Put an End to Jumping!

The following are tips and suggestions to help you discourage jumping.

• Take your dog to Manners Classes offered by the Wisconsin Humane Society.

• Ignore the dog when jumping occurs. When your dog puts his paws on you, fold your arms, turn your back and look at the ceiling while using the cue “off." Only give him praise and attention when all four feet are on the floor. If jumping continues when you are not giving him attention and have ignored his efforts, leave the room. Wait 20 seconds and return. If your dog jumps to greet you when you re-enter, leave the room again. Wait about 30 seconds this time. Continue this until you can enter the room without your dog jumping on you. Remember to reward him with praise and a yummy treat when he keeps all four feet on the floor.

• Teach your dog to sit for any greetings. If your dog is sitting, he can not jump on you or anyone else he is meeting. This can be beneficial on and off leash. If your dog does not know the cue “sit” the first step is to teach him. Begin by showing him a treat. Allow him to follow the treat with his nose in side to side motion, then give him the treat. Next, place the treat next to his nose, and slowly move the treat toward his tail. Reward him for small steps, such as looking up. Move the next treat toward his tail a little further and reward him. Due to the anatomy of the dog, when he looks up, his rear end will move toward the floor. When your dog sits, reward him with praise and a yummy treat. Next, begin to add the cue “sit” as his rear end hits the ground. Continue this until he is consistent. Your dog’s rear end should hit the floor when you say “sit." The next step is to bring in a person. With your dog on leash, have another family member or friend begin to approach. When the other person is about 4 to 5 feet away, give your dog the cue “sit." When he is sitting the person can continue to walk toward you and your dog. If your dog gets up, have the person approaching stop moving. As long as your dog remains sitting, your helper can approach and greet him. Reward your dog with lots of praise and some yummy treats when he remains sitting for the greeting. Remember to be consistent every time you or someone else greets you canine companion.

If you would like to work with a Wisconsin Humane Society behaviorist one-on-one regarding this behavior topic, please call 414-431-6173 to schedule a consultation.