Here are 10 tips to help you stop your dog from jumping:
1. Consistent Training: Establish consistent training sessions with your dog to address the jumping behaviour. Regular practice and reinforcement are key.
2. Ignore Jumping Behaviour: When your dog jumps on you or others, avoid giving them attention or any form of interaction. Turn away, cross your arms, and remain still until they calm down.
3. Teach an Alternative Behaviour: Teach your dog an alternative behaviour to jumping, such as sitting or offering a paw. Reward and reinforce this behaviour consistently, so they learn that sitting or offering a paw gets them attention and rewards.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or affection when they greet you calmly without jumping. Positive reinforcement helps to reinforce desired behaviours.
5. Leash Training: Practice leash training to gain control over your dog's jumping. Keep your dog on a leash during greetings or when encountering new people. If they attempt to jump, gently pull the leash downward to prevent them from jumping and reward calm behaviour.
6. Create Physical Boundaries: Use physical boundaries such as baby gates or exercise pens to limit your dog's access to certain areas, especially when visitors arrive. This prevents them from jumping on guests immediately.
7. Teach "Off" Command: Train your dog to respond to the "off" command. Whenever they jump on you, issue a firm "off" command and redirect their attention to an appropriate behaviour, such as sitting. Reward and praise them for complying.
8. Socialization: Properly socialize your dog from a young age. Expose them to different people, environments, and situations so they become comfortable and less likely to jump when meeting new people.
9. Encourage Four-on-the-Floor Greetings: Teach your dog to greet people with all four paws on the floor. Reinforce and reward calm greetings, and gently turn away or withdraw attention when they attempt to jump.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your dog's jumping behaviour persists despite your efforts, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess the situation, provide personalized guidance, and help address any underlying issues causing the jumping behaviour .
