Dear Tiffani;

When I get home, my doggie gets so excited and jumps all over me. Of course I’m happy to see her, but her greetings hurt! Her nails are sharp. Not only does this annoy me, but my friends don’t enjoy this behavior when they visit either.

Wounded with Affection.

Dear Wounded, 

Sounds like it’s time to train your dog to not jump on you. It’s important to be consistent and never reward your dog for unwanted behavior. This is a significant commitment, but worthwhile. The longer a behavior has been a habit, the longer it will take to fully extinguish it, and be forewarned; sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. 

Start by not paying attention to your dog when she jumps on you. Keep your homecoming low key. When you act excited, you can feed your pet’s excitement and make it worse. Don't talk, touch, or even look at her. Any form of attention will reward the jumping behavior. Many people do not realize that even eye contact is a reward to your dog. Even when you are telling her to get down, you are giving her what she wants: attention. Turn your back, look away and ignore your dog completely when she jumps up.
Give your dog attention when she gives you a desired behavior. When she realizes she is not getting what she wants by jumping on you, she should calm down. Pet her or quietly talk to her when she gives you an action such as all four paws on the ground, or better yet, a sit. Give her gentle praise for this good behavior, but if she starts to jump up, turn and ignore her again. Sometimes petting a dog can excite them to jump up again, and you may be limited to verbal praise. You will learn your dog's thresholds.
You’ll want to teach your dog the proper way to greet people. This means making her earn people’s attention. We always want to set pets up for success. Don’t ask your dog for a behavior she can’t accomplish. For example; don’t ask her to sit right away if three people just walked in and are giving her attention. Start slowly. Begin with a sit for any food rewards or petting. If you are consistent, you will learn that your dog will offer the behavior automatically. Give her a sit command as she is coming towards you so she has an alternative to the jumping up. Training is teaching your dog what to do as well as what not to do. However, some dogs will continue to make the wrong decision. Enlist your friends to help with the training; teaching them can be fun too! This way she will learn that she can’t jump on anyone; not just you. Even if people say they don’t mind her jumping up, consistency is crucial for your dog to learn desired behaviors.

Some dogs are difficult to work with and need more patience, and sometimes outside help. An obedience class can build a strong foundation for ongoing training and the instructor can give specific assistance with problem behaviors. An obedience class may be just the place for you and your dog to learn how to succeed together so that meeting and greeting will be a good experience for all involved. 

Best of luck and have fun training.

Tiffani

In honor of summer’s arrival, here are a few hot weather tips:

• Be especially vigilant in providing your pets with plenty of water at all times.

• Make sure your pets have shade or shelter to escape the hot sun throughout the day.

• If your pet generally accompanies you in your car, it may be best to leave them at home during our short summer season. On a warm day – even with the windows cracked – a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes and cause serious brain damage or heat stroke. 

• Warm weather brings yard and gardening work. Beware of toxic chemicals in any fertilizers, mulch, plant foods, and insecticides you may use – and your pets may ingest.

• Pets need exercise, but on very hot days schedule playtime for early mornings or late evenings, and do beware of hot asphalt. 

• Surprise! Pets can get sunburned too, and this may contribute to some types of cancer. Check with your veterinarian about how to prevent harmful sun exposure. 

• Talk with your vet or groomer about flea and tick season. These insects can carry diseases that can be life-threatening to your pets.

• During summertime celebrations, leave your pet at home unless they are extremely relaxed at crowded, loud events. Both loud noises and heat can be stressful and potentially dangerous to your pet.

Keep these tips in mind but more importantly; get out there and enjoy your pets and Montana’s great outdoors this summer!

Join the fun at our Bark in the Park on Sunday July 30^th from noon – 6 pm at Sacajawea Park in Livingston.

Tiffani Zimmerman is the Behavior Specialist at the Stafford Animal Shelter, Humane Society of Park County. Email questions to her at behavioradvice@imt.net or call 222-1312.