dangerously obsessively affectionate

fro the time being Megan might want to wear long sleeved clothing, you really do not want to get into all that "cutting yourself" thing again and people at schools could be difficult to deal with...
I might suggest cheerful time outs- once Jake gets too pawsy -"opps" it is your time out and leash or teether him for 2 minutes
 
SheepOfBlue said:
You might also put it to Megan that he really likes you but he needs help so he doesn't get in trouble. This is true but reinforces that she is the good guy here and doing the right thing despite the teasing she got at school. Combine that with the training advice and you could get a win :cool:
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I agree, Megan has so much to gain by feeling as if she is helping Jake. What wonderful therapy for her and if i read right that was your objective to start with. Sounds like there is a real connection there and a very interesting one as well.. I think with consistancy the scratching can be stopped with by the methods that have been suggested and there is always the clicker too. I am so happy to hear that things in Megan's life are turning around, sounds like you are an awesome parent. Please keep us updated on the prgress
 
SheltieChe said:
fro the time being Megan might want to wear long sleeved clothing, you really do not want to get into all that "cutting yourself" thing again and people at schools could be difficult to deal with...
I might suggest cheerful time outs- once Jake gets too pawsy -"opps" it is your time out and leash or teether him for 2 minutes
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I respectfully disagree. As a high school teacher, I have had experience with several cases like this. If I knew of a student who had a history of cutting and the student started wearing long sleeve shirts with summer coming on, I would have to report this to the parents and guidance counselors. You may consider come neosporin on the scrapes and a quick email to the teachers about history, progress, current issues (dog included), and anything to look out for. I have appreciated every time I get clued in on a student's issues, no matter what they are. Then again, I'm the kind of teacher many students confide in and seek out for advice. I'm not trying to tell you what to do, just let you know that it might nip the problem in the bud at that higher level while you sort this out at home.
 
Deska does this and also nudges me with his nose for a pat. But he has learnt to 'soft paw'. Its a shame because it does mean he really, really loves Megan.

I agree with Rachael - as soon as he paws stand up and move away without saying anything to him. It would also help if you teach him an alternative behaviour. Atm all he knows is pawing gets attention. Tully drives me nuts with her licking so I taught her to rub me with her head to get my attention instead, she still does lick sometimes but I pull my hands away and ignore her until she gives me the appropriate behaviour.

Perhaps Megan could teach Jake to put his paw up (like he wants to shake hands). I've seen other people's dogs do this or beg and it is so cute! It is pretty easy to do - teach him first to put his paw up and then whenever he does it Megan gives him lots off attention and cheers, it shouldnt take long for him to work out that behaviour gets him attention from Megan and he will start trying it by himself to get attention. When he starts doing it on his own give him lots of attention at first just to reinforce. And walk off any time he paws.
 
megan is in 8th grade and long sleeves would be unbearable towards the end of May since her school doesn't have A/C. I have recommended to her that she may want to wear a hoodie when Jake is around her. Her cutting was last summer so the school isn't aware of it so I am not going to bring it up to them either. I don't want them to be watching her every move.

If we are consistent, any idea how long this might take?
 
No idea how long it will take, but it shouldnt be too long. Stanley Coren says shelties take six repetitions to pick something up. So as a general rule of thumb I figure if they haven't got it after around a dozen repetitions then you need to adapt your approach. The important thing is to be absolutely consistent with your reaction, so Jake can link the action (scratching) with the result (eg withdrawal of attention). Everyone in the house needs to use the same approach to ensure he picks it up quickly.
 
Lynne said:
megan is in 8th grade and long sleeves would be unbearable towards the end of May since her school doesn't have A/C. I have recommended to her that she may want to wear a hoodie when Jake is around her. Her cutting was last summer so the school isn't aware of it so I am not going to bring it up to them either. I don't want them to be watching her every move.

If we are consistent, any idea how long this might take?
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Oh, I was under the impression that the school knew of the circumstances. I wouldn't tell them either. I stand by my neosporin comment, though! I can't tell you how many puppy scratches I have and even then, my students will make the sideways comment about being "emo." Sigh.

For the behavior, I agree with everything everyone has said. I especially like the $20 for clapping analogy. Shelties are VERY smart. With my new rescue, I taught her Down from a 5 foot distance by hand feeding and clicking her only two dinners. We started out really slow (she had never been trained by a clicker and only knew Sit without the hand signal), with me shaping behavior that even resembled crouching. When she finally laid down, I made a big point of loving her and going crazy with happiness. I pulled the lure after a few times (had to pretend like I had a treat the first couple times) and gave her better rewards (more kibble) for the more advanced things (like downing at just the hand signal). Point is: it shouldn't be all negative. Find a way that your pup AND Megan can enjoy it. This might take some creative thinking.
 
Not sure as I bet it varies by dog and trainer. Sca picks things up pretty quick unless I am being inconsistent. Of course if it involves climbing on something I have just given up :cry:

I would think that with a bit of technique he would pick it up super fast. Since she is his favorite buddy he will be eager to please her.

Good luck to you Megan.
 
I should have clarified that I suggest wearing lightweight long sleeved clothing around the house while the problem with dog jumping exists. We can't really blame schools officials for reporting any inconsistent activity with the children although in my line of work I have seen over and over again as things which should have left alone and would have died due to the lack of fire keep burning because people do not have common sense and act because they "obligated"...
We also have a problem with Che being overly eager to meet and greet everyone, walking him on the cement walk for little bit everyday takes care of sharpness of his nails, I do trim them myself, but he does not have enough patience for me filing the sharp edges....
totally agree with others- consistency from every member of the family, even the ones your pup might be seeing only once a week is the key and I am slightly lacking it...
 
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