The Year of the Dog
by Andy Sands, Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant
The New Year is behind us now and 2015 is in full swing. However the Chinese New Year is fresh upon us, so let us resolve to make this the “Year of the Dog”. In order to propperly celebrate both Eastern and Western traditions, I propose 10 “Year of the Dog” Resolutions for Rover. Each week for the next several weeks you’ll find practical tips to help you make life with your canine friends better than ever. So without further ado, let’s begin.
Resolution #1: No Jumping on People who come to the Door
Friendly dogs are always exceedingly happy to see their favorite people, and some are just as happy when they meet strangers. The problem is when they jump up (or pounce) on someone who arrives on the scene. From now on, be resolved to “redirect” the jump up behavior into a “sit” instead. Be ready with a treat and counsel the visitor only to pet the dog if the dog maintains a sit position.
Dogs need to be desensitized to the things that excite them the most. And oftentimes, we and our fellow humans are what excites them the most. The key is asking the dog to sit every single time a visitor approaches. Keep tasty treats by the door and always be ready to deliver one when dog does the right thing: sitting. If after a while the dog sits on his own, without you having to command it, its time for a jackpot! 
A jackpot is a small handful of little treats to really set the dog’s bells off. After receiving a jackpot for a job well done, the dog is more likely to behave in a similar way the next time someone comes to the door.
That is just a little teaser for now, join me next Tuesday for Resolutions 2 and 3 for our Year of the Dog.
Andy Sands is the owner of Good CitiZen Dog Training here on the Suncoast. He is also a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. Good CitiZen Dog Training serves Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
