If you could get your dog to stop jumping on humans, how?

Seeking help
1

I own a 5.5-month-old duck-toller. I know everyone says he’s only a puppy, but his jumping is out of control. When he meets a new person, he is so eager to see them that when he finally does, he jumps up to them. Even after spending time with a new individual, he may occasionally jump up to them, mouthing in their faces.

Any advice would be useful at this point… I desperately want this to not be a lifelong habit!

2

How are you letting him approach people? You mentioned he gets very excited and then jumps when he finally reaches them. Is he pulling on the leash? I would start by teaching him that pulling on the leash is not how he gets to where or who he wants. If there’s tension, stop immediately. Move forward only when he gives you his focus and is walking calmly. Reward him for walking calmly and correct him when he doesn’t.

Training a puppy can be tricky, especially since people often say, “Oh, it’s okay, I don’t mind.” Try arranging controlled meetings with friends and family. Explain what you’re working on and how they can help. Ask them not to make eye contact until he is calm and not to fuss or give attention until he sits calmly.

How do you manage this at home? Consistency is key, especially with a puppy. The rule should be the same everywhere: no jumping up, and attention only when he is calm or displaying desired behavior. If he jumps or gets mouthy, walk away or put him in a pen for a minute. Then let him out and try again.

3

Tell people not to greet the dog. If you can keep it in a separate room when people arrive, that would be ideal. Bring it on a leash and instruct guests to continue ignoring the dog. Say yes and thank him for making good choices.

5

If he’s jumping on people, ignore the dog when you get home and when visitors arrive. He receives no attention till he settles down.

6

“Oh no it’s okay I love dogs”

Okay, it is good, but you are breaking my training by promoting it.

7

Yes, that occurred when I was doing this few years ago.

8

Others do not comply with this counsel.

9

You simply have to u-turn and remove pup away the instant he jumps and barks. Rudeness be damned. I merely said I’m sorry we’re training. I’d rather be nasty to a stranger than teach my puppy negative behaviors that I’ll have to live with for the next 15 years.

10

We practiced consistently, and here are a few things we worked on:

  1. Teach Sit & Hold: Teach your dog to sit and hold the position for a couple of minutes.
  2. Relaxation Protocol: Look up the relaxation protocol online; it’s a training regimen designed to promote self-restraint in dogs.
  3. Controlled Practice: Get someone your dog doesn’t know to help you practice. Before they approach, step on the lead so your dog has enough slack to sit or stand but not jump. Tell your dog to sit. Reward her with a treat when she sits and another every 30 seconds as the person approaches and she maintains her ‘sit’ position. If she stands, the person stops approaching and backs off until she sits again. Repeat this process. If she successfully stays seated as they approach, the person leaves, and she gets lots of love and treats. This helps her make good choices and be rewarded without the opportunity to jump.
  4. Home Visits: When someone comes to the house, keep her leashed and place a foot on the leash to prevent jumping. Until she was trained not to jump, I didn’t want her to further ingrain the habit.
11

That’s awesome, and it was successful for you? What age did you start working on this?

12

She was two years old when I received her. She didn’t even know her own name. It took around 6 months for her to be reliable in not jumping for off-leash greetings.