When a puppy jumps on you, it is really cute but eventually, that puppy will grow into a 100lb dog and it becomes less cute and more of a problem. A dog jumping can be frustrating for both you and your guest. However, it is not too late to try and fix this behavior. Here are some tips to try and nip jumping in the behind.
Remove Opportunity
While you are training your dog not to jump, remove them from the room when a guest arrives. Put them in their crate or a different room so they are unable to jump on the guests at all. Another option is to put your dog on a leash. When your dog finally settles down, ask your guest to slowly approach them calmly.
Use toys and treats as a way to distract them
If someone is coming to the door briefly, throwing a few toys or treats may distract them long enough to answer the door.
Use the sit command.
If your dog already knows this command and it puts them in a position where they can’t jump. Saying phrases like “get off” or “down” may not work as you planned. Your dog may begin to associate that command as an invitation to jump or get more excited. Using stern tones or pushing them off may also evoke the same response.
If your dog is jumping on you, ask them to “sit”, once your dog is seated slowly approach them, if your dog stands up or goes to jump. Ignore them, back away and ask them to sit again. Keep doing this until your dog stays seated while you greet them. If you are being proactive and training your puppy, the AKC has great tips on how to train your puppy to sit.
Reward them
Reward them for doing what you asked and ignore them when they do not. If your dog only does half the command you have asked of them, do not give a reward or praise. When they are seated, go in with a quiet and gentle tone and slowly approach them. If they jump up again restart the process.
Train as a Team
Make sure everyone in your household is onboard. Keep the messaging consistent for your dog, no matter who is home.
Stop Dog Jumping at the door
If your dog is jumping at the door when you come home try doing this exercise to get them to greet you calmly. First you will open your door partially, if your dog is there jumping at the door, close it and wait 30 seconds before opening it part-way again. If they are still excited, keep repeating this until your dog is calm and you are able to enter your house.
Ignore them!
Do not give your dog the attention they are seeking. Turn your back away from your dog or walk away. While doing this you must command your dog to do an alternative command like “sit”. If you miss this step then your dog might think “in order to get their attention, I need to get louder and more aggressive”
Take these 7 tips and start training your dog to stop jumping today!