Teaching smaller dogs a “jump in my arms” skill can be really useful. If there is something dangerous approaching you can get them up and out of the way quickly. It also can act as asking your dog’s permission to be scooped since a lot of dogs don’t like being randomly picked up. It is also just cute and fun which I’m all for.
This is something shaped in easy steps. I started by rewarding her for jumping in my lap while sitting on the ground. Then we moved to me sitting in a chair or against a wall. I’ve been making my legs straighter over time. I’m still not fully standing up, but I think we will get there soon!
Everyday I try to find ways to let my dogs express themselves without the constraint of human intervention. That means opportunities with no leash and no telling them what to do.
A lot of dog training resources have an emphasis on “controlling” your dog. Here is the thing though, I already control what and when they eat, where and when we go places, who they interact with, what a lot of their schedule is and more just by virtue of being their guardian. I want them to have more choice and control wherever possible because I care so much more about a great relationship and good mental health for the both of us than I care about someone else’s definition of obedience and control. As long as they are safe, I provide that for them whenever I can. Like when Siren wanted to show her corn cob to Mabel.
Loose leash walking can be one of the hardest things to teach a dog to do since the world is so exciting and dogs want to move so much faster than us and zigzag and do dog stuff.
I set Siren up for success in a few ways:
•I give her tons for freedom to move her body when possible outside of leash walks (off leash hikes, zoomies in large open spaces etc.)
•I walk her on a longline so she isn’t hitting the end constantly and we have more space to maneuver
•I start working on loose leash walking on our way home when she’s gotten some of the crazies out already
•I practice in short bursts
•Leslie McDevitt’s 1, 2, 3 walking game! I’ll probably make a specific video about that in the future
Please note that loose leash walking doesn’t have to mean this kind of attention to the handler. I want her to sniff and be a dog so loose leash walking is defined as having a loose leash. Doesn’t have to be looking at me, could be in front or behind, as long as the leash isn’t tight I don’t care.
Resource Guarding Prevention
Resource guarding is a normal dog behavior, but one that can turn dangerous in a human household, particularly with other pets or kids. Siren hasn’t done any resource guarding yet (it normally doesn’t show up until adolescence) but we work on preventing her having big feelings about me being in her space when she has stuff she likes before it is an issue.
One technique I’m using is to walk up to her when she has something yummy or fun, drop some treats, and walk away. She associates my approach with happy stuff and doesn’t feel the need to protect her objects.
Siren vs. Ice Cube
Keeping your dog busy doesn’t have to be expensive! This is an ice cube. We’re on minute 5 of this and all I have to do is occasionally reach it for her when she loses it under the couch. 😂
Neko Says Yes or No to Ear Care
