Have you ever noticed that nearly everyone in the world believes that they are an expert on what is best for your dog?
At K9 Connection, we have found that one of the toughest areas of training can be teaching good greeting behavior. We’re not talking about the dog training part of it. It’s the people training that’s real tough.
While dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations, their training can easily be undermined by the actions of humans. For instance, when we advise visitors to “please just ignore the dog when you come in,” this request is often misinterpreted. Instead of respecting the dog’s space, many people approach head-on, making cooing noises and attempting direct engagement, which can inadvertently turn the situation into a spectacle and exacerbate overstimulation.
The reality is that while dogs can be taught to stay in their designated spots, it is the humans who often struggle with boundaries. Training a dog to remain in their “place” involves establishing a predictable set of rewards and consequences. With consistency, dogs learn to feel secure and understand that remaining calm leads to treats and praise. However, humans may not realize that their well-meaning attempts to interact can confuse the dog and disrupt their training, making it crucial to educate everyone involved.
Ultimately, the success of greeting behavior relies on a collaborative effort between the dog and the humans in their environment. Dog owners must communicate their needs clearly, while visitors should respect those boundaries. At K9 Connection, we emphasize that establishing good greeting behavior is a team effort, requiring effective dog training and a commitment to understanding human-dog interactions. By addressing both sides of the equation, we can foster a more peaceful and respectful relationship between dogs and the people who care for them.
There is a solution to this conundrum that is based in the ridiculousness of human psychology.
There is one great truth known to mankind: Humans are suckers for “talking” dogs! Tell the humans yourself to ignore the dogs, and you can bet that your words will fall on deaf ears. But have the dogs say it. . . . . and they’ll be heard loud and clear. After all, us Silly Humans will do anything the dog says.