Dog obedience: Stop the jumping!

Does your dog jump all over visitors? Does he even jump all over you when you first get home? Does he fail to quit jumping when you give the command to stop?

Every dog is a different personality, but here are some tips that might work for you:

First, you and any guests must learn to ignore the dog when you walk in the house. No eye contact, no petting or talking to the dog. This is to dispel the idea that someone coming in is an exciting event.

Once the dog learns to calm down, you can go back to greeting him - but quietly.

When the dog does jump on you, instead of moving backward, move forward, into the dog. He'll not only lose his balance, but he'll get the message in "dog talk" that this is your space and he is to move out of it. You can give the command for down, but don't give him any other attention.

If this happens in the same place in the house repeatedly, keep a can of pebbles or pennies nearby and shake it at him. Dogs don't like that sound and will retreat.

While you're teaching the dog not to jump for attention, you need to also teach him that he will get positive attention by sitting quietly. Your dog wants attention from you - and if the only way he can get it is by being a pest, he'll be a pest.

So, when the dog is sitting quietly, tell him he's good, give him a pet, or even a treat. If he comes to sit quietly beside you when you're visiting with a guest, take a second to acknowledge his presence and give him some petting while you talk.

Try hard to remember not to just say "Good Dog." Praise the behavior itself using the words you use for commands. For instance, say "Good sit", "good off," "good down," & "good stay."

He knows he's a good dog - but he needs to know what he did that was so good!