Auntie Al’s Dog Training Services
A Gentle Touch - Outstanding Results
604-868-0341
Alix Balfour - Trainer
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Auntie Al’s Dog Training Services A Gentle Touch - Outstanding Results 604-868-0341 Alix Balfour - Trainer
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Communication Skills Dogs use "calming signals" when communicating with all others. Translated, it generally means "Don't bother me, I won't bother you. Keep moving.", or "You're exhibiting too much excitement/over-stimulation, calm down." Most commonly, it is a turning away of the head, a swinging away from. It often looks as though the dog has suddenly gained interest in something else: a fence post, a tree trunk, a blade of grass. Let's say a person is approaching with their dog on leash. Your dog suddenly swings off to the right to sniff the grass at the base of the mailbox. As soon as the other has passed by, your dog goes back to walking down the sidewalk. Your dog has just communicated to the other dog that hellos are not necessary. The other dog has complied. Now let's say you're walking down a sidewalk alone, just a human, no dog. A person approaches from the other direction, also solo. As you near, you realize the person is looking toward you. Your eyesight suddenly focuses on whatever is to your left or right: displays in a storefront window, a bed of flowers blooming, a distant view. You have just given the approaching person a calming signal, indicating that you would rather not interact. Calming signals can be used when training your dog. If your dog is jumping on you, do not talk other than to say the word "off" (and "Good off" if the dog complies.). If the dog is in a highly stimulated state and is jumping repeatedly, don't talk at all. Stand up straight and turn away from your dog. Look straight ahead, regardless of your direction, keep your sightline and jawbone parallel to the floor. Every time your dog attempts to jump, turn away calmly in your upright position. Do not step forward or indicate a new direction, merely turn away. Wait the dog out, no matter how long it takes. All dogs will eventually sit or move away. This allows for quiet praise and forward movement. Praising your dog is the most important aspect to all training exercises. "Good off, good dog." Each time the dog over-stimulates, go back to square one. Consistent communication will help the dog see the pattern, put action to consequence, and the lesson will start to take hold. The dog will be less and less likely to jump because the outcome is always the same. You don't talk, you don't interact, you ignore. That's no fun! Oh, but what's that? Every time I sit quietly you tell me what a good boy I am. I'm a good boy? That's right, I am a good boy. See? Here I am, sitting. "Good sit. Good boy."
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