| Every dog owner must eventually deal with some | | | | freely. Allowing a dog to roam on its own is |
| unwanted behaviors on the part of their four | | | | irresponsible, dangerous (to the dog and the |
| legged companions. Some of the most frequently | | | | neighborhood), and probably even illegal. Most |
| encountered training problems with puppies and | | | | towns have ordinances which prohibit dogs from |
| dogs alike are jumping on people and performing | | | | being allowed to roam around free, so you could |
| those amazing feats of escape. | | | | be in legal trouble if your dog is found wandering |
| Jumping up on people | | | | the neighborhood unattended. |
| Jumping up on people can be a cute trick for | | | | Of course sometimes that wandering dog is not |
| puppies, but it quickly becomes a problem | | | | the owner's idea, and many dogs perform |
| behavior as the dog gets older, larger and heavier. | | | | amazing feats of escape when left on their own. |
| A very heavy dog can easily knock a child or | | | | The temptations for unattended dogs are many, |
| even a small adult of his or her feet, so jumping | | | | including passing bicycles, joggers, children, cats |
| on people can be a dangerous problem as well as | | | | and other dogs. It is much easier to prevent |
| an annoying one. | | | | escapes than to recapture a loose dog, so let's |
| The reason puppies and older dogs jump on | | | | talk about some preventative measures every |
| people is obvious - they are excited and happy to | | | | dog owner can take. |
| see them. Many people are reluctant to | | | | Removing the motivation to escape is a big part |
| discourage this exuberant behavior, but it is | | | | of the solution. A bored dog is much more likely |
| important to redirect that happiness and energy in | | | | to spend his day plotting the great escape. A dog |
| other ways. Many well meaning owners, family | | | | that is surrounded by everything he or she needs, |
| members and friends inadvertently encourage this | | | | like lots of toys, a soft bed, and plenty of fresh |
| jumping up behavior by picking the puppy up, | | | | clean, water, is more likely to spend his or her |
| kissing it or otherwise providing encouragement. | | | | day contentedly sleeping or playing with toys until |
| This type of inconsistency is anathema to proper | | | | the owner returns. |
| dog training, and in order for the dog to be | | | | In addition, a dog with lots of pent up, unused |
| trained not to jump, every member of the family | | | | energy is likely to try to escape. Try incorporating |
| must recognize and accept the importance of the | | | | several vigorous play sessions with your dog into |
| training. If one member of the family allows the | | | | your daily routine. Make one of those play |
| dog to jump up while other family members do | | | | sessions right before you leave. If your dog has a |
| not, the dog will understandably become confused | | | | chance to work of his or her energy, chances are |
| and frustrated. The training must be firm, kind | | | | he or she will sleep or relax much of the day. |
| and consistent in order to be effective. | | | | Of course dealing with the dog is only half the |
| One way to redirect the dog's happiness and | | | | problem. It is also important to make the |
| excited ness from jumping is to teach him to lift | | | | property as escape proof as possible, through |
| his paw when greeting you. This "shaking hands" | | | | proper fencing and other measures. For dogs that |
| posture is an acceptable way for the dog to | | | | dig, it may be necessary to extend the fence |
| show his happiness and his respect. Many people | | | | underground by placing metal stakes in the ground |
| even teach their dogs to do simple tricks, like | | | | every few feet. For dogs that jump, it may be |
| rolling over, instead of jumping on people. | | | | necessary to make the fence higher. And if none |
| Escaping and roaming the neighborhood | | | | of these measures work, it may be necessary to |
| A responsible dog owner would never dream of | | | | confine the dog to the house when you are not |
| allowing his or her dog to roam the neighborhood | | | | at home. |