This time of the year is filled with busy schedules, visiting guests and many new experiences for our dogs. I have so many people ask me how to stop their dogs from counter surfing, jumping on guests or escaping out the door as people are coming in. I think it is a simple solution to rely on your crate for those moments. If you put your dog in the crate and give him a KONG filled with frozen peanut butter or cream cheese just prior to guests arriving, you are essentially setting your dog up for success by preventing unwanted behaviors. Once your guests have settled in and the initial excitement is over, Rover can come out on a leash for some polite greetings. You can have your guests reward Rover with a tiny cookie if he is politely sitting with four feet on the floor. If he jumps up there is no attention given by your guests. He will quickly learn that good things happen when he is sitting not jumping.
The crate should always be a place of good times and can be used if you just need a break from watching an exuberant puppy. It is also a safe spot to escape to when the house becomes too hectic. My male, Hunter, looks for the crate when we have a busy house filled with nieces and nephews. In addition to the stuffed Kong, you can also use a bully stick or dried trachea for a healthy and tasty chewing snack.
It is hard to believe that the holidays are upon us already. This is a wonderful time for me to reflect on my first year at Bayside and the programs that we are offering to our furry clients. I have met so many wonderful training teams in the last year and made some really great friends in Texas. The Bayside team has let me further develop as a trainer and supported my programs. I am truly grateful for what I have here in my new home.
