Tuesday Training Byte: Dealing with a pushy pup

Before you add a dog to your family, it is helpful to decide in advance what are your expectations and boundaries. However, if you already have a dog that seems to violate your boundaries, here are some tips to fix that behavior. Dogs tend to seek our attention. They will jump on us, climb in our lap, paw us, and bump our hands with their head or other behaviors just to get attention. If I sit on the floor to sort through some old newspaper, I do not want my dog pushing in to my space. Remember, that any talking to, eye contact, touching is rewarding to the dog. As I sit down and the dog is heading toward me, I point to where I want the dog to go and say "over there". This is usually a place about 2 to 3 feet away from me and off to one side slightly. Once the dog is there I mark the behavior with a "Yes!" and toss a treat by his feet. Then I go about what I was doing, and maybe have to remind the pup a time or two to go "over there", followed by the marker word yes. When I am finished with my task, I encourage the dog to crawl closer to me for pets, but not letting him get onto my lap or overly excited. If this happens, just stand up and walk away. I make it clear that I am the one deciding how long I will pet the dog. I may pet for a few moments, then tell the dog , "Enough- over there" while I point to a place away from me. Be sure to praise and reward the dog's good behavior. Letting your dog constantly invade your space and follow your every step creates a dog with separation anxiety, or a dog that thinks he is alpha over the people. At worst, he may start inappropriate guarding of his person. Don't let your dog demand your undivided attention. Happy training.