How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up on You

If you own a dog, you know how happy your dog is to see you whenever you return home. Your dog probably runs over to you excitedly and jumps up on you. Sometimes your dog may even knock you over. And how about when guests come over? Does your dog greet your guests in the same way?

Why does your dog jump up on you? Because your dog is happy to see you and wants to greet you at your level. This behavior is common for most dogs, but especially for dominant dogs.

Many times dog owners encourage jumping up when their dog is a puppy. This is not a good idea. Although this behavior may seem cute when the dog is a puppy, it becomes unacceptable when the dog is full grown.

What can you do to make your dog understand that you want him to stop jumping up on you?

Getting excited and yelling at the dog is not the answer. This will be misinterpreted by your dog and he may become even more excited.

The best thing to do is to quickly grab onto the dog's collar with both hands and drop to the floor to greet the dog on his level. By holding the collar, you have more control over your dog. If you are at your dogs level, there is no reason for your dog to jump up.

However, if you are not quick enough and the dog has jumped up on you here is what to do.

As soon as the dog jumps up and the paws are touching you, quickly take hold of the paws, one in each hand, and do not let go. Hold onto the paws for one to two minutes. Most dogs will struggle since it was not the dog's intention to stay in this vertical position with you holding his paws. When your dog is calm, let go of the paws. Repeat if necessary. Using this method consistently, your dog will begin to realize what will happen if he jumps up, and he will make a decision not to.

If this method does not work for your dog, here is an alternative. When you dog jumps up on you, quickly move your knee up to block the jump and push off. Your dog will probably try to jump up again, so you probably will have to repeat as necessary. Again your dog will begin to realize the consequences, and decide not to jump, but again, only if you are consistant.

Of course there are many other solutions to stop your dog from jumping up. However, the methods that are described above are the most successful.

One last thing: Do not forget to consistently praise your dog lavishly, but quietly, when he has greeted you with all four feet on the floor. Tell you dog that he is the greatest dog in the world. This positive reinforcement will show your dog that, if he does not to jump up on you, only good things will happen.

See other dog training articles by Sunshine on Associated Content:

How to Teach Your Dog to Come when Called

How to Train Your Dog to Listen to You

Training the Submissive Dog