Charlie Jack Russel/Rat terrier

Question
I can not pet Charlie without him licking me.When I sit down he jumps on my lap , he tries to lick my face.All Charlie wants is to be loved. He is one of the sweetest dogs  I have had.He is very hyper, but not a mean bone in his body. I do not want to do anything to hurt him.How can I settle him down?  Thank you

Answer
Dorothy -

Charlie sounds like quite an excitable fellow, but he needs to "get a grip."

I know the exact thing you're speaking of because my jack russell, Connor, goes just completely haywire if he sees children, or old friends.

The name of the game in my experience is obedience.  Teaching him to sit quietly before he earns any privileges (which kissing you is).  I know I sometimes have to firmly push Connor away from me, make him sit still for a few seconds and then I release him to greet the person.  This usually helps him settle down long enough to still show how happy he is without being overwhelming.

So, here are my suggestions:

1.  Take him through an obedience class series. No matter what his age is, he will benefit a lot and learn how to handle all the stimulation better - and you will learn to understand how he thinks.

2.  Starting right away, every time he starts to lick, or jump and lick, I would pick him up and put him on the floor. You do not need to speak to him or make a big fuss out of it, just do it - and be prepared to do it over and over until he gets the idea.  This may be a little confusing for him at first because you have allowed him to act like that before and now he has to learn a new way - BUT, his feelings will not be hurt, and there is no need to grab him angrily or do any kind of hitting.

When my dogs want a treat, they know they have to sit quietly and take them gently or they don't get anything, and when I scoop their dinner, they have to sit by their bowls and not touch the dog food til I say it's OK.

I know that may sound mean, but it helps a lot and is a very good habit for them to be in for when they are around other people.

If he's hyper, he may also need more exercise in order to get his energy level down low enough for him to focus.

-Beth