What can you do with a young dog that climbs up on your lap, pawing at your face for attention? Teach him about your personal "bubble."
When your dog is moving toward you, click and toss a treat behind the dog. Repeat several times. Soon you will see your dog hesitate as he approaches. Good! Repeat the exercise until you see the dog slow down and pause. Perfect! Now, insert a "sit" or "down" cue when the dog pauses. Your dog's new default behavior will be to approach you to the edge of your bubble, pause, and sit or down—a new way to ask for your attention. Be sure to give your dog appropriate attention for such appropriate behavior!
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