We have all had a dog jump up on us. Sometimes it may not be a big deal and can even be affectionate, but on other occasions it can be aggravating especially if we are wearing nice clothes or if there is a young child around.
The real key to teaching your dog to stop the behavior is for every member of the family to agree they want it to stop. Everyone must be working together and consistently show your dog what it is you want it to do instead.
To start the training process you should ask your dog to sit and give it a special treat that is only given during training sessions. Once your dog will reliably sit on command you can enter the house and ask your pet to sit. Only reward your pet with a treat when he/she is calmly sitting. That will teach your pet how you want to be greeted. You can then reach down and pet your dog when it is sitting. You can alternatively teach your dog to lie down and roll over for a tummy rub as another acceptable greeting. Remember to use rewards when the desired response is achieved.
If you are having problems during the training session you can use a loud, abrupt noise, such as a shake can or horn. Don’t use any method that involves a physical correction or discomfort, such as stepping on toes, kneeing the chest, pinching paws, alpha rolls, etc. Once you get your pet’s attention, you should then show it how you want to be greeted instead.
If your pet is incorrigible about jumping up on visitors, you will need to set up a training session that involves a series of repeated greetings using a friend for help. You can ask your friend to knock or ring the bell and then enter your home. When your dog jumps up, immediately say ‘no’ and provide a sharp noise that will quickly interrupt the behavior without eliciting any fear or anxiety. You can alternatively put on a head halter (such as a Gentle Leader) and leash shortly before your friend comes over. That can be used to control your pet from jumping up. . Anytime he/she jumps up, interrupt it and have it sit instead. Only once your dog is calmly sitting, you can reward it with a very tasty treat. You should practice over several days until your pet is sitting down properly immediately at least twice as often as it has to be interrupted.
Everyone will need be patient and continue to practice it until it becomes second nature for your pet to greet you in another fashion other than jumping up. All family members should practice with their pet and reward when their pet is greeting properly. Your pet will quickly understand what the accepted greeting is and enjoy being rewarded for good behavior.
