training??

Question
Hi Anne, I have a 1yr old american bull dog mix that weights almost a hundred pounds. Which I walk about every day. He likes to jump up on me  and now he also bites me . How do I stop these bad behaviors.

Answer
Dogs jump up to get attention, or to greet (that's because dogs sniff one another's faces when they greet, and he is just trying to reach yours).  Either way, a 100 pound dog jumping on humans is dangerous, and I don't blame you for wanting it to stop.  It's hard once the habit is confirmed, and takes time, but you can do it if you stick to it.  The key is that the dog must not receive ANY attention for jumping.  Thus, you would not make eye contact, speak to him, or physically restrain him.  Simply be silent, and turn away, or leave the area (sometimes closets or bathrooms come in handy lol).  There's another problem - this training works, but everyone in the dog's life must practice the same system, AND be persistent about it.  Only when the dog is relaxed and either standing with all four feet on the floor, or sitting, does he get any attention at all.  That attention becomes his reward for respecting you by not jumping.
If he is biting you, his "demanding" behavior is escalating - think of a person snapping their fingers trying to get the attention of a servant;-)  This type of dog does better with a training system based on positive training, but with a definite NILIF component (nothing in life is free).  You can Google on that term and much information will pop up, but the basic idea is that you train the dog some skills (sit, lie down, wait/stay, leave it, come, etc.), then you make the dog perform such behaviors as a way of requesting permission for what he wants.  Example: dog wants to go out - you say, "Sit".  Only if he sits do you open the door.  American Bulldogs can be strong willed, but they are dedicated to owners they respect and can be trained.  There are some free lessons at www.clickerlessons.com if you don't have a good positive trainer nearby to help you.  Changing this behavior is all about changing the dynamic between you to one where he respects your benevolent leadership.  Great little inexpensive book on that subject - "How to be the Leader of the Pack and Have Your Dog Love You for It" by Patricia McConnell.