Socializing

[cjluvsdogs]

My girl Layla is ten months, and while I understand she's a puppy she has a major socializing problem. It's not that she's unfriendly or shy or anything. Quite the contrary actually. She is very social. Actually too much so. When it's just me and my girlfriend at home, she's the best dog in the world. She listens to me, and there're no issues other than her chasing the cat sometimes. I don't like the cat anyway But seriously, when a person comes over, she goes into crazy mode. She goes NUTS. Jumping on the person, jumping on the couch (she has never been allowed on the couch), and constantly bugging the person even after the person has given her attention. The same thing happens in our training classes. She's relentless to go and mess with the other dogs, and she will simply not stay put nor listen to me with any distractions around. Believe me, I'm extremely happy that I have a very lovable dog, but I do want to be able to leave her out of her crate when company is over. I want her to listen to me and calm down a bit when company is over. I also want her to listen to me in the presence of other dogs. I'm going to ask my trainer next week what she suggests, but as always the boxer community here is my first source. Thanks all

 

[simmons]

Have you tried having her sit when your company enters your house? Maybe put her on a leash so she doesn't have the chance to jump up.

Make sure anyone who enters your home does not have any contact with her....touch her, or say anything. Just simply ignore and then when she is sitting calmly then the person(s) can approach her.

This may take several tries, but she will get the hang of it. The trick is to train your company as well as your boxer She's only going to improve if you keep her outside of her crate and lots of practice.

Maybe practice the "watch me" command to get her attention on you. (This will help in your training classes too)

When my dogs wouldn't pay me attention in class and they would get out of hand, I would remove them from the room for a second. Also, in training we would work on distractions and use the "watch me" command.

Good Luck!!

 

[RoxiesEcho]

I agree with Jenny. When visitors arrive, put Layla on a leash so that she can't rush them. Ask your guests to completely ignore her. If she does jump on them, tell them to stand still and turn around. She needs to learn that she doesn't get rewarded for bad behavior. Once she calms down then they can pet her. You have to stay consistent. If you do, it won't take her long to figure it out!

Good luck!

 

[MomofMillie]

I agree with the other posters. Part of it is not allowing your dog to escalate by using a leash and the other part is having your guests be a positive part in the training by not getting really excited when they come in. Just keep at it and she will learn that only sitting nice and calm will get her loving!!

 

[liamsmom]

with three dogs in our house........leashes are sometime neccessary when company arrives. Zuki is fine but she's also 9 1/2
but the two boys are young and they both know when the leash is OFF.
so when company comes.....leashes are on for a while and everyone is happy.

 

[cjluvsdogs]

I have tried keeping her on a leash, but I haven't been persistent with it. I'll try doing that from now on until she gets the point. I will also start training more with the watch me command. I never used it much, but I can understand how it can help in these cases. Thanks everyone!