Teach your dog not to jump up on visitors

How to teach your dog not to jump up on visitors

Teach your dog not to jump up on visitors –  Teaching your dog to not jump up on visitors can be a hard task, especially if your dog is particularly excitable and loving. The first thing you need to understand is that the dog is just happy and wants to play most of the time, so getting angry will only hinder your relationship.

Positive reinforcement is by far the best way to teach your dog not to jump up on visitors. The second thing you must understand is being stubborn works both ways. As much as you won’t give in, sometimes your dog won’t either, never the less you should never be the one to give in first!

So let’s get to the training. Put your dog in one room and stand behind the door ready to enter with a treat in hand. Make some noise or speak to your dog so he knows it is you outside, this should get him excited to see you. Next open the door and do not make eye contact with your dog until

The technique

you are where you want to be, this could be in front of the TV, in the kitchen etc, just not right in front of the door. Once you are in your desired place, cross your arms and carry on not making contact or sound until your dog has all paws on the floor. You must remember to start small, Rome wasn’t built in a day! So as soon as all fours touch the ground give him a treat and show him some affection, ensuring all paws are still on the floor. This could take a while at first but after a few times he should get the picture that if he keeps his paws on the floor he gets a reward.

It's a working progress

The more and more you do it, the more you should insist he stays down for longer before he gets his reward. At first keep your desired place, the same place until your dog gets used to the idea of the training. After this you can change it up a bit with different rooms places and people. The biggest test will be the front door, with a stranger. Sometimes hanging a sign outside telling visitors to not give any affection or treats until all paws are on the floor is a good idea, this ensures he gets the same treatment from everybody.

If you would like to get yourself a free dog clicker.  That will enhance your ability to teach your dog not to jump up on visitors.