Speech Impaired Handler

[clwydcelt]

Has anyone any ideas for stopping a hyperactive Kelpie pup jumping at and mouthing anyone who gets near enough. His owner is an 80 old frail old man who cannot speak due to cancer. i have baeen asked to help. So far we have taught the dog to respond to a loud sqeaky toy (a clicker isn't loud enough and the old man can't blow a whistle type aid.) The pup will come to the squeak and sit for a treat. He will stay for a few seconds and will drop. We are using hand signals as well as the squeaky noise and food. I have to get the pup's understanding of what is required eac h lesson as the old man is very limited in practicing due to his frailty. I am trying the Sit still for a pat when 'visitors' approach the pup with the visitor turning his back if the dog tries to jump at him. If this doesn't work i thought a spray water bottle may be an option if it isn't too cruel. I live a 25k journey from the old man and can only managed to help him once a week. Any ideas would be appreciated. M

[Poodle wrangler]

A spray water bottle isn't cruel IMO. As long as the kelpie doesn't LIKE water, should be effective . One of my dogs would think it was a great game.

No jumping is important as older people don't bounce back as well, they break bones . Balance can be a huge problem.

[clwydcelt]

Has anyone any ideas for stopping a hyperactive Kelpie pup jumping at and mouthing anyone who gets near enough. His owner is an 80 old frail old man who cannot speak due to cancer. i have baeen asked to help. So far we have taught the dog to respond to a loud sqeaky toy (a clicker isn't loud enough and the old man can't blow a whistle type aid.) The pup will come to the squeak and sit for a treat. He will stay for a few seconds and will drop. We are using hand signals as well as the squeaky noise and food. I have to get the pup's understanding of what is required eac h lesson as the old man is very limited in practicing due to his frailty. I am trying the Sit still for a pat when 'visitors' approach the pup with the visitor turning his back if the dog tries to jump at him. If this doesn't work i thought a spray water bottle may be an option if it isn't too cruel. I live a 25k journey from the old man and can only managed to help him once a week. Any ideas would be appreciated. M

Thanks for your reply. We had another lesson today. I had a helper who was very good when we practiced Sit for a pat. The pup learns quickly and tries once he knows what i want him to do. I will keep the water squirt as backup. I don't know whether or not the pup likes water!! One of my dogs would think it a great game but the other one would curl up in fright! M