Anyone have tips for training a dog?
By tiff1984
@tiff1984 (385)
United States
September 16, 2008 6:09pm CST
I need help! My 6 month old cocker spaniel will not stop jumping on my two year old. Because of his bad habit of jumping on people, mainly my toddler, I don't even let him inside very much anymore. I want him to be an inside dog but he hurts my son when he jumps on him. I need training tips to keep him from jumping on people. Any advice would be helpful!
2 people like this
5 responses
@Seraphine (385)
• Finland
18 Sep 08
He's a puppy, puppies jump. You have to train him to not do it. lilaclady gave good advice on that trainer, she's a really good one so get a book or video, learn as much as you can and choose a method and stick to it. You have to do the same thing every single time, otherwise it's too confusing. Dogs don't understand why jumping (or any other behaviour) is allowed one time and not allowed the next. If you don't take the time to train him out of the jumping, then you should consider rehoming him so he can be an inside dog. Cocker spaniels are NOT intended to be left outside on their own.
@Seraphine (385)
• Finland
19 Sep 08
Okay that's good to hear that you will take the time. But I still wish that you would look into alternatives rather than keeping him outside where there are all sorts of dangers for a young cute pup. Wildlife predators and puppy thieves are just a couple of things to watch out for, and to be honest just going out in the backyard several times a day isn't going to be enough for a 6 month old puppy if that's all you do. My dog was pretty much a full-time job when he was that age with all the exercise, playtime, training sessions, and socialization all puppies require.
You could for instance keep him in a crate or x-pen inside the house when you cannot supervise him and keep him on a leash tethered to you when you are able to supervise. You can even make a special time-out area in which you put him when he jumps or otherwise misbehaves and let him out in a few minutes. Put him back in time-out if he continues to jump when he's let out. It will take some time but if you're consistent every single time he jumps he will get the message and stop. (This time-out place can by the way never be the same as his crate, crates are supposed to be a fun thing and not something used as a punishment.) You should never let a dog alone around a young child anyway, so it makes sense to have a space where he can be safely confined, not just for your child's sake but also for the dog for when he doesn't want to be pestered by your child.
@tiff1984 (385)
• United States
18 Sep 08
I would never consider rehoming him. We love him! He is in the backyard where we go several times a day. I am taking the time to train him. It is just taking longer and it is harder then I expected that is why I was looking for advice. I have decided to get a video on training him.
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
17 Sep 08
you need to get the book and or video of that lady dog trainer that has a TV show, that woman is amazing, she thinks like the dogs and makes her training dogs look so simple and a friend of mine used some of her tactics and it worked for her...
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
17 Sep 08
here is a link with a story about her..
http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/I/itsmeorthedog/interview.html
@skybitscom (74)
• United States
18 Sep 08
Animals needs short repeated direct commands in order to understand. If you sound short, to the point, like 'no' and 'down' when he does it, then he will get the message. You have to be persistent, patient, direct, for him to respect and understand the training. It is very common for dogs jump on people. It is also important for your toddler to not be afraid when a dog is not being mean or aggressive. The child should know the dog is just being too friendly, and then learn to tell him to say 'no' in a nice, but direct way, when the dog jumps up like that. The dog will then learn to respect the child one on one too. All will be okay with persistence and patience.
My cat knows not to sleep on my clothes, or get up on counter tops, tables, or anything else for that matter. She has to stay on the floor area and she is okay. She is not abused or anything. She just does not do those things or else is simply told a direct short 'no' when she does, and then she lays on her own bedding or the floor. Animals learn with repetition and respect you more knowing what to do and what not to do. Your dog and child have to build a respectful relationship in the family, with your guidance of course, and then your dog will be there as the child's friend. I loved growing up with a dog, and your child will develop many happy memories too, I'm sure. Good luck. Laura
@snowy22315 (179697)
• United States
17 Sep 08
It sounds like redkathy has some very good advice for you. If it doesnt work you can always consult with a professional trainer. Having a young dog and a young child is probably kind of a hard combination but I'm sure it can be managed with some help.
Good Luck hope everything goes well with your son and your dog.
@redkathy (3374)
• United States
17 Sep 08
A trainer once told me to fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water. Every time the dog jumps spray it in the face(not the eyes), push it down, and say very stern and load a one or two word command like down or no jump. It worked with my sons dog.
