My puppy is a social butterfly

Question
Hi Renee, I have a puppy which is a cross between a Shih-tzu and a Bichon.  She's met other dogs, people, kids and I've taken her to pet stores and other places.  However, she jumps on people and goes nuts.  I try to tell her to sit even before she starts jumping but she doesn't listen.  I've even taken her to puppy socials so she can get used to other dogs and people but she kept straining on her leash and other people were looking at her as if she was going to attack the other dogs.  Which she wouldn't do, she just wants to meet them.  I love that she is friendly but she can't possibly meet everybody and can't be freaking out every single time she sees someone or another dog. Plus it's hard to control her during her obedience classes.  Do you have any suggestions?  

Answer
Melissa, Thanks for allowing me to answer your question. Though I am not a trainer, I'll try my best.

First of all, good for you for getting her in obedience classes!!!!!

Since she is taking "lessons", does she understand and perform a solid sit or sit/stay yet? If she does, it should make your job easier because at least she understands what you are asking of her. If not, then it's a bit more of a challenge.

My first suggestion would be, instead of YOU asking her to sit, have the other person ask her to sit (and perhaps offer a reward) BEFORE they pet/interact with her. I think her excitement take a hold of her and she has a hard time containing herself. I like the way Cesar says it; Calm-submissive. What does your obedience instructor say about it??? Have you asked his/her advice? This is something they should be helping you with. After all, it IS obedience class.

I think you are going to need to be very strict with her as she is DEMANDING to do as she pleases. I would recommend you do some research in the NILIF (nothing in life is free) training method (just google it). This will really make her sit up and take notice that she will have to EARN everything. Also, there are some really GREAT books on training. A few authors you might want to look at are:
Suzanne Clothier, Patricia McConnell, Cesar Milan, Brian Kilcommons, Monks of New Skeet, just to name a few. Any of these professionals would be a great resource and each has a slightly different technique.

I hope that some of my ramblings have given you some ideas and that maybe it will help with your "bouncy, bubbly, Shih-chion (or Bich-tzu) :)