Question:

Regarding the jumping problem: I would NEVER recommend anyone spray listerine or chloroseptic in their dog’s mouth.  There are many other ways to stop dogs from nipping and biting.  You will really (in my opinion), be teaching the dog that when they come to you for a treat (for whatever reason, whether you have called or not), they get this nasty stuff sprayed in the mouth.  I don’t have any chloroseptic right now, but I would imagine that the chemicals could be at least discomforting and at worst, harmful, to the dog. Look up a good dog behaviorist in your area.  Also, get a book by John Fisher called "Think Dog" or "Why does my dog…".  The latter deals with a host of specific problems, while the former is a general overview of how we can communicate with dogs in a way that they understand. Hope this helps! Robert Sette and "Spotty" and "Lady", a duo of Dalmatians!

Response:

I had problems with my Aussie pup (now 14 months) like this for months. Like the rest of  you I tired all the old standards, knee in the chest etc. I kept reading about the alpha roll here on the list, so decided to try this on her. When she would jump, I would grab her neck and push her to the ground and hold her there until she quit squirming. It has been very effective. The first time, she didn’t jump again for three days. Then it was nearly a week. Today she jumped again, each time she is more hesitant to jump. I repeated putting her on the ground. She didn’t jump again today. I don’t know what effect this will have if we have company. Whether she will just respect me or will stop jumping on everyone? Anyone know the answer to that? Pat S – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Ok,  My pup is a year old.  She gets so excited when people come over to > visit.  She has that full body wag, a happy little grunt, and she *jumps* > on people, and ocaasionally *nips* people (out of excitement not > aggression).  I have tried calming her down (she’s too wiggly).  No Luck. > I have tried to ignore her until she sits.  No Luck.  I tried the old > knee in the chest until I found out in theory it doesn’t work.  She is > not mean, but just happy to see other people, but these people don’t like > to come over anymore because of her.  After her initial excitement she is > OK.  She has a thing for ears and watches. > Please advise me on what to do because she does this to us, too. > Jennifer Boyd > Conroe, Tx

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Your dog (and she is just out of puppy-hood) still needs more obedience training, even if she has successfully graduated from a class or two. (Your post didn’t indicate whether she has had formal training.) You should concentrate on "sit" and "stay", and when people come, put her on lead, and *make* her sit and *make* her stay. This will of course take some time. Until then, at least keep her on lead and when she starts to jump up and nip, give her a firm collar correction and tell her to "Calm Down" or "Cool It". Even if you have to virtually hold her down to let people pet her without her going nutzoid. Also, when people come, tell them you are trying to train the pup to be better, to help you by not making a fuss of her and ignoring her until (and unless) she acts reasonably under control. She should eventually get the picture that she gets attention *only* when her four feet are on the ground. Nipping should be specifically corrected, either by gribbing her muzzle or tapping her under the chin, or by a spray of Real-lemon from the little plastic lemon into her mouth, with a firm NO! and NO BITE!. Otherwise she is going to nip someone a little too hard and you will have a real problem. All of this is going to be hard to accomplish when visitors come but ask them to be patient and help by ignoring her. The main points: on lead so you have control; training class to teach you and her better interactions so she will listen and you can "reach" her; ask guests to assist by not increasing her excitement. Good luck! Dals are *very* active and full of energy so you do have some work ahead of you. Just be consistent, and eventually you will be amazed…she is *not* stupid! Gail Mackiernan

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Ok,  My pup is a year old.  She gets so excited when people come over to > visit.  She has that full body wag, a happy little grunt, and she *jumps* > on people, and ocaasionally *nips* people (out of excitement not > aggression).  I have tried calming her down (she’s too wiggly).  No Luck. > I have tried to ignore her until she sits.  No Luck.  I tried the old > knee in the chest until I found out in theory it doesn’t work.  She is > not mean, but just happy to see other people, but these people don’t like > to come over anymore because of her.  After her initial excitement she is > OK.  She has a thing for ears and watches. > Please advise me on what to do because she does this to us, too. > Jennifer Boyd > Conroe, Tx

I’ve heard that a spray bottle filled with part water, part chloroseptic or listerine works nicely for biting.  If the dog lunges at you mouth first, spray the mixture in her mouth– the awful taste will eventually make her think twice about jumping and biting you. As always, check with your VET regarding this advice before administering it. Good luck, Rich

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I see  so many potentially wonderful animals in the pound or animal rescue because of behaviour problems that beg for consistent obedience training.  The pup that jumps and nips an adult, even in joy, becomes a real disaster when it is fully grown and displays the same action toward a child. There are many Dalmation groups on the internet who might direct you to a training program that will fit your needs.  The SPCA and the Humane Society often have inexpensive programs.  Many private trainers will come to your home (they tend to be more expensive and must be researched very carefully).     AKC sponsored dog clubs that offer instructions at reasonable rates are available in most populated communities, Consult the training books at the library.  I wish you good luck with the problem.,   Dalmations are such joyful and clever dogs.   Regina   NJ

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Ok,  My pup is a year old.  She gets so excited when people come over to visit.  She has that full body wag, a happy little grunt, and she *jumps* on people, and ocaasionally *nips* people (out of excitement not aggression).  I have tried calming her down (she’s too wiggly).  No Luck. I have tried to ignore her until she sits.  No Luck.  I tried the old knee in the chest until I found out in theory it doesn’t work.  She is not mean, but just happy to see other people, but these people don’t like to come over anymore because of her.  After her initial excitement she is OK.  She has a thing for ears and watches. Please advise me on what to do because she does this to us, too. Jennifer Boyd Conroe, Tx

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> Ok,  My pup is a year old.  She gets so excited when people come over to > visit.  She has that full body wag, a happy little grunt, and she *jumps* > on people, and ocaasionally *nips* people (out of excitement not > aggression).  I have tried calming her down (she’s too wiggly).  No Luck. > I have tried to ignore her until she sits.  No Luck.  I tried the old > knee in the chest until I found out in theory it doesn’t work.  She is > not mean, but just happy to see other people, but these people don’t like > to come over anymore because of her.  After her initial excitement she is > OK.  She has a thing for ears and watches. > Please advise me on what to do because she does this to us, too.

     I have two Dalmatians, and have not found a way to deal with this, and have tried everything.  I did use the "knee in chest" to keep the dogs off me, which did work… but guests are a different story entirely.  I also make the dogs sit before I will pet them, so when I come home their butts fly up and down with a "look at me sitting" thing.  However, guests always start making cutesy noises to the dogs and such, which just makes them go hyper, jumping and running.  They run around the house like it is a racetrack.  They just have too much energy. Jeff

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