We all love to shower our furry friends with affection when we reunite after a long day or a trip away. That excited jumping and wagging tail is a heartwarming sight, but according to dog trainer Scott Salant, this enthusiastic welcome might actually be doing more harm than good.
Salant, a trainer at Paws Crossed Shelter in partnership with TrustedHousesitters, warns that our excitement can reinforce unwanted behaviors. Dogs are quick learners, and if they see us happy when they jump up, they are likely to repeat the behavior in other situations. This can lead to excessive excitement and anxiety, particularly when the owner leaves again.
“This can make the pet get too excited, leading to behaviors like the dog jumping up. It could also make pets more anxious about their owners leaving them alone,” Salant explains. So, while those reunion videos might seem adorable, it’s important to manage our emotions and keep things calm for a few minutes before showering our furry friends with attention.
Beyond greetings, Salant highlights the importance of tiring dogs out before training. Well-exercised dogs are more focused and learn better than energetic ones. “A dog that hasn’t had any exercise is more difficult to train as the focus may not be there. Burning off some of the energy before starting a training session is a good idea,” he says.
Salant also stresses the significance of ongoing socialization. “The more stimuli we expose our pets to, the better able they are to cope with new stressors,” he explains. It’s a misconception that socialization is only crucial for puppies; dogs can develop phobias at any age.
Finally, Salant dispels the myth that older dogs can’t learn new tricks. “No matter the age, our dogs are always learning. Sometimes a little more patience is needed as an older dog may have lots of practice at doing the opposite behaviour than what you are asking of them, but with a little time and effort, they will learn what you want them to do!” Remember, patience and understanding are key to a happy and well-behaved dog companion.
