One of the most annoying habits a dog can pick up is jumping up on people who don’t want to be jumped on. Unfortunately, many dogs in shelter situations are craving attention, and for them, jumping up on people is a great way to get that attention, even if it is negative attention. Many shelter dogs are in the shelter simply because of their jumping habit; their owners simply did not know how to put a stop to this unwanted behavior.
Traditionally, trainers have encouraged owners and handlers to push the dog off with an aggressive shove, or even knee them in the chest (or chin, if it’s a small dog). However, even this type of “attention” can serve as a reward for an attention-starved dog (not to mention HURT the dog), and soon, the pushing and kneeing can become a game or a reward for jumping.
Many people will also absent-mindedly rub or pet a dog when it jumps up on them; if you’re guilty of this, you are also guilty of rewarding and therefore perpetuating this behavior
So, what should you do? What CAN you do? Really, it’s very simple. Depending on the dog, it can take one lesson or several, BUT if you stick with it, you CAN teach your dog not to jump. “OFF!” (as opposed to “DOWN” or “GET DOWN”, which can confuse the dog if he’s been taught or will be taught to LIE DOWN), is a simple correction you can use whenever the dog jumps on people, furniture, whatever. When the dog jumps up on furniture he is not allowed to jump on, clap your hands or click your fingers, give a loud, firm “OFF!”, and if you need to, gently lead him off by the collar or training lead
(Do NOT attempt this with a dominant or aggressive dog, as you may be bitten). When the dog jumps on you, put your hands behind your back (remember, he’s trying to get at your hands for attention), back away or turn your back to the dog and say “OFF!”
As SOON as all 4 paws are back on the floor, praise him for this show them that this is where you want him to be. If he refuses to get off, give a correction – “NO” – followed by a repeat of the command – “OFF!”, and continue to back away. Repeat both the correction and the command as necessary, and most importantly, TOUCHING THE DOG is important but only small touches with the end of your fingers while he is jumping. Instruct everyone who comes into contact with the dog to do the same, as consistency is the key to helping your dog learn this important command.
The use of a training collar and lead or slip collar – will assist you in teaching this command.
Never hit the dog when he jumps on you! This may encourage aggressive behavior.
If you actually like your dog to jump up on you on occasion, it can also be useful to teach “UP!”, rewarding him when he jumps only on command. This will also provide opportunities to teach and practice “OFF!”
I hope this article will help you stop your dog from jumping up. However if you require further help please don't hesitate to contact me.
