How Can I Teach My Dog Not To Jump Up When Greeting People?

Do you withhold your attention when your dog jumps on you?

Do you reward your dog's good behavior?

Do you practice training your dog not to jump?

Did you teach your dog to sit?

Did you include other people to help you with training?

The first part of teaching a dog not to jump up involves withholding your attention. As soon as your dog jumps up, turn your back. Cross your arms over your chest and don't make a sound. If the dog runs around to jump up again, turn the other way. Wait for the dog to stop jumping.

When you're working on preventing unwanted jumping, it can really help to keep some treats with you. As soon as your dog is standing in front of you with all four paws on the ground, toss it a treat. Praise your dog as well, but keep things low key. Too much excitement and attention from you may stimulate another round of jumping.

It helps if you can set up situations to practice with your dog. For instance, if the jumping occurs most often when you come home after work, spend a few minutes several times a day coming and going. Don't make a big fuss over your dog and step back outside if it jumps up. Offer a reward anytime all four feet are simultaneously on the floor.

Once your dog can keep four paws on the floor for a few seconds or more, start asking it to sit. Walk into a room or through the front door and give the command "sit." As soon as the dog sits, offer a treat. Practice this over several training sessions. With plenty of repetitions, your dog will start sitting as soon as you walk through the door or enter the room.

You are doing a good job in training your dog not to jump up when greeting people.

It's not enough that you practice with your dog. You should also involve friends and family in this training. Otherwise, your dog may learn that it's not okay to jump up on you but everyone else is okay. Having other people help with this training teaches your dog to keep all four paws down no matter who comes into the room.