How to Set Up & Use a Kong Staton for Overexcited Greeters:

Over time, you can skip Step 4 and just direct your dog to head straight to their bed or resting spot, then give them the Kong.

That’s all there is to it! This is an easy, effective, and fun way for your dog to learn to move AWAY from the door when people enter, and to engage themselves in a calm, four-paws-on-the-floor activity instead of jumping.

Another great alternative to help with dogs who LOVE to jump to say hello? The Treat Bomb. Learn more about this other simple, effective option here.

Happy Training!

*Why purchase so many Kongs or similar toys for your Kong Station? Because, at any given time, one will be under the couch, one will be in the dishwasher, and one will be in your backyard or your dog’s crate. Having multiples helps ensure that at least one has made its way back to the basket and is available for its intended use.

The post How-To: Using a Kong Station for Overexcited Greeters appeared first on Instinct Dog Behavior & Training.

We have great news! There’s a quick, easy, effective, AND dog-friendly solution to your dog’s jumping problem: the TREAT BOMB!

What’s a Treat Bomb?

• Place a treat jar at your door.
• As you enter, grab a big handful of treats, and as your dog approaches, throw the treats on the ground in front of her, before she jumps (Treat Bomb!).
• You can help by pointing out some of the treats to your dog
• Keep a few extra treats in your hand.
• As your dog finishes the Treat Bomb, pet her calmly and offer a few more treats from your hand, so long as four paws stay on the ground.

What’s that you say? You think throwing a pile of treats on the ground will make your jumping, overexcited dog MORE excited? That’s a fair thought, but trust us, this works like a charm for about 80% of diehard jumpers. Here’s why:

1. You are giving your dog an EASY alternate behavior in which to engage. It’s impossible to jump and eat treats off the ground at the same time.
2. Foraging for treats on the ground is great way to decrease a dog’s excitement level (even for those dogs who are really into food). It lets them get into exploratory mode, and it allows us humans to stay calm, relaxed, and quiet, so that we don’t inadvertently add more excitement and arousal to an already exciting situation.

Over time, your dog will start to anticipate the Treat Bomb, and will approach with head low, expecting to forage for treats on the ground. At this point, you can replace the Treat Bomb with a calm greeting and a couple of hand-fed treats.

Happy Training!

*Disclaimer: Treat Bomb is best for single dog households, as the scattered treats can potentially cause conflict if multiple, excited dogs are competing to gather them off the floor. If you’re dealing with a household of multiple jumpers, we suggest contacting a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant near you for help (www.iaabc.org).

The post Training Hack: Jumping Up on Guests appeared first on Instinct Dog Behavior & Training.