Teaching Your Boxer Not to Jump on People

Boxers make wonderful pets but one of the challenges of owning one is teaching them not to jump on people. Here are some training tips.

As soon as you bring home your new boxer puppy (or dog), begin teaching her (or him) basic social skills such as how to behave when she meets people. Because boxers are more prone to jumping than most breeds, you have to start as early as possible. Fortunately, boxer puppies are fast learners.

Solicit the Support of All Family Members

For your boxer to learn any social skills, everyone in your family must be on the same page as far as training. Therefore, before even adopting a new puppy or dog, hold a family meeting, discussing the importance of one hundred percent cooperation. This pertains not only to basic manners such as not jumping on people, but also to agreeing not to sneak her food tidbits underneath the table.
Don't Send Mixed Messages

Without realizing it, you can actually be encouraging your dog to jump on people by handing over a treat (as well as a pat or hug) whenever she leaps up. Your puppy needs to realize this is not an appropriate behavior.

Teaching Your Boxer to Sit and Stay

Before you can teach your boxer not to jump, you must first teach her how to "sit" and "stay," as these basic commands are the foundations for training in other social skills. Start teaching these two fundamental skills as early as three months old, because you need to let the dog to get the message that she is to take orders from you, and not the other way around.
Answering the Front Door

Have someone ring your doorbell. Then, as your boxer starts to race to the door, give her the simple command, "Sit!" Then, say, "Stay!" As soon as she obeys, respond with positive reinforcement such as hugs and a small treat. (Cut treats in half to avoid overfeeding.)


If your dog refuses to obey and rushes up and jumps on the person at the door, have the person turn their back, and with hands folded, firmly commanding, "No!" Tell her sit. Then, as soon as the dog obeys, offer a treat and praise her, saying, "Good girl!"

Walking to the Back Door

Have your "visitor" then walk from the front door to the back door, to teach your dog the importance of not jumping once a guest has come into your house. First, command her to "sit and "stay". If she starts to jump again, repeat the process of saying, "No!", as well as folding your arms and turning your back to her. (Because dogs hate to be ignored, they associate a turned back as a negative response.) Granted, your dog will be stimulated and will probably jump, again. However, by repeating the procedure many times she will get the message and eventually learn not to jump.

Be Persistent

You may be tempted to give in and relax in her training, simply because it's a lot of work or you're charmed by the cuteness of your pet. Be persistent. If your boxer is used to jumping, the problem won't be solved overnight, so you need to be consistent in your training. As a final reminder, remember that your dog should never be allowed to dominate any aspect of your family life, regardless of how adorable she may be. She'll be more desirable once she's a well trained dog who's learned her place as subservient under her owners and not the other way around.

Originally published on Suite 101.