Our Dog's New Years Resolutions

Okay, so I am not going to act like my dog wrote this list or even that dogs have resolutions.  This is simply my take on things you can expect from your dog in the coming year.

Resolution 1:  He will respect your privacy and NOT read your mind.  If you don't ask him to wait or stay at doorways, then expect him to almost take you out as he squeezes through that six inch gap between the open door and your knees.  If you don't ask him to leave-it, then expect him to root through that shopping bag you put on the floor.  If you don't ask him to come and then take him in the house, expect him to continue to stand there and bark at that squirrel in the tree.  That's right.  Your dog will respect your privacy and will NOT read your mind.   So. if you don't ask him to do what you want, then he will do the next best thing - what he wants!

Resolution 2:  He will follow your rules.  That's right.  If your dog is allowed to, for example, get on whatever piece of furniture he wants whenever he wants, then expect him to jump up on the couch with muddy feet to greet Aunt Marie.  Rules are rules after all - even when we have company.  Of course, if the rule is to ask for permission BEFORE getting on furniture then your dog and Aunt Marie will probably get along much better.

Resolution 3:  He will help you reap what you reward.  So if you reward (even inadvertently) jumping or barking, then he will be obligated to repeat those behaviors.  If pulling hard on the leash helps get  you and him across the street to check out that fantastic smell, well, he will help 'get you there' by pulling everyday.  You get the idea.  Your dog will help you reap what you reward so you better pay attention and only reward the behaviors you want repeated.

So, now that we know our dog's resolutions maybe it is time to come up with some of our own.  Here are a few that you might want to consider:

1.  Reward the behavior you want repeated.  Example, acknowledge or reward your dog when he approaches you and sits or stands (aka not jumping!)
2.  Establish some 'house rules'.  Dog is not allowed on furniture without an invitation.  Dog is allowed in the bedroom.  Dog is not to be rewarded when offering begging behavior.  Whatever works in your household.  Just come up with your top 5 and post them on the fridge for all family members to see and follow.
3.  Communicate with your dog.  Don't expect him to read your mind.  If he is jumping around like a goofball and you would rather he sit, then say so!

However you and your dog work it, here's wishing you both a fantastic 2012!

Happy New Year and happy training!

All content © Personable Pets Dog Training

Sharon Woodrum, CPDT-KA

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Personable Pets Dog Training

http://www.personablepets.com/

Providing Dog Training Services for Overland Park and Louisburg, Kansas areas including: Stilwell, Lenexa, Olathe, Paola, Bucyrus, Leawood, Shawnee, Osawatomie and Spring Hill.

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