DeWillems' video opens with someone entering through the front door while the dog remains calmly on the floor. Sounds like heaven, doesn't it? But wait, she explains that while this is the ideal goal, it can be tricky to train, and there's a simpler, more hassle-free solution: Use a gate to keep your jumper-loving fur-baby from the door!
The video demonstrates this. The dog is safely behind the gate, giving a warm, calm greeting as the guest enters the house. Turns out, even if your pooch gets overly excited, they won't be able to knock the guest down with the gate in place. Plus, you can scatter some tasty treats on the floor to keep your loyal companion occupied.
DeWillems wraps it up with a perfect caption: "Work smarter, not harder!" By using a gate and some clever treats distribution, you can improve that front-door chaos faster than you ever thought possible! This eliminates the need to exhaust hours training your dog to stay put.
Of course, dog training is essential, and should never be ignored. But hey, finding alternative strategies to keep everybody happy isn't a bad idea either. Training takes time, and you're likely not going to see any miracles overnight, so even if you're giving training a shot, you can use gates and treats in the meantime.
Comfy Cubs Adjustable Baby Safety Gate – available on Amazon
This extendable gate fits most spaces, giving your home's unique layout the flexibility it needs, from tight doorways to expansive hallways.
Now, while training is crucial, there are other effective methods to stop dogs from jumping up at people:
1. Family Rule Consistency
Ensure every family member sticks to the same greeting rules for your dog. This helps them understand the expected behavior.
2. Ignore and Ignoring
Ignore your dog when they jump, only interacting when they cool down. This will help teach them that only calm behavior gets attention.
3. Environmental Modifications
Use a gate to separate your dog from the entrance area until they settle down, minimizing jumping opportunities.
4. Distraction Techniques
Teach your dog a command like "sit" or "shake," and reward them for good behavior. This will redirect their energy away from jumping.
5. Visitor Management
Prepare your dog before visitors arrive by asking them to sit or lie down, and reward calm behavior. Inform visitors not to pet the dog until they've calmed down.
By combining these methods with consistent training and positive reinforcement, you'll soon have a well-behaved dog that catches your friends' attention for all the right reasons!
- Using a gate, such as the Comfy Cubs Adjustable Baby Safety Gate available on Amazon, can be an effective way to prevent dogs from jumping on people when they enter, allowing for a more calm and controlled greeting.
- Dog training is essential for long-term success, but in the meantime, strategies like family rule consistency, ignoring the dog when they jump, and using distraction techniques can help teach your pet the desired behavior.
- Consistency among family members in terms of greeting rules for the dog is important, as it helps the pet understand the expected behavior and sets a clear standard.
- By teaching your dog a command like "sit" or "shake," rewarding them for good behavior, and using distraction techniques, you can redirect their energy away from jumping and help them develop more desirable habits.
- Managing visitors by asking the dog to sit or lie down before they arrive, rewarding calm behavior, and informing visitors not to pet the dog until they've calmed down, can help prevent excessive jumping and ensure a positive first impression.
