3 Tactics to Stop Dog Jumping

Many people find dog jumping to be an annoying sign of improper training. Some people even find it frightening. When dogs are small puppies, jumping up is usually seen as charming, however, as dogs grow, jumping up can become bothersome, even dangerous, especially for children and the elderly. Jumping up is not an instinct or behavior that puppies are born with. It is people who teach jumping up by encouraging puppies to hop into their laps and then shower them with attention. You can reverse the behavior and teach your dog not to jump by using the following techniques.

Ignore a Dog When He Jumps

The first step to changing the jumping behavior is to ignore it. Attention of any kind is a positive interaction for a dog, even if you appear angry or say no. Negative attention such as shouting, pushing the dog away or forcefully grabbing the dog's paws, can actually encourage the dog to continue to jump up. If you touch your dog when he jumps up, he gets what he wants and will continue to get your attention in this way. Even looking at your dog rewards the behavior.

If your dog jumps up when you come home from work, do not greet him. Do not make eye contact. Do not talk to him. Simply act is if he is not there. Preoccupy yourself with household chores or some activity where you can direct your attention away from your dog. Keep busy for at least 10 minutes while continuing to ignore your dog. You may find your dog will calmly sit down or lose interest and wander off. If this happens, calmly call your dog to you and greet him. If your dog begins to jump, ignore him again.

Sit For Treats

Another tactic, in addition to ignoring your dog, is to reward good behavior. Keep a container of treats nearby and reward your dog when he sits. Never give treats when he is jumping. If he refused to sit, simply walk away, wait at least a minute, and ask him to sit again. Place a treat container outside your door and encourage any visitors do take a treat before entering your home. Your guests will need to ask your dog to sit and wait for the dog to do so before the treat is given. If your dog does not respond to your guest's command, ask your guest to ignore the dog and try again later. Many dogs become overly excited when guests arrive but having treats as an alternative reward to jumping will help your guests feel more comfortable while maintaining consistency in your dog's training.

Adhere to an Exercise Routine

Jumping up is primarily an attention seeking behavior but proper exercise is essential to managing high energy dogs. Make sure to take your dog on frequent walks and make time to play fetch or other dog friendly activities. In addition to exercising at home or in the neighborhood, consider an obedience or agility class. Classes provide a positive stimulus that not only helps with training, but may also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Understand that your dog's habit of jumping may continue for quite some time. The behavior is ingrained in dogs and it has always gotten the attention they seek. Being patient and consistent with your dog will give the both of you the greatest chance of success.