What are Good Dog Manners?
We live in The South – and Southerners are known for their manners. Parents teach their children manners, so why not teach your dog? Granted, they won’t be able to say “please” and “thank you” the way we understand it, but they can at least greet your guests in a nice way when they come over. So, what are good dog manners? That depends on our clients. For example: some don’t mind their dog jumping on them or their guests when they come in the door, while others can’t stand it. As trainers, we have our opinion as to what good dog manners are. However, as long as it doesn’t effect the outcome of the training, we’ve been known to compromise.
Here are some common behaviors people have us work on to give them dogs with good manners:
- Greeting at the door. Whether it is jumping on their guests, sniffing guests inappropriately, or getting under their feet – this is probably the number one “manner” people ask us to work on.
- Playbiting. This one probably ties with greeting at the door as the number one “manner”, actually. Puppies are notorious for this – especially when teething. While your family may be used to it, your guests may not be and may not appreciate those needle-sharp puppy teeth.
- Begging. At the table, being underfoot while cooking/cleaning, while you’re having a snack on the couch – there are so many opportunities! Some people just don’t want those sad puppy-dog eyes looking at them when they eat or barking/pawing for their food. I must say, I have to agree 😛
- Excessive licking. OK, some people like a doggie kiss or two – but when it becomes an annoyance then you have a problem. This dog might have an underlying anxiety, or you just might taste really good (did you put on lotion?). Either way, we see this one a lot.
- Excessive barking. This can be at the door when the bell rings, for attention, when you’re on the phone/talking to someone else, etc. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t mind your dog barking to let you know someone is at your door/outside (that’s what a lot of us got a dog for in the first place!). But, your dog should stop when you tell them to instead of “sassing back”.
Like I said, there are more than this, but I would say these are the top 5 we get called for. How do we help solve these behaviors and teach good manners? It’s a combination of teaching our basic obedience (sensing a theme??) as well as stopping the behavior long enough to redirect your dog to do something more desirable. For example: clients love our “place” command from the doorway when guests come over. Guests can come in without inappropriate sniffing, jumping, or getting underfoot 🙂
Related: Do You Want a Good Dog?
Need help teaching good dog manners?
Call today: 803-561-9090 FIRST VISIT FREE!
Any age, Any breed; Veterinarian Recommended
