Expert: Delores Beck - 1/26/2009

Question
I have a seventh month old cocker spaniel dog, we are going to training classes and he is really improving but we can't seem to stop him jumping up at the work tops or the table. He usually does it when no-one is standing within reach. Our house is very open plan so it is difficult to isolate this area. he also scratches a great deal at the carpet, which is beginning to show the signs. We exercise in the field for about 30 - 45 mins in the morning, we have been told not to over do it as this will cause joint problems in later life, but the jumping up is a real pain in the evening when we are shattered and the dog wants more and more attention. He is becoming more selective about the commands he follows, is this an age thing. Sorry to go on but he is a lovely dog but my husband is getting really fed up. Thank you, Paula

Answer
Okay...here's what to do.

Get a bunch of empty pop cans..put 15 pennies in each one and tape the tops shut with duct tape.  Have them within easy reach wherever you may need one.  It won't do a bit of good if you have to go find one.

When he jumps at the table (and watch for this) - pick up a can- say NO, raise it in the air and bring it down hard ONCE (like you're throwing a baseball at the ground as hard as you can..but, of course, don't let go :)

No chat  - just stare at him.  Most dogs will be startled totally and it'll usually only take a few times to correct an unwanted behavior.

A dog's hearing is 50x more sensitive than ours so this is one thundering correction for him.  

Our own latest rescue started the "whining-barking-jumping" at the dinner table.  Two "experiences" with the can stopped it completely.

Now remember - you're not "shaking" the can - you're making ONE crashing, loud noise.  And no conversation before or after.

The lesson is easy & clear - do that and a really unpleasant thing happens.

Do let me know the results.  I have other tricks up my sleeve for naughty puppies :)
Delores