It’s Spring and our dogs are all itching to go on some new adventures. Festivals, parks, and patios, here we come. But wait! After such a chilling Winter we’ve noticed our manners are a tad rusty; so we thought we’d share our tips on keeping an excited pooch on their best behavior while getting the most out of the fun times ahead.

1. Be prepared.
Bring waste bags, treats, and all of the training tools that you may need to have a pleasant outing with your dog. Don’t forget the water and a snack if you’re going to be out long.

2. Leave on the right note.
Your dog only needs some basic obedience and your solid guidance and confidence to behave in public. Start your adventures off with a polite exit from your house.  “Sit” and “Wait” (or “Stay” if you do not use “Wait”) at the door.  You exit, then invite them to come with you (we like “Let’s Go”). If your dog gets overly excited about going places, practice a little obedience in the front yard before leaving to gain focus.  If riding in the car, have your dog sit and “wait” or “stay” before releasing them to enter and exit the vehicle.

Lyla and Crystal Enjoy the View

3. “Stop” at all curbs and street crossings.
Dogs must learn to look both ways too!

4. Be aware.

Walk confidently, look ahead, and provide guidance for your dog on how they should behave towards upcoming distractions by using cues like “Leave it.” Communicate clearly with cues you have already taught your dog. Remember: they usually see it and smell it before you do, so stay sharp when it comes to upcoming obstacles and use your cues well before the excitement gets the best of them.

5. Don’t forget to smell the flowers.
Release them with “Go Ahead” to smell in the grass, potty, or just check something out.  When you are ready to go, call them back to walk nicely and continue your walk.

6. Step aside.
“Sit” and “Stay” for strangers, bicycles and other obstacles to pass.

7. “Sit” for greetings.
Easier said than done, right? If your dog is excited to meet people, you will need to teach them how to approach a person first. Allowing your dog to pull you towards new

things only teaches them that pulling works and encourages excitability and jumping. So stop as soon as pulling occurs and turn and walk the opposite direction. This introduces a new result – one that tells your dog that pulling gets them further away from their goal. The behavior will stop all together when your dog realizes it doesn’t work, so naturally they will want to try a different approach, and so you simply tell them what you want. It’s simple: As long as the leash is loose, they get closer to their goal. If you already use a walk nicely cue (“Let’s Go,” “With Me,” or “Heel”), then give your dog the cue to let them know what you want. Be patient and practice this one many times so your dog has an opportunity to connect the dots: pulling = go nowhere. Walking nice = meeting new people. And repeat.

Once you are able to approach nicely, then you get to the hardest part about greetings: managing the stranger petting your dog. If they reinforce rude behavior, then all

your hard work training can be lost. Thankfully most people will ask to pet your dog first. Use the phrase “Only if he/she sits” in response and automatically involve them

in the training process. Most people will ask your dog to sit right away, hence joining you in your efforts to teach good manners. If the dog jumps during any part of the greeting, simply end the greeting. It won’t be long before your dog automatically sits for everyone – a result well worth a few awkward social moments with strangers. Sit = happy pets from new exciting people. Jump = bye.

8. Respect your dog’s decisions.
If your dog is too excited to say hello, spooked by someone, or does not react well in any way, do not be afraid to tell the stranger that they cannot pet your dog. “Please do not pet my dog – He/She is in training” works well to politely turn people away. You may encourage your dog, but never force your dog to approach anything they are frightened of. Likewise, if your dog seems uncomfortable and wants to get away from someone during petting. It is VERY important to let them walk away. There is nothing wrong with a dog who simply doesn’t feel like being pet. Your dog will appreciate and trust you more if you support their decisions. They’ll also be a lot less likely to bite when they feel afraid because they know you are there to look out for them!

9. Walk away when in doubt.
If you have lost control of the situation, or sense that you cannot maintain control of your dog, turn around, walk away, and regain your control.  Have your dog sit or down and stay to calm them.

10. Practice!
Exposure will teach your dog that: Although the world around them changes, the rules do not.  Take them out around new people and places at least 20 minutes a week. During early training we recommend at least twice a week to keep it fresh in their minds. Old dogs can forget, but they can also learn new things. Young or old, never stop socializing and teaching your dog new things.

11. Rest.
A tired dog can be a good dog, but an exciting field trip can leave your dog exhausted. Like children, dogs get cranky when they are tired and may become defiant and throw tantrums. Give your dog adequate breaks on your outings and listen to them when they tell you they have had enough.

Happy Adventuring!

The Leaps N’ Hounds Team