Public Manners

LucyLU · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:39 pm Post subject: Public Manners

So, Lucy has been doing very well with sit, stay, etc etc when it is just her and I. She has gotten a lot better walking on a leash and even the jumping when people come over has lessened.

What I am wondering is what can I do to lessen her umm greeting when we are in public and she meets other dogs. She is always super excited to see new dogs and most of the time just sticks her butt in the air or dances in circles... BUT I would like to teach her not to do this and not pull and dance when there is another dog near. What is the best way to train her on this or is it something that will come with time and age? (she will be 12 months on MAr. 10)

I have been thinking about getting a clicker and really trying to "tighten" up her skills. Any suggestions?? (In the heat of the moment she is not food motivated either)

peppernaei · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:02 pm Post subject:

I'm sure others will have good ideas but this is what I was taught and it has made Marvin calm down considerably in this situation.

As another dog approached, I would put him in a sit stay and step on the leash so that it was tight (not uncomfortable) and he would have trouble standing again. If the other dog stopped I would let him sniff at him but he was unable to jump because of the leash.

At our obedience class, we have to change our shoes before class and he always wanted to play. Because its inside, the instructor had me put him in a down stay and do the same thing with the leash so that he could not get up. Now he just lays down and stays on his own.

They taught the same sit stay leash method for greeting people at the door.

DukesMom · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:33 pm Post subject:

Great idea! I'm gonna give it a try!

Banshee13 · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 4:20 pm Post subject:

that IS a good idea, Pepper. I'm going to try that as well, esp. for the down stay, which Banshe is not very good at! thanks.

Peri

oregonweim · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 8:23 pm Post subject:

Kennedy was an angel in class. In public, small crowds, not so much. Large crowds, very well behaved. Come spring with Miles I plan on doing more and more training at the dog park and in public areas on/off leash with him. They socialize, I train Very Happy

As far as leash walking, individually they are ok, Miles is better/easier to manage than her. Together my wife won't walk them, I can (well I can walk all three) but they aren't as well behaved. One on one no problem, group think sets in and can be a not so fun time.

Rosko · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:00 pm Post subject:

Our instructor promotes the same leash restraint technique mentioned above also. It seems to work very well.

Just be sure to heavily pet/reward your dog when she successfully completes the encounter as desired (even though you kinda helped holding her down with a leash). This is very important to 'capture' the behavior.

After she starts to do it more consistently you can begin to 'name' the behavior (like 'easy', 'calm', 'mellow', 'don't do crack', whatever you want) then just use the command without the leash restraint to get her to behave properly at that time. Just reward as best as possible when she nails it. Mix in a few 'jackpot' rewards to really sink it in.

LucyLU · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject:

Thank you

We will see how it goes!!!!