I love taking classes with my dogs. Although I’ve been training dogs – inside and outside of class – since I was ten years old, I always learn something new, some little nugget that’s like a magic bullet making the entire class worthwhile.
Last night in class, I got one of those magic bullets… Since I have four dogs (two young ones in training), one of the hardest things for me to accomplish with the gang is a polite greeting when friends come to the door – or even when I come home after being away. One excitedly jumps up, then they all start in… (except, of course, for James – he always behaves!). Suddenly, my friend is being knocked over… Jumping up on people is hard to stop with multiple dogs – and it’s totally unacceptable. One-on-one, each of the dogs is fine – but the gang mentality gets them worked up.
I brought this up in class last night and Caroline, our trainer, suggested doing the human kong…. holding a handful of treats in your closed hand, you bend down from the waist, tight fist full of treats held low and you meet them straight on. All the dogs are busy sniffing the treats in your hand as you enter… then you throw a few out ahead of you…. BINGO! IT WORKS! I’ve been practicing this magic bullet all day. Hallelujah! more light at the end of the tunnel…
I’m so glad that exercise helped with your crew! Once they’re happily anticipating the treats as you enter, you can hold out and ask for sits before you scatter the treats for them. Give me an update at the next class!