Ever walk into someone’s house or your own and are greeting by sounds of a panting, charging dog? We all love our animals, but seriously, wearing a white t-shirt and then having to change because your dog just leaped at your chest can get annoying as well as dangerous if you’re pregnant. So how should you prevent it?
Train your dog to sit when he does anything or wants anything. Then, experiment maybe 10-13 times that day. When you walk into your house and are greeted by your dog, as they run toward you and want to jump on you to say they missed you and love you, turn your back on them. Ignore them completely until they do as you say “sit.” Don’t say NO because this is rewarding to them since they have your attention. Instead, turn your back on them and tell them to sit. Once they sit, turn around and greet them. If they try to jump on you again, turn your back again to acknowledge that you won’t greet them until they do as you say. Having a non-fat treat in your hand and giving it to them whenever they cooperative is a helpful tactic as well.
Your pet will probably jump on other people so remind your guests that you’re trying to train your dog and to do the same thing you are doing so that your dog will understand the concept. Don’t let them say it’s okay that the dog jumps on them because they have their own pets. Another option is putting your dog on a leash or away from the door when your guests arrive and having them remain calm even when your dog is dying for their attention.
Remember, it takes time and patience. Yelling or hitting your dog isn’t going to solve anything, and in fact, they may just become more excited. If this doesn’t help, getting a trainer may be a suggestion as well.
