How do I keep my dog from jumping up and "pawing" at me when I am standing or sitting near him?

Question

How do I keep my dog from jumping up and "pawing" at me when I am standing or sitting near him? He's a Doberman and he's 5 months old and he weighs 50 pounds. He loves kids but I am afraid that he will knock them over or hurt them with his claws or nails or whatever you call them. I have tried not looking at him, giving him a little knee in the chest( not hard ), avoiding him by turning when he jumps up. EVERYTHING!!!!! HELP ME please!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Sorry I love dogs but pain works and fast. Down!!! No!!! I assume didn't work. Time to make your word law.. Other dogs use a little pain as dominanace over other dogs it is a natural thing they understand

Answer 2

The dog is doing it for attention. You need to show him he does not get attention that way. Kneeing a dog or pushing them down is negative attention, but still attention. Keep ignoring him by walking away. As SOON as he's down, pet him and give him tons of attention. He'll start learning that's how he gets it. Also, make sure everyone in the house and all your guests do the same thing.
If that doesn't work, try a squirt bottle. If that doesn't work, buy some Bitter Apple spray at a pet store and spray it in his mouth every time he jumps. He won't like the taste of it. After a while, all you'll have to do is show him the bottle and he'll stop. Make sure you give him lots of attention then. You can have the little ones carry little bottles around so he'll get the idea.
I would also enroll in a training class that uses positive training.

Answer 3

Well I'm sure that every person who has ever owned a dog has told you what you should do, right?
That's okay because that is how many ways there are to curb jumping up. I will not go through all the methods but I will give you a few and you can choose what you are comfortable with. Use that method consistently and you should have results. If it doesn't work than try one of the other suggestions. However, before I go on I must admit too, that it sounds like the dog does NOT have enough structure. The dog should be on leash more (always - for now) when meeting new people. This way you have a method of control on him. He should be crate trained so that when the kids are being active and the dog may be concern - he should be in his crate - FOR SURE. This not only helps control potentially dangerous situations but it also shows the dog leadership, which is always necessary for a well behaved dog.
Don't feel about the dog being in his crate. he can spend various hours in there during the day as long as he is also getting adequate attention and excerise aswell. A young dog like yours should NOT have too mcuh "free" time around the house. That does nothing other than to allow him to get into trouble.

Methods: Use the word "OFF"
*Knee in the chest as he jumps on you
*Grab his paws and hold them tightly once he's on you - don't let him go until he is uncomfortable and struggling to have you let go.
*As he starts to jump at you - you walk directly and with autority right into him. this should be done where there is a soft landing as the dog will probably fall over (SCARY!!)
*Grab his paws once he's up andmake him walk backwards. (dogs don't like this at all!) Can be used in conjunction with the paw hold.
OR the more passive ways - but effective if done consistently
****Teach him to sit for petting - (this always a good thing to do no matter what) Only pet him if he is in a sitting postion - which you can remind him to do - if he moves than ALL attention stops, even eye contact. As soon as his butt if back on the ground you can resume attention. If you tell him to sit and he doesn't just walk away. If he buggers off then he didn't really want the attention anyways but if he does really want the attention he will follow and then you can re-command him to sit again and then give attention as he sits.

The one with four stars is my recommended method however if he does jump up then knee him off! Don't let him get away with it. You should use a combination of the "sit for petting" excercise as well as a discipline (one of the above mentioned methods) to further deter him from jumping. It's a balance. If he has no other way of expressing need or desire for attention it is really unfair of us to discipline him but if you teach him the RIGHT way to ask for it then if he acts out then there is a discipline in place.
The WHOLE FAMILY should never pet him unless he is sitting. This can be done ANYTIME (and everytime) he wants attention or you want to give him attention. Really though it can also be done with him in a down position or a stand - just as long as he has four paws on the ground! And if he is in a down position he shouldn't be "flaeling" around like a injured horse trying to get up!
Doing this will give him a purpose and a job as well - you will now make him work for what he wants!!

Have patience and be consistent.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Put your hand on his head and say firmly, "Down". You don't have to yell, just say it authoritatively. When he paws, say, "Stop" in the same manner. The key is that you have to do it everytime.

Dogs are pack animals. Your dog has to know that you are the Alpha, the head of the pack and your word is law. That's why you put your hand on his head and why you should never let a dog rests it's paw on you. You are showing your dominance. When the dog rests it's paw on you, it is saying it is ahead of you in the pack and then you will have trouble training it.

Answer 6

I'm sure many ppl would recommend puppy school but all you really need to do is to let him know who's the authority. When ever he jumps up or starts to scratch, sternly say 'no' or make a loud noise so that you have his full attention. when he walks away you praise him. If you continue this technique on a regular basis, your dog will soon know that he's not allowed to jump or scratch.

Answer 7

Be very careful accepting training advice for personalities on Tv.

Does he want to play? Is he excessive? Does it occur a lot? Does it only happen when you come home?

Sounds like he might be attention-seeking. Partially an anxiety behavior. Check out Dr. Karen Overall's protocol:

http://www.kingstownecatclinic.com/Attention%20Seeking%20Behavior.htm

www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00470.htm

Books:
HOw to behave so your dog behaves by Sophia Yin
Outwitting Dogs by Terry Ryan

Videos:
anything by Patricia McConnell
www.tawzerdogvideos.com

Jumping up articles: www.clickersolutions.com

Trainer Referrals:
www.sfspca.org
www.ccpdt.com
www.apdt.com

Be very careful using physical punishment, or forceful corrections.

Answer 8

Your dog needs Obedience training. Enroll the puppy in a Puppy Kindergarten Class or Basic Obedience Class where he will learn basic commands and you will learn to work with him. Once he knows things like down, stay you will have more control over the dog. He is just a puppy and needs to be taught manners. These classes will also provide socialization with other dogs and with people which are an invaluable lesson.

Answer 9

Our lab mix does the same thing. We ignore her until she stops the pestering. Once she's kept her paws to herself for a few seconds we reward her with a pat on the head or a treat.

She still tries, but that's because my husband thinks it's cute. I ignore her and she doesn't do it too much to me anymore.

Answer 10

Many years ago, my (now) husband's dog would jump on anyone that walked in the door. I kicked her back feet out from under her. She hasn't done it to me since (and that was over 12 years ago). May sound cruel, but it worked and she wasn't hurt.