Review what we’ve learned.
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Walk with your dog and do a come-fore to get his attention.
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Have your dog do puppy pushups to entertain your family.
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Stand your dog and let family members pet him while he’s standing.
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Have someone hold your dog and call him to you and if he’s doing that reliably, add in some distractions. (People, food, toys, the cat, etc.).
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Play the eye contact game around your house and when you’re standing still and asking for that contact, wave your arms to distract him.
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Watch for calming signals because that indicates that he is stressed. Give him some calming signals back (Yawning, standing sideways, etc.).
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Follow the NILIF program and encourage your family to do the same.
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Do a long down every day (surely there are times in the day when you want him to just settle for 30 minutes).
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Practice right and left turns.
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Do the chase recall and your dog will really be excited to run to you.
Read thoroughly the handout titled Excuse Me. Make sure everyone who lives in your household follows this whether they are very young or 85 years old. DON’T say “Oh, he’s sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t want to disturb him”! Once your dog realizes that he needs to move out of your way, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can walk around with no dog underfoot.
Read and study the handout titled “The Walk Away Game” otherwise known as LEAVE IT! Remember YOU own everything! Those toys on the floor are yours and so are those bones. YOU have control of everything and your dog needs to come to YOU to get what he wants to play with and eat! You are the leader and you don’t need to lead by force but rather by your actions.
AND…..don’t forget about that TRICK for graduation night 2 weeks from today!!! (Don’t worry, you’re not graded! ) Olivia and I are working on a “legs” trick.
