DEAR ANNIE: I have a dear friend with a loving dog, but I dread going to her house because her dog enthusiastically jumps up on me for the first few minutes I am there. I have tried doing what she asks me to do -- turning my back on him -- and have been not doing what she doesn’t want me to do -- putting my knee out to keep him back or sternly saying “no.”
But he gets no better at any subsequent visit with her method of dealing with it.
I have had, and fostered, numerous dogs and have trained them to not jump up with just a few minutes of training. I’m coming off caring for her dog while she was out of town and am very over her dog jumping on me. She lives alone and relies on her friends to step in with the dog’s care when she travels.
Thanks for any advice short of meeting her elsewhere. -- Friend’s Dog Manners
DEAR FRIEND’S DOG MANNERS: Have you tried to train the dog yourself while you are staying at her house? If you have, and he still does not listen, then it may be time to hire a professional dog trainer. Having a jumping dog is not only annoying but can cause someone to fall over. Talk to your friend and tell her your concerns so that she is aware of how much the problem bothers you. Since you work with fosters, you could probably find a highly recommended trainer for your friend.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
