How do I stop my dog from jumping up?

To stop your dog from jumping up, you'll need to employ consistent training techniques and positive reinforcement. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Ignore the jumping: When your dog jumps up, do not give any attention or physical contact. Avoid eye contact, pushing them away, or scolding, as any attention, even negative, can reinforce the behavior.

2. Teach an alternative behavior: Train your dog to perform an alternative behavior when greeting people, like sitting or staying. Reward and praise your dog when they display the desired behavior.

3. Consistency is key: Ensure everyone in your household and visitors follow the same rules. Inconsistent responses to jumping will confuse your dog and make training more difficult.

4. Use treats and rewards: Positive reinforcement works best. Whenever your dog remains calm or performs the desired alternative behavior, offer treats and praise as a reward.

5. Prevent the opportunity to jump: When expecting visitors, keep your dog on a lead or in a separate room until they are calm. Gradually expose your dog to visitors while reinforcing the alternative behavior.

6. Training sessions: Set aside regular short training sessions to reinforce the commands and discourage jumping. Be patient and consistent during these sessions.

7. Exercise and mental stimulation: Ensure your dog receives enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Allowing sniffing on the walk and offering plenty of enrichment in the home works best. A tired dog is less likely to exhibit excessive jumping behavior.

8. Seek professional help if needed: If your dog's jumping behavior is persistent and difficult to manage, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist by contacting www.doggyhomeschool.co.uk They can assess the situation and provide personalized guidance.

Remember that training takes time and patience. Be consistent, and eventually, your dog will learn the appropriate way to greet people without jumping up.