Hello Dog Training Camp Graduates!
Due to the inclement weather forecast, we have decided to cancel Raleigh’s Continuing Education Class for today. The 4pmDurham/Chapel Hill Class is still on for now unless things change before then. For those folks, please check your email again in case Shannon sends a cancelation notice for that class later on (contact info below).
Today is a great day to practice SETTLE while everyone watches football. Don’t forget to pick up that yummy soup bone or antler bone to give your dog something to do.
- Advise guests to ignore your dog, especially while he/she is enjoying that bone. We don’t want any guarding issues!
- To ensure your dog stays put and doesn’t steal those nachos off the coffee table, use the leash to tether him/her to a door knob or heavy piece of furniture where you can see them. You can also claim the kitchen or living room area by practicing the WAIT command, which means not 1 paw past the designated threshold. Stand tall and keep backing them up with your body and telling them to WAIT until they give up and go somewhere else.
- Supervise all interactions! If you can’t or just want to relax and have fun, put them in their crate. Both promote calmness and teach your dog to settle. Again, tell people to ignore your dog in the crate. Even eye contact can make your dog uncomfortable. If they bark, give them a quick “Eh-eh” correction then disconnect. Do not open the crate door if they are demand barking or whining for attention. Wait until they are quiet.
- Take them out at least every 2hrs. After they go potty and while they are still on the leash, ask guests to help you practice a few polite greetings before putting them back in their settle spot. You can also tether them to your belt loop and practice calm, polite greetings as guests enter. A polite greeting is keeping your dog in a SIT and instructing them to pet under the chin.
Set your dogs up for success! Don’t feel guilty ignoring them! It allows them to get use to normal activity in a safe, secure way (especially if they are fearful, easily excited or anxious). Remember, calories don’t count today! Travel safe and enjoy the game!