Training tip of the month

Happy Homecoming

If your homecoming is ruined by over excited canines going bollistic when you get home, jumping barking and demanding attention - don't despair this behavior can be changed.

Start working on this on the weekend when you have time on your side - start by fooling your dog you are leaving, make all right noises, check for keys, pat your dog and drive your car away. Stay away for only 10 minutes or so then arrive back home. You must wait for a calm moment before you greet your dog. If your dog is an inside dog this will mean coming inside and ignoring your dog completely, when your dog is starting to settle you can speak to your dog in a low gentle voice, if your dog gets excited ignore the behavior and the dog completely. Be consistent and calm when you arrive home and your dog will begin to see the pattern.

If your dog is an outside dog, it is the same but you will have obviously have to go outside. Just walk slowly around the yard and studiously avoid even eye contact, reward any calm behaviour your dog shows.

Remember the calmer you behave the calmer your dog will respond.