We asked you for some of your biggest doggy behavior problems, and you delivered! Then we presented those challenges to Gabriella Ravani, elite San Diego dog trainer, for her expert opinion. You can read about Gabriella in our first post of this series.

Question:

“How can I stop my Wheaten Terriers from jumping on people when company comes?”

“There are 2 basic options for dealing with any behavior problem:

TRAINING / BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATION

This changes the dog’s behavior if done correctly.

MANAGEMENT

This changes the environment or situation to reduct or completely prevent the behavior from occurring.

Training:

“Select a specific behavior for the dog to perform when guests come over. Some examples might be sit, go to a mat or dog bed, sit on a stair or chair. Teach the dog to perform the behavior without distractions then gradually have family members pretend to be guests so the dog can start to work around people. Lastly, add willing guests.

“Be sure to only give the dog attention and treats when it performs the behavior. If he/she get excited and jumps, COMPLETELY ignore him/her. Don’t look at, don’t talk to – be consistent so your dog learns that jumping dogs apparently become invisible to humans and never, ever get attention if they jump.

Management: 

Option a) “Try giving a special chewy like a bully stick, pig ear, etc., the moment you let the guest in, and before the dog jumps. Many dogs are so thrilled to get the special chewy that they run off to enjoy it and by the time they are done they have calmed down enough to not jump on the guest.

Option b) “Do not let the dog into the foyer or around the guests. Use baby gates, crates or put the dog in a safe room while you entertain.”

Be consistent so your dog learns that jumping dogs apparently become invisible to humans and never, ever get attention if they jump.

– Gabriella Ravani

If you would like us to ask Gabriella a more detailed solution to this problem, as in what are some specific things you can try, please contact us via our contact form and we will be happy to dig deeper. 

Photo: Amy Chin

Other articles in this series:
Introduction to our Dog Training Expert (Part 1 of 7)
Kid Hating Miniature Schnauzer (Part 3 of 7)
Getting My Two Dogs to Get Along (Part 4 of 7)
Prevent Dog from Barking When Home Alone (Part 5 of 7)
Dog is OCD for Tennis Balls (Part 6 of 7)
Dog Using House as Bathroom When Cold or Rainy (Part 7 of 7)