Successful Sessions

Are you having a problem with your dog jumping up on you, your family or guests and friends that visit?

When a problem exists you have to modify the behaviour. There are many ways you can fix jumping up but I will give you my preferred way. When tackling this behaviour you will definitely need to put the dogs leash on. You can practice it a few times a day with the dog's food. Using the dog's food allows you to have him focus on what he wants and he will figure out pretty quickly that he needs to do more of what you want, to get what he needs. Have the dog sit beside you on your left hand side and place your foot on the leash giving him just enough leash that he doesn't feel it. Then call someone to you and have them address your puppy/dog calmly. If the dog/puppy goes to jump he/she will correct themselves. You can repeat this in 2-3 minute sessions as often as you want with many different people in many different environments. Once you see a noticeable difference in how your dog/puppy greets people you can remove your foot from the leash. 

If you are thinking about getting a puppy but you don't have one yet and you don't want to address the issue of jumping up. Never allow it from day one. Always calmly address your puppy and have other people do the same. If you invite the puppy to do bad behaviour than that's what he will think is ok. Many people are of the mindset that getting their puppy all hyped up and jumpy is cute and fun, not realizing that if you want a calm relaxed dog you need to start at the beginning of your relationship.