Stopping Your Dog Jumping Up

Dogs will jump. Many people think a small puppy jumping is adorable! But when that puppy is now seventy pounds (or even twenty pounds) of adult, the cuteness wears off.

The best way to teach a dog to stop something is not to let him do it in the first place. So, if you do not want puppy to jump as an adult, do not let him do it as a baby. Plus, jumping can be dangerous. A former colleague of mine had her hip broken when a dog jumped on her and knocked her down. Some people may mistake jumping for an attack and you could be in legal hot water. Jumping muddies clothes and tears stockings. Jumping is not a good habit. Also, allowing puppies to jump can injure growing joints.

Jumping on you:

When puppy or dog starts to jump you are going to freeze and give NO attention at all. Some dogs do not care if the attention they get is positive or negative. They just want attention of any sort. So you will give no attention at all for this action. When the jump happens, turn to the side (smaller target) and do not make eye contact, touch or say anything. The dog is invisible. When all four feet are on the ground, wait a moment to see if he remains off and then CALMLY say “good.” (An excited tone will rev the dog up; you want him calm so you remain calm).

If he starts to jump again, immediately freeze and turn off to the dog. If he wants attention, he has to keep all four feet on the floor. You can reinforce the desired behavior with a small treat when his feet are on the floor. Gradually increase the amount of time his feet remain off you before you “notice” him.

Dogs like physical security – and this means feeling balanced when on something. With larger dogs, just walk forward as the jump begins. Do not go backwards as this is a retreat and can encourage a jump. Just take a step forward so the dog cannot get balanced, this will force him to put his feet on the ground.

There is no kneeing, no yelling, no toe pinching, nothing punitive, just the dog will not be allowed to gain purchase on your body. Aside from that, you are ignoring him. When all four feet are on the ground, the dog gets gentle praise and calm attention. With smaller dogs or puppies, slide a leg forward; a step could end up with a smaller critter under your foot. Or with any size dog, lean towards the jump so the dog cannot balance.

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