Doodle Diary, Day 12: "Off!"

[Nancy Sunderland]

Well, we've entered the terrible stage of jumping on the kiddos! Mostly the baby (Laila), but also anyone else who sits or lays down on the floor. She, for some reason, takes sitting or laying down as her cue to go bananas and jump and play, and search for cute little ears to tug on! Bob, my DH, said I should use the word command "Off!" So that's what I've started doing. I may have to find myself a couple "Doodle Bonkers" like another DK member mentioned! (Paper Towel rolls).

Also of interest, we have decided to switch Sable's Puppy Kindergarten class from the Vermont Therapy Dogs Puppy Prep school, to a local trainer and breeder. http://www.starvalegoldens.com/boarding_training.html Peg is the ladies' name, and she seems very experienced and knowledgeable. She also is a certified CGC Tester. Bonus: She is ONE town away from me (5 miles max), as opposed to over an hour drive! My DH made me "see the light" on this decision and I humbly took his advice! Her new class start date is Monday, Sept. 28th.

[Kevin Poole, Penny & Ozzy]

Yeah Hannah, I mistakenly use the word "down!", it's an immediate reaction, then I say "off!" when I've realized. It's a learning curve for both pup and dad!

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Great that you won't have to travel so far for training classes, and good idea to use the word "Off" for getting Sable off of things, I sometimes forget myself and if they jump up on things I want them off of...I say down...but down means lie down..not off, and mixing the two can really be confusing for the puppy or dog. Best of luck with training classes, you and Sable will make a great team.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think they all go through that. Guinness did it with our youngest grandkids. It was like he thought they were other puppies and he tried to play with them the way he did with his litter mates. We kept the leash on him and when he jumped we were able to move him into a sit and tell him "no" (I think "off" works the same). He's much better now, unless they start running and acting crazy. I know the "Doodle Bonkers" worked for someone, but it would worry me that Sable would think this was a game, or that she could get scared...you don't want any fear reactions. Great that you found a training class closer to home. I think you'll be glad you're not driving an hour. I'm sure you can't wait to get started.