Jumping is a common complaint owners give regarding their dogs.
This is a 2 part process:
- Don’t allow the unwanted behavior to pay off.
- Reward for behavior that is incompatible with the undesirable behavior.
Pay off may mean something different to you than to your dog. For instance, jumping is a behavior to get your attention, so even looking at your dog is a reward all in itself. Shouting, pushing, and even bringing your knee up into their chest is giving your dog attention.
THE BEST thing you can do is ignore, turn your body and walk away.
ALSO, you will need to reward for behavior that you want instead. Reward for 4 paws on the floor. Practice (with another person holding the leash, or your dog on a tie down) when you approach, click and treat (C/T) BEFORE your dog attempts to jump on you. Practice this a few times at home for a week or so.
Then take him to the park and practice there. If you have family or friends who are willing to help you, it would be great to get it generalized with as many people as you can because if you are the only one practicing with your dog, he will learn not to jump on you, but other people may be fair game.
We hope this helps you with curbing your dog’s bad habit of jumping 🙂