Canine Party Manners

Entertaining friends can be complicated when a dog's co-hosting the party. Even a well-trained dog will sometimes misbehave when strangers are around. Animal-behavior experts Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson share some basic tips for dealing with dogs that love to jump up and lick guests.

Figure A

Figure A--Licking is one of the most common behavior problems in dogs. Let the dog know this is not acceptable behavior by saying "no" in a calm but firm voice, while moving the dog away from you. Scolding can actually add to the problem, as the dog thinks you're angry and is not aware of how much he loves you. Therefore, it feels it should lick you some more to get the point across.

As soon as the dog is calm and not trying to lick, pick it up and praise it. Repeat until the dog understands that licking is not an acceptable behavior.

	Figure B
	Figure C

Figures B and C--A playful, jumping dog can be frustrating, especially when company drops by. The easiest way to discourage this behavior is by simply turning away and ignoring the dog when it jumps up. Ignore the jumping and eventually the dog will sit down. When it calms down and sits, reward it with a treat and lots of praise.

If your dog is very active and distracted easily, this corrective behavior could take some work. Just keep reinforcing the wanted behaviors, and there will be no need for scolding or yelling "no!" at your dog.

Resources
Great Pets.com Inc.
GreatPets.com was founded in December 1999 by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, pet trainers and authors of numerous best-selling books. It contains information on pet training and behavior.
Great Pets.com Inc.
2867 Route 4455
Gardiner, NY 12525
Website: www.greatpets.com

Old Yeller
This classic movie about a boy and his dog was orginally released in 1957. It's a simple, heartwarming story of a boy who bonds with a feisty stray dog in 1860s Texas.
Order this video.

The Walt Disney Company
Website: disney.go.com

Tails from the Bark Side: True Stories from the Family Dog Files
by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
Warner Books, 2001
Order this title from Amazon.com.


The American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club was founded September 17, 1884, and operates as an independent, nonprofit organization devoted to the advancement and welfare of pure-breed dogs. It has registration on more than 150 breeds and offers information on shows and their locations.
American Kennel Club
5580 Centerview Dr., Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 919-816-3718
Fax: 919-854-0155
E-mail: publiced@akc.org
Website: www.akc.org

The Complete Dog Book
by the American Kennel Club staff
Hungry Minds Inc., 1997
Order this title from Amazon.com.