Training a Puppy Not to Jump on You

Training a puppy not to jump on you when you get home requires discipline — from you. First, you need to understand why a puppy jumps. Eye contact is a top method of canine communication. Our eyes are above theirs, so to greet us properly, dogs jump up to meet our eyes. The first time this happens, a hug follows. "Isn't that cute?" After about the tenth jump, it's not so cute, and you gently push the pup away. But to a dog, pushing means confrontational play. The puppy jumps higher and harder the next time. So you try a little toe stepping, paw grabbing, and yelling — all with the same effect. Your dog thinks jumping is very interactive and very fun.

icon

Dogs that jump need to learn the four-paw rule — they will not receive any attention, at all, until all four paws are on the floor.

The best way to remedy jumping when you arrive home is to ignore your pup. Try it for a week. Don't give in!

  • Come home and ignore your dog until he's given up the jumping vigil.

  • Keep a basket of balls or squeaky toys by the door. When you come in, toss one on the ground to refocus your dog's energy.

  • If your dog's crated, don't let him out until he's calm.

If you have a big puppy or a super persistent jumper, you have two options: Fill a plant mister with 50 percent vinegar and water to spray a boundary in between your bodies, or put on an overcoat to protect yourself, and calmly look away. Whether it takes 2 minutes or 20, go about your business until your dog calms down.

If you have kids, tell them to "look for rain" by crossing their arms in front of their chest and looking to the sky. You do the same. Don't look down until the coast is clear. Consistency is key. If one family member follows the program but the others encourage jumping, your dog will jump-test all visitors.

icon

If your dog still insists on jumping, keep a lead (short or long) attached to her collar. When she jumps, grasp the lead and snap her sideways quickly as you continue to ignore her (give no eye contact, body language, or verbal corrections).

Puppies mimic their leaders' energy levels. If you come home to an excited dog and you get excited, you're sending the message that his excitement is acceptable. Instead, come in calmly and wait to greet your puppy until he's settled down, too. Then get a toy and play with him.

Comments (3)

  1. Posted by Linda Story
    Jumping problem - I have (2)-7 month old boxers - 1-male 1-female (littermates). I've tried to ignore them when I get home but 58 & 53 pounds of love are in a crate ready to explode! I will try the calm down before release suggestion! Never dawned on me to try this! Jumping has become a big problem with the grandkids! LS
  2. Posted by Judy
    I am so happy to have found this article! My 5 month old mix (lab, terrier, poodle) is a real jumper! She was so easily trained for everything else except jumping. We have been trying the cross your arms look up routine..it works sometimes..I am hoping that having toys by the door may help to refocus her energy! Consistency is hard when everyone in the family does not follow! Maybe she will grow out of it : )
  3. Posted by hannah
    hi i am a dog handler trying to get my pup to stop jumping on me to and i have noticed that if you lure them with bait or put it in front of them the dog gets more focused on the bait than they are to jumping on you

Leave a Reply


Post Comment
Advertisement

Grab a free widget and we'll bring interesting & helpful tips to your favorite personal page each day

Sign Up for RSS Feeds

Pets

Inside Dummies.com