Stop Your Dog From Jumping on People

Most dogs will have the tendency to jump on people some times. The frequency will depend on the breed and the individual. Some dog experts suggest that dogs are just trying to get close to the person's face - not out of aggression, but to interact. When interacting with other dogs, especially those of the same breed, their faces are close to their height and the dog will use his nose and eyes to explore.

So, one method of dealing with your dog's jumping behavior is to give him no need to reach. Get down and interact with your dog at his level. Let him explore your face in a safe manner, while being alert for excessive assertiveness. Only rarely will a dog bite his owner this way, especially if the person has done the necessary training to become the 'alpha' (leader of the pack).

Of course, if you've only recently adopted a mature dog, from a shelter perhaps, you should take necessary precautions  when using this technique. Place a collar on your dog and keep a thumb hooked under it behind the dog's neck. Be prepared to pull sideways, if needed.

A jerk to the side is preferable to a sharp pull backwards, whenever possible. A dogs' neck muscles are very strong, but throat tissues can be very easily bruised. The action is to protect the person and to teach, rather than punish, the dog.

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Training to discourage jumping while off-leash is also possible. Wearing a pair of sturdy pants, have the dog stand in front of you. Training your dog to follow a 'sit' command is, of course, a very good protection against jumping. But they can't be sitting all of the time. Jumping usually occurs while standing or running. So, start the lesson with your dog standing.

Be alert for the body tension that will precede jumping and when you observe them about to jump, give the command  'sit'. If the dog still jumps, raise your leg slightly and bump the dog's chest with your knee or thigh. At the same time, thrust your palm toward the dog's face away from you. Issue a firm, sharp command: 'off!'. (Do not use 'down' as that is a different behavior, requiring a different word.)

You are not trying to punch the dog in the chest, nor to shove a hand into his face. The raised knee is to help to keep the dog off and puts him off balance. The hand in the face is to both obscure his view and to discourage another leap.

Leash training may be useful in more stubborn cases, if you have a partner to assist you. As the dog begins to jump, have your partner jerk sideways on the leash as you issue the 'off!' command. You should give the command, not your partner. You need the dog focused on and obeying you.

If you do not have an assistant, while working outside, you may be able to wrap a long leash around a tree or post. This is not ideal, however, because the jerk will then usually be more backwards than to the side.

Positive reinforcement techniques are also helpful. Have a treat or a favorite toy in one hand. As your dog starts to jump, hold the treat or toy above and slightly behind the dog's head. This will distract him and put him slightly off balance. It will also encourage a sit, just when his impulse was to jump.

As with any training, repetition and consistency are very important when teaching 'off'. Be patient but firm. With time, most dogs will learn to suppress this natural behavior unless they are given permission to jump.