Obedience/Behavior

Question
Hello!  We have a German Shorthair Pointer who will be 4 years old next month.  We absolutely think he is the most intelligent, loving, entertaining, and fun-loving dog in the world.  We just have a couple of problems with him.  I know that the breed is pretty high strung, and he has improved a great deal over the past year.  However, he still gets overly excited when we have guests over...to the extent that he jumps up into their face when they come into the door, or rears up and puts his paws onto their chest to greet them.  Of course, I'd like him to greet them calmly, but I'm not sure if we would be asking too much of his breed to do that.  

He's inside the house most of the time, and I know that we need to start exercising him more.  We have a long house, and he loves to rip and tear around the house, especially when he comes in from outside.  I know that we need to be giving him more exercise...would that help with the excitability?  It's to the point that if someone rings the doorbell, we have to wrestle him into a bedroom before we can open the door.  Once they are inside with him, he calms down after about 5 minutes.  But, those 5 minutes are miserable for all of us, including Remi.

Also, when he is off his lead line outside, he wants to sniff and follow various scents around in the yard, and won't come when he is called.  What is the best way to get him to come on command?

I have had him in basic dog training, and he learns quite quickly...I know that I need to be working with him on a regular basis if we want him to lead and walk politely on a leash.  With him (and probably his breed), he doesn't want to walk for exercise...he wants to explore and sniff...and pull on the leash.  I can tell he's happy when he is in the lead position, etc....almost like it's a game or trick he has learned.

Thanks for listening...any ideas you can offer would be helpful.  We love the breed, and can't imagine life without him....also...is he too old to train as a hunter?

Thanks again!  Teresa

Answer
Hi Teresa-
It sounds like Remi knows who's the head of the household, but is testing you constantly.  In order for him to stop jumping on people, you need to make it firm in his head that your the alpha (or the other family members).  This breed is able to learn and adhere to just about any command you teach them.  Many people teach their dog to sit when someone comes to the door, and then they get a treat.  That meaning anyone...you, other members in the house, guests.  Other people break the jumping habit with a swift knee to his chest a few times.  It feels like someone hitting you in your diaphram, doesn't take long to learn not to jump.  

Exercising him more will help control his excitement...a tired dog is a happy dog.  They need at least a hour of time each day to somewhat wear them down.  He should be able to walk on a leash without any issues.  If he pulls too hard, you can always put what's called a "half-hitch" on him.  This is done by taking his leash and wrapping it under his belly and through the top of the leash over his back.  When it's done, it should look like the leash is twisted around his abdomen area.  If you don't understand what I mean, send me a personal email and I'll send you a picture of it back....country-side@itol.com .  What happens then is every time he pulls, he's tightening the leash around his abdomen.  When he slows down, it loosens up.  It's all self-promoted training on his part.  Works like a charm.

Teaching him to come is a matter of reptition.  Start with a long leash or rope, at least 20 feet long.  Put it on him and let him do as he normally does.  When you call him and he doesn't come (always use the same command and keep it short, such as: Remi come!), pull the cord in while telling him the command.  It may take a few weeks, but he'll learn it.  Just make sure you stay consistent with the command or you'll confuse him and he won't listen.  Also, don't run sessions for more than 10 or 15 minutes.  You want to end on a positive note and not when he's tired of doing it.

As for training him for hunting...the old saying of "You can't teach a dog new tricks" is a myth.  If he's got the breeding in him, you can teach him to hunt at any age.  It may take longer than training a pup, but it can be done.  I would strongly suggest taking him to a professional trainer if you're going to have it done.  Unless you know what you're doing, it can be difficult with an older dog.

If you have any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate to get in touch with me again.

Good luck!
Patty Lemke
Country-Side Breeders
www.country-sidebreeders.com