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Canine Behavior Solutions
Jumping
I enjoy the time of day when I arrive home and my dog's are so happy to see me. It's as if I have been gone for months! However, having a dog with muddy paws jump on your clean clothes is not a very pleasent experience. Therefore, my dogs do not jump on people without permission. I can command them to jump up on me (if I so choose) with the command "Hup!".
Dogs jump on people for one of two reasons, or perhaps for both. They want to greet you at face level to say "Hello" and/or they are testing you to see if their position in the group is dominant or subordinant to yours. It can be either or both depending on your dog.
The instructive repriamand "Off" means to place all four paws on the ground or floor. An instructive reprimand is better than just plain "No!" because it is instructive, it tells the dog what to do rather than simply telling him that you are displeased. And because of your tone of voice, which communicates disapproval, it is also a repriamand. It is sometimes best to ignore your dog for a few minutes when you first arrive and then, when he or she calms down, give attention and petting to reinforce this calm behavior.
To Stop Jumping on People who are Standing
Have the person lift his or her knee when the dog jumps up and gently tap the dogs chest while saying "Off!" in a stern voice. As soon as the dog's paws are on the ground, change your voice tone to a happy one and say "Good!". Family members should train the dog first. Next, tell your guests that your dog is in training and ask them not to pet your dog or show any attention unless all paws are on the floor. When this happens, praise and pet the dog
To Stop Jumping on People who are Seated
It is difficult to lift your knee correctly when sitting. This time, when the dog puts his paws up on you, grab them with both hands and squeeze them slightly and hold for a few seconds while saying "Off". Wait until the dog struggles to remove them and then let go. Be sure to praise when all paws are on the floor.
Practice with your family members. Later have friends enter the house and practice with them. Remember the "Off!" command.
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