08/25/2026
Dottie is what we might call an "excited greeter." She loves getting attention, but doesn't always know how to ask for it appropriately or calmly. When I first started working with Dottie I couldn't sit down anywhere near her or I'd end up getting an ear and teeth cleaning I didn't ask for 🤣. Now Dottie can snuggle up close and ask me for touch by making eye contact. How'd I teach that?
1. Taught Dottie to make eye contact while sitting on the floor with me standing, for treats not pets. (If you want my handout for how to teach this DM me or comment below)
2. Practiced that skill with Dottie sitting on the couch and me standing, then started swapping out calm petting instead of treats
3. Practiced with me sitting on the couch and Dottie laying on the floor where jumping on me was less likely
4. Practiced with Dottie on the couch and me sitting an arms length away
5. Slowly worked on moving closer
Throughout this process Dottie learned she's got an alternate way to ask me for pets and attention by just making eye contact, so all the jumping and licking isn't needed, and this is actually a lot nicer for her (and me too!).
