By: Lori Verni
Jumping up. Pulling like a maniac. Zooming through the house while intermittently ricocheting off of furniture. Wanting to play 25 hours a day. Too much coffee? Of course not. It’s goofy dog syndrome!
When most people imagine getting a dog, they often have visions off leisurely strolls through the park, snuggling by the fireplace, and their loyal pet frolicking with the children. Rarely do dog owners go into pet ownership realizing that a dog, and especially a puppy, is more likely to drag them down the street, bolt out the door to run around the neighborhood, or hang off the children’s clothing in a nipping frenzy that could be enough to make an adult shed tears.
While not every dog is this goofy, many of them are… particularly young ones. So how do you get your dog to learn when it’s playtime and when to relax? How to be better mannered and to listen when told? To be more obedient while still letting your pet’s glowing personality shine through?
Obedience training.
Yes, loyal readers, here I go again. Talking about how obedience makes all the difference in any behavioral situation. No, I’m not talking about turning your dog into a show dog, police dog, or circus dog. Simply a well-behaved pet who you can enjoy much more once the “goofiness” is brought under control.
Obedience commands such as “heel” (walk at my side), “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “come,” are intended to be used not as cute tricks, but as a way of life.
For example, if your dog knows how to “heel” and pay attention when you’re walking, he will not be pulling and your walks will be enjoyed much more by both of you. A “down/stay” command can be used to teach your dog when enough is enough and it’s time to relax in the house. The “sit” can be used to eliminate jumping on visitors at the door.
In addition to obedience training, exercise can be a big help in calming down an excited dog. “A tired dog is a good dog” goes a long way in burning off the sillies and helping dogs to identify when is the right time to run (playing ball in the yard), and when is not (in the living room, bouncing off the furniture).
Whether you work with your dog on your own or with a knowledgeable trainer, a little obedience training, leadership, and exercise can go a long way toward eventually having that snuggle by the hearth or leisurely walk in the park that you originally envisioned!
