Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

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Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Director of Animal Behavior & Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

“Dear Ashley – I adopted Bella a few months ago and she is such a fabulous dog. Everything is wonderful…Except that she won’t stop jumping on visitors when they come to the house which is a big deal since our parents are older. Please help!!”   - Amara, KCMO

“Hi Amara – This is a common question. Dogs jump on us to get our attention and are less likely to jump when we greet them in a calm and quiet manner. If your dog jumps on you, then turn around and ignore the behavior. If your dog runs around you and jumps again, then turn around again and make sure you’re not facing her. Keep doing this until your dog gets bored of this little game. Once Bella sits, then praise her for the behavior and repeat until the dog stops jumping. Give Bella hugs from us at the shelter!” - Ashley, CPDT-KA

“Dear Ashley – I adopted Roscoe, a Jack Russell Terrier, and he just won’t stop barking at everything. I knew that terriers were vocal, but we sure need some help since it’s driving our neighbor’s crazy.” - Hudson, Lee’s Summit, MO

“Hi Hudson – Dogs use barking as a way to communicate. If a dog is barking because they’re afraid, then we need to respond in a way that will create a safe space for them. If the dog is barking for our attention, do not yell or get angry because that will just excite them even more. Tell the dog to be quiet. Once the dog becomes quiet even for a second, reward the behavior and repeat. Making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation will also help him from becoming bored and barking for your attention. Good luck to you and Roscoe!” - Ashley, CPDT-KA

“Dear Ashley – We got our dog from a family member that couldn’t care for her any longer. Her name is Jasmine, and she is full of energy, but she won’t stop pulling. Any tips?” - Angela, Roeland Park

"Dear Angela – I would recommend the 180-degree method. Once Jasmine starts pulling, turn 180 degrees and walk in the opposite direction, teaching her that whenever she pulls for something, she loses the privilege to check it out. You will go back and forth frequently on your street in the beginning and your neighbors might look at you a little funny, but if you hang in there, it’s quite successful even with the most stubborn of dogs.” - Ashley, CPDT-KA

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

Great Plains SPCA

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202

(913) 831-7722(SPCA)

https://www.greatplainsspca.org