Dog (jumping)

Question
I just had a shithzu dog of one year of age given to me by my son. The dog jumps a lot on people.  How do I get him to stop?

Answer
Hi Gary,

Walk forward as your dog begins to jump. Do not go back wards as this is a retreat and can encourage a jump. Just take a step forward so your dog cannot get balanced, this will force him to put his feet on the ground.

There is no kneeing, no yelling, no toe pinching, nothing punitive, just the dog will not be allowed to gain purchase on your body.  

Aside from that, you are ignoring him. When all four feet are on the ground, the dog gets gentle praise and calm attention.

Soon your dog will learn that proper manners increase the chance of a desired reaction or any reaction.  The dog is learning self-discipline in order to get what is desired (attention).  

You need to be consistent with dogs; it's counterproductive to discourage your dog from jumping on you or others, while allowing him to jump on you and lick your face.
Command your dog to sit if he knows the command, and don't touch him until he does. Again, be consistent.

When family or visitors enter the house and begin exhibiting affection and excitement this only causes the dog to become more excited and likely to jump. Using a leash when there are visitors in the house is another very good way of controlling your dogs desire to jump. Simply put your foot on the leash so that he can not jump. Every time your dog jumps on someone you are allowing that behavior to become reinforced. If you want him to learn the new behavior you must provide both training for the new and behavior control for the old. Keep the leash handy at all times and put your dog on it before visitors arrive.
While out walking with your dog, always remember to keep your foot on your dog's leash if you stop to talk with someone or if you're in a store. The less opportunities your dog has to reinforce jumping the sooner he will learn that it is more rewarding not to jump.


You can read more about training your dog not to jump up here:

http://www.doggy-training.com/Training-Dog-To-Not-Jump-On-People.html

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/Training-a-Puppy-Not-to-Jump-on-Y...


Best of luck,
Patti