The best way to teach a dog not to jump up on people is to withdraw attention when the dog jumps. Fold your arms, tucking your hands under, turning your back on the dog. Give the dog NO attention. Don’t yell or smack the dog as this usually only makes things worse. Never pet, speak to the dog or otherwise reinforce the behavior or you’ll keep it going and make it much more difficult to get stop. And EVERYONE needs to follow the program. With all training, CONSISTENCY is critical. Teach your dog that jumping on people loses the attention that he or she desires.

If your dog continues to jump on you while you’re turned away, you may need to remove yourself from his/her presence for a few minutes and try again. Do this by leaving the dog behind a baby gate or in a crate for a few minutes. Don’t make this “time out” too long as you want to give the dog a chance to associate losing the opportunity to interact with you to the jumping behavior. Don’t fuss. Just leave without a word. The message is, “You jump and people go away”!

At the same time, teach the dog to sit (or stand — whatever you prefer) whenever your pet wants to greet someone. (You may be satisfied as long as your dog has all 4 feet on the floor — and that’s OK!) Only pet, praise, etc., when your dog is in the desired position. Use treats as well to help reinforce the desired behavior. Never praise and pet if your dog doesn’t have all “4 on the floor”.

Remember, it will take time and consistency for your dog to learn any behavior, so keep working on it and use the same treatment for any relapses. It will work!



Last updated on February 24, 2011 by Marianne Ahern