Why Teach the Manners Game?

Just because a dog knows what’s polite around adults does not mean they will know what to do with kids. This game is important for all dogs, but especially dogs who share space with young kids. This game can be used to teach your dog to walk on a leash, come when called, or leave it. In this class we will use it to teach your dog to give people space.

Rules and boundaries are important to family dogs, but most pet parents aren’t sure how to teach them. Just like kids dog’s don’t just naturally understand manners, they have to be taught. It is more effective to show them how to behave than it is of scolding them for behaving the wrong way. The Manners Game takes you through all the steps of showing your dog how use their manners and give space.

This game is about setting boundaries by communicating clearly with your dog. Picture what you want from your dog, and click and treat every step it takes to get there. You will use clicks and treats to show our dog exactly what you expect from them.

Uses for the Manners Game

• Teach your dog not to jump on kids
• Stop pushy, mouthy, or overexcited behaviors
• Teach boundaries around kids in a way your dog understand
• Keep your dog out of play spaces or off of furniture
• Teach your dog not to take things from the kids

Playing the Game

The Basics:

Teach your dog to move close to you without touching you. The goal is to click and treat before your dog has the chance to jump or touch you.

1. Start in a quiet room. It works best if you are the most interesting thing to your dog while she is still learning the game.
2. Drop a treat on the ground and walk a few steps away. Your dog should come toward you after she eats the treat.
3. At first, click one or two steps in your direction. As she catches on, only click if she comes within arm’s length. Drop a treat and repeat.
4. If your dog comes too close or touches you, step away and try again.
5. Add difficulty by talking in a high pitched voice or moving more quickly. If your dog makes a mistake, go back to an easier step and try again.

Stop Jumping:

Use this game to teach your dog to stay calm, even when things get crazy.

1. Warm up with the basics.
2. Start saying “say hi,” or “give space,” right before your dog gets to you.
3. As your dog starts to understand that “say hi,” means stand near a person, you can add distractions. Start by petting your dog calmly.
4. Add bigger distractions: jump up and down, run, talk in a loud voice, or run away. Play this game at times your dog doesn’t give space.
5. Get down low like a kid – sit on the floor or on a low stool. Remember to toss your treats away and click before your dog gets close enough to jump.
6. If your dog jumps, mouths you, or does anything you don’t like, don’t give a treat. Go back to an easier step and gradually make it harder.

Try it with Objects

Think about what you don’t want your dog to be near. Your list may include: anywhere a baby is set down, garbage cans, kid’s bedrooms, or toy boxes. It works best to choose an easy object to start.

1. Throw a treat away a few steps away then set the object between you and your dog.
2. Click and treat the instant your dog sees the object. Click before she can touch the object just like how you taught the basics.
3. Move away from the object and try again.

Adding Other People:

Now that your dog can approach you while giving you space, you can practice giving other people space as well. If you have a baby or toddler, practice this game without the baby using a stroller, car seat, or bouncer.

1. Start with a neutral adult helper, and extra special treats. You may want your dog to be on leash. Click and treat when your dog looks at your helper.
2. Click and treat when your dog starts moving, but before he can get close to the helper.
3. Once your dog starts to understand, use your cue “say hi,” or “give space.”
4. Ask your adult helper to get down low and be a kid, then try again.
5. Now you are ready to try with real kids, starting during lower energy times.

Demo with Arlo:

In the video, I show how you can use this game to build your dog’s leash skills.

Using this game to practice NOT jumping:

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A post shared by Alaina • Dog Trainer for Families + Kids • Grand Rapids, MI (@scallywagsdogtraining)

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