How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping On Guests

Let's face it. Even the greatest dog lover in the world doesn't like to be greeted at the door by a furry freight train with kibble breath. Jumping up is a canine greeting, but not widely accepted in human society.
My preferred method to cure the jumping problem is to withhold that which the dog is seeking…attention.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A regular, flat leash (not a retractable)
• A willing, dog-lover friend

1. Place your dog on his leash.

2. Have a willing friend come to your door and knock softly.

3. Put your dog in a sit. Make sure he is far enough from the door to be successful, then ask your friend to come in.

4. If your dog jumps on your friend, have them turn and leave the house without talking to, touching or looking at the dog.

5. Repeat the above step until your dog can hold his sit while your friend enters the house.

6. While your dog is sitting, and with your permission, your friend can greet your dog. If your dog jumps up, have your friend move beyond the reach of your dog's leash. Ask your dog to sit again before he is allowed to have your friend greet him.

7. Repeat the above steps until your dog learns that the only way he gets your guests' attention is to be sitting politely.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a spare leash by your front door so you're always prepared, even for unexpected guests.
• Start by having your helper knock instead of ringing the doorbell. The bell is too exciting for now. You can work up to the doorbell later.
• Advice you may have heard to solve the jumping problem: Shove the dog down, step on back toes or put a knee to the dog's chest. These methods employ physical punishment which could result in injury to the dog and damage your dog's trust in you.

[AdirondackTrina]

on 5/24/2009 great ideas to get my dog to stop jumping up on people!

[kimarkent]

on 4/19/2009 Excellent tips on how to keep your dog from jumping on guests, I do hope people will read and practice this!! Thank you. 5* RRR

[teachermom]

on 3/2/2009 Very helpful information. Thanks!

[AdirondackTrina]

on 2/19/2009 LOL...I have a friend who needs this badly...I feel like I get injured every time I go there because the dog is happy to see me. Great advice!

[ilivetoteach]

on 2/19/2009 Very good advice. I've seen this work on animal planet. It's training that's desperately needed in my house. I just have to find a friend with the patience to help me.