Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Senior Director of Animal Behavior, Foster & Rescue. Ashley studied under the Council of Certified Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), is CPDT-KA certified and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certified. She also earned certification for Behavior Pharmacology and Separation Anxiety through Heartland Positive Dog Training Alliance (HPDTA) Training. Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent Magazine.
Fence Jumping Fiasco
Our dog, Jax, is a terrier mix, probably 27 pounds. He’s small, but can jump our five-foot fence and does so when he sees another dog. Currently, we take him out on leash into the backyard, but I am curious if you have any advice on how we can get him to stop jumping the fence. – Raja
There are rollers and piping you can put on top of your fence to cause him to fall back into the fenced yard if you’re interested in a quick, non-training method. As for training, you can teach Jax the “come” command and practice recall. Use this command whenever he goes near the fence. If he does not pay attention to you when using the command, put him on a long lead/leash and train him to come when called by using the lead to bring him back to you. Most dogs jump fences because they’re bored, so limiting his time outside or making sure his time outside is meaningful and fun may help. Staying in the yard with him to redirect him from jumping the fence until he is trained is a must for his safety. I also recommend training the “leave it” command and using it when he sees other dogs outside the fence. Once you’re able to redirect him from the dogs outside the fence and to come to you, you’re well on your way to getting him to stop jumping the fence. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
Does My Dog Need A New Friend?
We have a 14-year-old Aussie that lost her friend last year. We’re torn between getting her a new friend and letting her be the one who gets all the attention. She doesn’t seem to mourn the loss of her friend so how do we know what to do? – Terry
I am so sorry for the loss of your pet for you and your Aussie. This is difficult for me to answer since I don’t know your dog, but I would assess how she responds to other pets. If she seems to light up and wants to play, consider getting another pet. If she seems uninterested in being around other pets, then I think you may have your answer. I recommend trying her with other pets and letting her tell you what she thinks. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
What’s In A Word?
I am wondering how to re-establish the meaning of words. My mother has completely diminished the meaning of “No,” “Yes,” and “Good girl” with our two dogs—one is four years and the other is six months. I started training the puppy, but my mother and I used different methods and now the puppy is not potty trained and doesn’t listen. There are many areas of concern, but I think re-establishing the meaning of those words will help to create a good foundation. – Hailey
You can re-establish words with dogs because dogs are associative learners which means they learn in patterns. However, you must create a new pattern with each word and make those words mean something. If you don’t have consistency in the home, you may find it difficult to do. I recommend having a family meeting with everyone in the home to discuss the expectations for the pet and if everyone can abide by them, you are on your way to success. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent Magazine! For anyone interested in a Behavior Class or Consulation, our expert Behavior Team can work with you to help resolve any behavioral challenges you are experiencing with your pet. CLICK HERE for more information and registration.