How to Stop a New Bigger Puppy from Pouncing

If your new puppy pounces on you, it is likely doing so out of excitement. The puppy is so happy to see you it wants to show you how it feels. This behavior is a cute compliment at first, but it can become dangerous, especially when the puppy grows larger. It can unintentionally knock someone over, maybe causing an injury. Fortunately, you can train your puppy to stop pouncing.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Water
  • Squirt bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ignore the puppy. Your puppy pounces on you to show its love and to seek your attention. If you move away from the pup and keep walking when it shows signs it is about to pounce--or already has--you are giving the pup a negative response to this behavior. Eventually, your puppy will learn that the pouncing results in lost attention and it will likely stop.

    • 2

      Shove the puppy down by pushing gently but firmly on its shoulders. Push until it is sitting down. Once the puppy is sitting, give it a treat to reward the sitting behavior. Your puppy will start to learn that sitting down earns it treats while pouncing does not. It probably will continue to sit to earn that delicious reward.

    • 3

      Squirt the puppy with water when it pounces. The puppy will start to associate jumping with your unpleasant reaction and will likely stop to avoid the water.