Kodi and I have been working really hard on diminishing the 'puppy' behavior we still struggle with, rushing to greet people at the door, putting his feet up on people in an effort to try to kiss them, barking inside the door, etc.He's been doing wonderfully. We've established 'Kodi's spot', which, when escorted to his spot, he's able to stay there until released to 'greet' company. He learns so quickly, when we are consistent.
My husband's Uncle has been visiting for Sunday dinners every other weekend, which gives us a great opportunity to practice our manners.
I have a friend who comes to visit about once every week or so. She is of the mind that the 'rules' don't apply to her. In fact, she's said as much. She allows/encourages him to put his feet up on her, to kiss her, to hold her down on the sofa and put his face in her cup, his nose near her food, etc. When I correct him, she always says, "It's okay, he knows I don't mind."
We don't allow him to do those things with us, or anyone else. We correct him, even though she's telling him it's okay. She doesn't understand that she's undermining his training and our efforts to have a well mannered dog.
She seems to think that it should be okay depending on the individual person's preference and somehow Kodi should know which people are 'okay' with being mauled by him and which people aren't.
When we encounter her in public, he gets excited. She coaxes him to put his paws up on her chest, to give kisses, etc. When I correct him she says, "You better not, you have your vest on, you're getting in trouble."
It's hard to expect strangers, who may or may not know better, to respect the vest when friends who do know better don't/can't/won't.
2 comments:
That's tough!
If you feel like catering to this friend, or you have other friends who act similarly, one possibility is to teach him to do those things on cue, and teach them the cues, but then clearly tell them they can only give the cues when he's not working!
For example, my dog has cues for both giving and stopping kisses. Some big dogs are taught cues for "hugging" or jumping up and putting their paws on a person. If they only do it on cue and are never allowed to offer it, then your "helpful" friends can still get mauled without undermining his everyday training.
Sorry for the tough situation your friends put you in.
Well, this is the point of contention, my friends can make their own choices and speak for themselves, I am Kodi's voice, my first responsibility is to his health and well-being.
The choices they are making are not in his best interest. I don't think he's best served by catering to them.
I guess that's kind of harsh, but considering what he does for me, I have to do what's best for him.
Wow! Why can't I take that stand with strangers?
Thanks for stopping by.
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