How to Train Your Dog to Stop Jumping

Many owners of new puppies and older dogs have one difficult problem in common: a dog that will jump on family members and strangers alike. Dogs jump as a way to get attention and show the people around them that they are loved. Unfortunately, the guests in your home may not appreciate a pair of paws on their legs or lap. Teach your dog to stay on all fours when friends and family members come to share special events in your house.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

  1. Teach "Sit"

    • 1

      Call your dog to you in a quiet room. If the dog will not come, bring it over to you.

    • 2

      Hold a treat in front of the dog's face. Do not hold it too high in the air or the dog will jump at it.

    • 3

      Utter the command "Sit." Wait until the dog eventually sits down and, once this happens, say the command "Sit" once again. Give the dog the treat. Practice this until the dog sits on command.

    • 4

      Take the dog outdoors to a few distractions and tell it to "Sit." Once the dog accomplishes this, give it a treat.

    • 5

      Take the dog to a spot with even more distractions, such as a dog park or a friend's home. Give the "Sit" command and give the dog a treat once it successfully follows the order. Eventually, the dog will sit on command without the need for a treat as a reward.

    Eliminate Jumping

    • 6

      Instruct all of your family and friends that they should not give the dog any attention when it jumps on them. Instead, you and everyone else should turn their heads away from the dog and fold their arms each time this occurs. Everyone should also avoid pushing the dog off of them as well. The dog may see this as a game and continue to jump.

    • 7

      Use the "Sit" command each time the dog jumps on you or anyone else who enters your home.

    • 8

      Offer the dog praise and a treat when it stops jumping and sits.

    • 9

      Give the dog a treat each time it allows someone to enter your home and does not jump. Eventually, the dog will begin to associate calm behavior with a reward.