How to Stop Dog Jumping - GlobalPetTraining

Ugh. Not again. The dog did not just jump on a guest AGAIN. Fur everywhere, claw marks on their pants, and I'm pretty sure my house guest is about to run for the hills... Or worse, encourage the behavior by petting the dog. How does anyone stop dog jumping? AHHHHHH.

Sound familiar? Don't worry, my dog is a jumper too. It's basically her default 'hello', and because she's tiny and adorable most people encourage it with a lot of affection. Teaching how to stop a dog from jumping is not just for all of you who have written me, frustrated and confused. This time, I'm writing the article for me, too.

The Problem

Your dog jumps all over your guests, other dogs, and the occasional feline... Not aggressively, just to say HELLO as emphatically as possible.

The Solution

Use one (or all) of our three methods to break the habit and teach better behavior.

Table of Contents

How Not to Stop Dog Jumping

Method One: Stop Dog Jumping by Ignoring It

Method Two: Stop Dog Jumping by Teaching them to Stay on the Ground

Method Three: Stop Dog Jumping by Teaching the Command ‘Jump’

Stop Dog Jumping with Products Like These

Here's how to stop dog from jumping on people. Read below for three methods on how to train a dog not to jump for good.

Note: All of these methods (and indeed most training methods) rely on rewarding your dog with their reward of choice. This may be throwing a ball or chew toy, giving them dog training treats, or giving them love. Figure out what motivates your dog to train them.

How Not to Stop Dog Jumping

Don’t shout. There is rarely a reason to raise your voice with a dog (or a human, for that matter!), so don’t waste that power on jumping. Instead, be calm and firm.

Don’t reward bad behavior. A confused dog will often misbehave. Use your powers of persuasion for good by only rewarding the correct behavior. This means no petting, no ‘I love you’, no high-pitched happy talk while your dog is jumping UNLESS you have used the jump command.

Don’t lose patience. This type of training takes a lot of time and effort. Your dog won’t relearn this behavior overnight. Take heart and take time.

Method One: Stop Dog Jumping by Ignoring It

When your dog jumps up, turn your back on them. Don’t engage, don’t say ‘no’, just turn around and face away.
When they come around to your front side again (which they will no doubt do), they will either jump or pause for a moment in confusion.
IF THEY PAUSE, REWARD (attention, chew toys, treats, ‘yes!’, etc.). If they jump, repeat steps 1-2.

Method Two: Stop Dog Jumping by Teaching them to Stay on the Ground

When your dog jumps up, say ‘no’ in a clear, firm voice, and cross your arms. Your dog will probably immediately put its feet on the ground, assuming it knows the word ‘no’.
As soon as your dog’s feet touch the ground, mark with the word ‘yes’ and treat/pet.
If they jump back up between ‘yes’ and the treat/pet, DO NOT GIVE THEM THE REWARD. Instead, repeat steps 1-2 until it works.

Method Three: Stop Dog Jumping by Teaching the Command ‘Jump’

When your dog jumps up, take a step back so that they are standing on their hindlegs for just a second and immediately say, ‘yes, jump’ and reward. Only say ‘yes, jump’ if their front legs are still in the air but NOT touching you.
To reiterate this, hold a treat above your dog and either motion for them to jump up and take it or say the trigger word, ‘jump’.
As soon as they jump up onto their hind legs, whether they can reach the treat or not, say ‘yes, jump’ and reward. Again, DO NOT REWARD if they touch you.

Special Note for Long-Backed and Elderly Dogs: This move can be dangerous for dogs like corgis (including my Vivi!) and dachshunds. Their long backs are prone to injury. Likewise, it may be too difficult for an older dog. Ask your vet before attempting any jumping exercises.

Note on Hindlegs Walking: Do not teach your dog to walk around on its hindlegs for more than a couple seconds without vet and/or professional trainer approval. This is not good for your dog and is thought to possibly even be painful for some dogs. The goal of this trick is to get them to jump up for a treat/pet and then immediately go back down, not walk around on two legs.

I hope this is helpful!

Our pets are a responsibility, not a privilege. We have to give them the best lives possible, if only to pay them back for all the wonder they give us.

-- Cassie Mackin

The Problem

The Solution

How Not to Stop Dog Jumping

Method One: Stop Dog Jumping by Ignoring It

Method Two: Stop Dog Jumping by Teaching them to Stay on the Ground

Method Three: Stop Dog Jumping by Teaching the Command ‘Jump’

Stop Dog Jumping with Products Like These

Leave a Reply Cancel reply