Try it the next time some overly enthusiastic dog begins a charge for your lap when you’re trying to relax in your chair. Long before she gets to you, tuck your hands into your belly and lean forward to block her with your shoulder or elbow, sitting right back up after the dog has moved backward. Most dogs won’t give up right away: they’ll try again a few times. After all, they’ve probably been rewarded for crawling up into someone’s lap, even if it’s just with attention, for a long time. It also helps to turn your head away. (We’ll talk about the importance of “look aways” later in the
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