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Trying to train, but strangers step in... (this one's for ME...)
So this frequently happens, since I have an semi-unusual looking dog (acd/terrier with spots.) I'll be trying to train her, or at least maintain some level of control over a behavior. Today it was going to the park without pulling. So it was a lot of stopping, recall, continue, etc. with very little reward/play (the reward was the park at the end, and she knew we were going.)
But all along the way strangers would ask me about her and pet her and compliment her and the like. And she would be going nuts pulling all over and jumping up on them, or once at the park going on the tables. All these things I am very against (particularly at this juncture in training.)
However, being the disciplinarian is very unbecoming with strangers, laying down a harsh NO when she jumps on someone, who says "No its fine, I dont mind!" Well, I mind. I mind a lot.
How do you deal with these these situations, where you don't want to be rude and come off like a brute, but you need to?
Cast your vote for which answer you think is best!
Answers
I had this issue a lot with Katie - it took a while to teach her to walk on a loose leash and stay in tune with me, instead of straining and pulling. We worked on it in our neighborhood, but it was hard in busier areas because of distractions, including human attention.
My trainer suggested that if anyone gets near, and you can't change direction or walk on the other side of the path, you can tell them that your dog is in training and must not be touched.
This worked for most people, but I found that some people just can't resist interacting. I would just keep moving as briskly as I could, but not necessarily in the direction of the dog's goal - just away from the person.
I would also recommend practicing with a long line at the park, dispensing tiny yummy treats from your left hand, held at your dog's nose level. The treats help in the conditioning process. Better than using a harsh "NO" with your dog - she will associate following you with good things. Practice often.
Say thanks, I am working with my dog and walk away. If someone insists go across the street. You don't have to let strangers walk all over you and it is okay to correct your dog when she jumps on strangers. If they say that’s okay, reply, no it isn't and carry on.
Your dog doesn't exist for the strangers benefit. It is really rude to ignore an owner’s request. In return be polite but curt, I SAID DON"T TOUCH MY DOG.
Who really cares what some rude stranger thinks of you.
Good luck
I know they meant well but yes, it does work againist you when you are training.
Try contacting activedogs.com and see if they can make a vest that says "dog in training or do not pet"
Maybe that could help. Or simply state to them that we are training and maybe later you can pet her, do it with a smile. Smiling is a good physical sign to most people that you are not banishing them but simply asking to do so at another time. Most people don't hear alot of spoken words, so just make it short with a smile they will understand.
I don't know if I can be too much help but also I pick two different parks one for fun off leash stuff and the other is strictly work only. The dogs can learn this quickly. Might be worth a try.
While you can do all the things listed above, you might even be able to use it to your advantage. You want to teach your dog to stop jumping. Jumping makes her look cute and gives her the attention she wants.
Use that against her. You can ask them if they have a minute to assist you in a quick training session. Ask them to step away from the dog and to not touch, look or talk to her. They are to entirely ignore her while she's excited. Make her sit and make her stay sitting until she calms down. When and only when she calms down, they can give her a pet.
You can also put your foot low on the leash to make sure she can't jump up. If she tries, then have the person step back again and again, ignore her. It works. But it also takes time. If you have any friends she hasn't met, you can try this with them too.
If people pet her tell them that you are trying to train your dog not to jump and pick up your dog and take him out into another area (there should be a clam down area where you take off there leash) take him/her in there and get down to the pups level and say so bad girl! it may sound a bit harsh but it works for my dog and she and I are very close at the dog park she stays by my side as if she where on a leash
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