The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [42]
Instead, guide her around the house on a long leash and encourage her to move slowly in different rooms and in different directions by luring her with great treats, like pieces of chicken. The idea is to rebuild her confidence and reassure her that she doesn’t have to creep around like a snail. Strategically placed rugs with nonskid backing around doorways, in hallways, and in the center of larger rooms will give Kelsey more confidence when navigating.
It’s also important to give Kelsey a suitable outlet to unleash her need for speed. Make sure she is getting enough exercise so that she doesn’t have excess energy to burn inside. Convert casual strolls around the block into walks that cover more ground at a faster pace. Play fetch with her or treat her to playtime at a doggy day care or dog park. When she comes back home, she will be a tired and happy dog who is less apt to want to dash around indoors.
Finally, reinforce the sit, stay, and lie down cues so that during times you need to wash floors, or when a spill occurs, you can adequately control Kelsey’s movement while you thoroughly dry your floor.
Telephone Terrorist
Q My Jack Russell terrier, Dexter, pesters me whenever I am trying to have a phone conversation. He barks, yips, tries to jump in my lap, and brings toys for me to toss. I used to think it was cute, but now I find it irritating. Why won’t he leave me alone?
A Put yourself in your dog’s place for a moment. As far as he can see, there is no one else in the room, but you’re vocalizing. Naturally, he thinks you’re talking to him. But when he responds, you ignore him, so he persists in trying to get your attention. If you do respond, in an effort to make him settle down, you are actually rewarding his irritating behavior. Unchecked attention-seeking behaviors can develop into serious behavior problems. Forcing you to pay attention to him gives your dog the wrong idea about who is the real leader in the house.
Since you used to regard this as cute, I imagine that you unintentionally encouraged this habit when Dexter was a wee pup. Now that he is bigger and bolder, his adorable act has become awfully annoying. It’s time for a telephone intervention. If you can, use a phone in a room with a door and shut him outside while you’re talking, even if it means telling your caller to wait a moment while you switch phones. Keep a chew toy or long-lasting treat within reach and toss it to him as you enter the room to talk on the phone.
Another option is to teach him that when the phone rings, he is to go to his crate, where he’ll get a treat. You can start by putting him there before you dial a phone call so that he gets used to the idea of leaving you alone while you talk. Then practice by calling your home number with your cell phone and letting it ring a few times while you first reward him for sitting calmly, and then for staying, and then for going to his crate. As with all training, you will need to move in small steps to accomplish your goal.
Perhaps the most effective technique in the long run is to extinguish the behavior by completely ignoring Dexter when you are on the phone. In the beginning, practice by talking into your phone without dialing. Remain standing to keep him from jumping up or depositing toys in your lap. Turn your back on him and do not look at him or speak to him. Be prepared for his annoying behavior to increase at first, as he will work harder to get your attention. It takes time for the cold-shoulder routine to work and for your dog to start realizing that his actions don’t generate any attention from you, good or bad. When he leaves you alone, and after you end your call, go over to him calmly and tell him good settle, and give him a treat for being a well-mannered dog. Jack Russells (now called Parson Russells by the American Kennel Club), like most terriers, can be quite persistent and creative. Be glad he hasn’t figured out a way to get his own cell phone!
Buried Treasures
Q Why does my dog seem so interested in burying his bones and