How to Prevent Dogs from Jumping up on People

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Most puppies and many dogs have the habit of jumping up on people. This is actually their away of greeting people, and trying to reach the individual’s face. For puppies, the facial area is the chief point of contact between them and other dogs or people.

Dogs that jump up on people are annoying; jumping up can also cause injury, especially when children are involved. Although you might not mind your dog jumping up on you in greeting, it would be unfair and confusing to allow your dog to jump up on you, but then punish him for jumping on others. A steadfast rule of no jumping, then, should apply.

To correct jumping, be firm and consistent but show no anger. A raised knee when the dog jumps and a firm “No jump!” can be most effective in training an adult dog not to jump.

If this method fails to work, try holding the palm of your hand out so that when the dog jumps up he will bump his nose against it. At the same time command in a loud voice “Down!” Dogs have very sensitive noses and will not purposely risk many such bumps.

How to Teach a Puppy Not to Jump up on People

The Monks of New Skete Monastery, Cambridge, New York, have been breeding, raising, and training dogs for more than thirty years. When it comes to training a puppy not to jump up, they suggest kneeling and putting the palm of your hand flat out in front of the puppy’s face when you sense he is about to jump. This effectively blocks the jump; it also disposes him to respond to a sit command.

To give your puppy an alternative to jumping up when greeting you, crouch down to his level when he runs to greet you; guide him into a sitting position. Pet him and talk to him in greeting, telling him “Good boy.”

To break a puppy of the jumping habit when greeting guests, practice bringing him up to people while on a leash. Lead him into a sit-stay several feet before reaching the person. Then have the individual approach. If the pup tries to jump toward the person, give the leash a quick jerk and order “No jump!”

Repeat the process until your puppy learns not to jump. Be firm but encouraging, and offer praise when he doesn’t jump. Of course, this procedure is effective only if the puppy already knows the commands “Sit” and “Stay.”

Teaching a dog not to bite, bark, or jump isn’t all that difficult. It just takes a firm but understanding hand, and a commitment to consistency. Every dog should and can be a joy to be around.

Read part one on excessive barking and part two on biting of this three part series on canine behavior problems.

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