It can take a while to train a dog to not jump up when greeting. In the meantime, how do you keep your dog from jumping up while you are still training him? Here are a few tips you can try to keep your dog’s paws on the floor until he has learned to do it on his own.
#1 – Stay calm
Tell anyone that wants to greet your dog to be calm. A soft voice and slow movements will help keep your dog calm, which in turn keeps those paws on the floor.
#2 – Play a game
Using a game like touch (nose touches hand) or tug with a toy gives your dog something to do other than jump up. It can be a good way to distract an excited dog.
#3 – Keep him out of the doorway
The door is one of most exciting areas of the house. You can help your dog be successful by keeping him away from the door when quests arrive. Have your guests get in the house and settled before you bring the dog in, this will help him not be as excited, which in turn will make him less likely to jump up.
#4 –Avoid direct eye contact
Most dogs do not like direct eye contact. If you have a dog that jumps up, eye contact can make them want to jump more, so ask your guests to avoid eye contact.
#5 – Exercise First
Exercising your dog so he is tired can help stop him from jumping as well. If you are having people over, take him on a run or play some fetch before they get there so his energy is tapped.
#6 – Put treats on the ground
Before he has a chance to jump, distract your excited pup with treats or a toy on the ground does two things: it keeps his paws on the ground and it rewards him for keeping them there.
#7 – Step on the leash
If your dog is about to jump up, you can step on the leash to prevent him from being able to do this. This is great for times you are meeting someone on the street who tells you they don’t care if your dog jumps on them – derailing your training. Be careful to not step on the leash if your dog is already mid-jump, this is not meant to be a punishment, but a management (preventative) tool.
#8 – Have them stop out of reach
If your dog is on leash, tell people to stop before they get in range. This will give you time to get your dog settled in a sit or down before they approach.
#9 – Hold him
If you have a dog that is small enough, you can help them stay in position by holding him in a sit or down while people approach. Not forcefully, just enough that they can’t jump out of your arms.
Toledo, United States.
