Jumping dogs

Jumping should be taken care of at a very young age. As a matter of fact, the best way to handle jumping up is never to allow the puppy to even start doing it.

We humans encourage dogs to jump on us by petting them when they stand on their hind legs to get closer to our loving face and hands. They don’t mean anything bad by jumping on people, but very few people like being jumped on by a dog.

Your best bet is to take him to an obedience class (obedience clubs usually have affordable classes) and teach him to sit on your command. You may need to stay in class with your dog for several months, depending on his size and the breed, but it is time very well spent. Don’t fall into the trap of trying quick-fix methods for jumping up, such as stepping on the dog’s toes or whacking him in the chest with your knee. You could injure him.

Make sure everyone, including guests, stops petting him when he jumps up: let the person bend down and pet him when he settles down and stops jumping. He needs that encouragement when he is doing it right.

Also try giving him a ball or toy to hold when people come in. Some dogs will manage to control themselves much better when they have something to hold.