Location: Overland Park, KS

Dog: Cooper (breed not specified)

Program: Obedience Training

Cooper’s jumping was out of control – he’d knock over guests, especially elderly visitors. We were embarrassed and worried about liability. Training him to sit for greetings changed everything. Now he excitedly greets people with all four paws on the ground, and visitors feel safe entering our home. The breakthrough was teaching Cooper an alternative behavior that was just as rewarding as jumping. Benny showed us the place command and impulse control exercises that gave Cooper a clear job during greetings. Instead of jumping to get attention, Cooper learned to sit calmly and wait for permission to greet. The transformation took about five weeks of consistent practice, but it was worth every minute. Cooper still gets excited when people arrive, but now that excitement is expressed appropriately. He rushes to his place, sits, and waits for the release before calmly greeting visitors. Our elderly neighbors can now visit without fear, and we’re no longer anxious about having guests. For dogs with jumping problems, especially larger dogs who can hurt people, teaching an alternative behavior is crucial. Cooper learned that calm behavior gets him what he wants – attention and affection – without the chaos.”