My Bichon and my other little mixed breed agot excited whenever company came over --- and would bother them until -- the company bent over and petted them and said hello to them. Then the dogs were happy and went off to do something else. I thought it was cute that they wanted to be said hello to also.
I don't think dogs should be allowed to jump on and bother people. I know it's cute, but only to a point. It really is bad "dog manners" ... (especially for larger dogs.)
I think that dogs should be discouraged from doing this - you should put your hand over their head and tell them to "stay down." If they continue to jump, bend over and hold them "down" (again and again). Have everyone do this...until they learn to stay down. Be polite and firm and consistent.
Of course - your dog can be "invited" to jump on the sofa beside you or sit in your lap and play with you. But this is done at your request with your permission - and is a lot of fun for everyone.
I took my pup to a training class - You'd never guess what the trainer said about "little dogs." He said this does not always happen, but unfortunately, they are often talked to in baby talk, treated like little children (and not like the wonderful little dogs that they are). They are overprotected, often undersocialized, and rarely trained or made to behave as a larger dog would be expected to do. He said that small dogs are generally more spoiled and much worse behaving than larger dogs. (He has a daschund and a poodle and favors small dogs for himself and his family - so, he certainly is not prejudiced against smaller dogs.) He said the purpose of training our dogs is to make everyone's life as enjoyable as possible ..... and healthier and safer too.
I am working on training my little guy and my other dog too. I can't believe how quickly they learn. In only two days, they have learned, "If you want a treat, you'll have to go in the kitchen and sit down." Sounds like a mouthful, but they have both got it down pat. I think they enjoy it too.
Carol Jean |