Mastering Manners: Handling, "Watch Me," and Jumping Up. Part 5 of Puppy Series

Training your dog good manners not only makes them a joy to live with but also ensures they're a well-behaved member of society. Let's look at three common areas that can greatly improve your dog's interactions: comfortable handling, getting their attention with "Watch Me," and preventing jumping up.

Comfortable Handling: Building Trust

Teaching your dog to be comfortable with being handled is essential for grooming, vet visits, and general well-being. The key is to teach them to willingly hold still, rather than restraining them.

Start by gently touching a non-sensitive area, like their side. The moment they stay still, say "yes" (or click) and immediately reward them with a treat. Gradually increase the duration of the touch and move to different body parts – ears, paws, belly, even checking their teeth. If your dog shows any discomfort, go back to an easier step and progress in tiny increments. The goal is to create a positive association with every touch.

"Watch Me": Your Dog's Attention Grabber

The "Watch Me" cue is incredibly useful for getting your dog's attention, especially in distracting or stressful situations. It teaches them to check in with you, making them more responsive.

To teach it: Hold a treat near your dog's nose, then slowly move it up towards your face/eyes. The instant your dog makes eye contact, say "watch," mark it with "yes," and immediately reward them. Repeat this several times in a quiet environment, then gradually introduce distractions as they master the cue.

Jumping Up: Teaching Polite Greetings

Why do dogs jump up? Because it often works! They get attention or a reaction. While it's normal dog behavior, most owners prefer four paws on the floor.

The golden rule for jumping: never reward it with attention, petting, or treats. This applies to everyone who interacts with your dog. Your dog needs to learn that jumping does not get them what they want.

Instead, encourage calm greeting rituals. When you arrive home, greet your dog calmly, avoiding overly excited tones or gestures. Only offer attention and gentle petting when all four paws are on the ground, or when they display a more acceptable greeting behavior like leaning against your leg.

For persistent jumpers, teach a mutually exclusive behavior like "sit" or "stand." When your dog jumps, ask for a "sit" and reward them for it. In highly distracting situations (like visitors arriving), a "stand" might be easier as it requires less impulse control. You can also toss treats on the floor to encourage them to keep their head down and associate rewards with keeping their paws on the ground.

Finally, manage excitement levels around greetings. Don't let your dog rush towards people at the door. Ask them to go to their bed and reward them there. Politely ask visitors to ignore your dog until they've settled, ensuring calm interactions.

These techniques, practiced consistently and with patience, will help your dog develop into a well-mannered companion and keep interactions calmer.

Need some extra help with this? Get in touch with me now and you can get your free intro over the phone or book a puppy training session or dog training session straight away!

My Whatsapp 078 234 8353