Dog Obedience Training: Jumping on People

There are a number of things you need to do to train your dog, and dog obedience training is often a good idea. For example, teaching your dog to not jump on people should be one of them. When people visit your home, or you return home, the dog is excited and happy to see you and eager to say hello. Whether large or small, it can easily scratch a person or child or even knock them down. You need to train the dog to show interest in the arrival of a person without causing harm. Just because you may like that welcome jump, your guests may not.

Step One

The most important part of any training is consistency. You need to repeat the action you choose over and over again until the dog understands the command and what is expected. Even after the dog has grasped this command, if he forgets and repeats the behavior, you will need to use the same command and action to remind him. Choose a command that is only used for this behavior and only one or two words such as 'off' or 'no jump'. Do not use 'down' as that is an entirely different behavior to teach your dog. Always use this same command in a firm voice. You don't need to be loud or use a sentence. You will also want all other family members and frequent guests to know this command when they encounter the dog.

Step Two

There are two ways to teach the dog to not jump up. The first one is to grab the dog's paws when he jumps on you and hold them so he can't jump back down. Hold them for only two or three seconds and say the command firmly. Then let him go by placing his feet on the floor. Repeat this as many times as is needed until the command is learned. This method is especially useful on large breed dogs as their paws will come higher up on your body. A large dog can easily knock an adult down and injure a small child.

Step Three

Another way to teach a dog to not jump on you or guests is to raise your foot a few inches off the floor and bend your knee when he jumps toward you. This is not to knee the dog or hit him with your knee. Never hit an animal as the animal will not learn that way. Raise the knee so he has to jump against it and the fact he is moving and you are not moving will make him return to the floor. Say the command as you do this. Be firm. Do not laugh or pet the dog when he returns to the floor.

Step Four

Once the dog has learned this command or any other command successfully, give positive reinforcement by petting the dog and saying 'good dog' or another favorable response, and pet him and show approval. Don't always use treats as this will lead to an overweight dog. Try to teach the dog that praise is good.