What is the best way to train my puppy to not jump on people?

Question

I have a new Aussie Cattle Dog puppy. He's about 4 months old and very smart, but the one thing he can't seem to remember is not to jump up on people. I currently correct him by saying "down" in a firm voice and pushing him down. Problem is that he jumps right back up. He seems to think it's a game.

When you answer, please cite whether you are a professional dog trainer or not and if you have any dogs of your own.

Answer 1

First things first any touch is a reward so even though you think pushing him away is helping he is really getting what he wants. Touch also stimulates so the more you push your puppy the more excited he gets.
The first thing you should do to help his jumping is to never ever let any one pet him unless all four paws are on the floor. If he jumps up when you are already petting him take you hands away immediately and stand up then continue petting when the puppies paws are on the floor again.
When your puppy goes to jump up on some one have them step forward into the puppies space making sure that your body posture is up and over. I wouldn't use the word "down" but try saying(not yelling) "hey". If he tries to jump again step forward again before he has a chance to get off the floor.

Answer 2

I used to have a miniature poodle capable of jumping straight up at least 5 feet. And I've had quite a few dogs, two of whom I took to Obediance.

A couple of things you might try along with the down command. One is a knee in the pup's chest to knock it backwards.

The other is to turn around and ignore the jumper. I did that with the GoldenDoodle I had, and she learned very quickly that being ignored was NOT what she wanted (it's what the mother dog does to let the pups know she's annoyed). Then I'd make her sit calmly before I'd return to interacting with her.

You might also consider clicker training which works wonders with dogs. Ask for the desired behavior and click when the pup does it. As soon as you click, give a small treat. The click is the promise of reward for good behavior. As the pup gets older, replace the treat with a pat on the head or something.

Answer 3

When he jumps up at you, firmly, with both hands push him back down, usually at the chest level and firmly say "no" or "off" while doing this. After so many attempts, as he will try this often, just you hand going up in a stop motion or saying "no" should work. Repetition is the key here. I'm not an expert, but have had many dogs throughout the years. Right now, have 2 siberian huskies. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Puppies work using cause and effect. If they know that they will get attention when they jump, they'll continue to jump. You need to teach the puppy that when it engages in an inappropriate behavior, it doesn't receive a response. If the puppy jumps, immediately turn away from your pup and ignore him for a few seconds until he is calm, then praise him. Eventually he'll get the idea. Have friends do this exercise with your pup several times at the door so he learns its inappropriate to jump on anyone.

My experience comes from a lifetime of owning dogs and six years of showing and obedience training. I currently have a 3 month old pup of my own.

Answer 5

I am not a trainer, but I have trained 8 dogs, of that 8 I have 3 labs at home and one pom. None of my dogs jump on me or any one else. And everyone of these dogs are or was mine or my kids pet over the pass 21 years. When you confront or pet anytime you need to be persistent for instant. The last to labs were suppose to be my sons pets know there mine and use them ot hunt.
but what I would due is when I would confront them I would tell them to sit and wouldn't touch them until they would sit, they may want to jump-up at that point but I stop petting them until they would sit. after a while they understood that they were not getting any affection until they sat. sometimes this happened just walking through the back yard ,(5min. worth of attention). As long as you show no attention until they do as you want they are not going to learn.

Answer 6

Down means to lay down. Teach him OFF. Sometimes you have to push them off but you can make it a lot easier on both of you.
The best thing to do is teach him to sit -stay. Teach him that and when people are around put him on a leash. He has to sit to meet them and has to sit while you are talking to them. If he starts to jump up tell him to sit. Bet most people don't know all the reasons you teach your dogs to sit. If your going to be visiting with people make him lay down. Down is an important command too.
Pretty soon you won't have to use the leash.
I have been showing and training for over 38 years. I have very large dogs to deal with so they have to learn this from the get go.

Answer 7

TIP (best tip we ever used on our Lab & Shepard pups.).

Small Spray Water Bottle- Carry w/ you!

Just have to use sprayer 1x maybe 2x initially...
then just show and pet will back down. Do not tease, be sure to follow through as necessary.

IMPORTANT: Use firm verbal command as well, "no" or "down" (whatever word of choice).

KEY NOTE: Water Mixture should be 2 parts water & 1 part white vinager. The smell should be somewhat strong, sprayed in direction of pet... but weak enough that it will not sting eyes.

(((Also, alternative diverting pet to "sit" calmly. may be affective.)))
before offering praises for good behavior. Good luck.

Answer 8

that's going to be tough with a herding dog...we have shelties and go thru the same thing. I use the down command also and i think that you just need to be consistant and keep at it...he's very young. I have kneed mine also...you don't need to hurt them. my husband puts a harness on em and has me yank the dog back when it goes to jump.

Answer 9

I am not a professional dog trainer, but I have a dog myself. Every time my dog does something wrong I pop him and now he knows what's wrong and what's right. You should try it.

Answer 10

Give him the knee.I dont mean to knock the crap out of him.The knee makes it harder to jump up and keeps him at a bay.