TEACHING YOUR PUPPY NOT TO JUMP

          Does your young puppy jump on you and everyone else?  Teaching him to stop is really quite easy—as long as you are consistent.  Just before the puppy comes to you, bend down to touch the puppy.  Encourage him to pick up his head to look at you, perhaps using small dog treats.  With his head high, it’s easy for the puppy to sit.  Be sure to give a “sit” command and reward with treats and attention. 

     If he’s already jumping on you, just ignore him.  Do not pay ANY attention to him at all, do not even look at him.  But as soon as he has all 4 feet on the floor or he sits, immediately reward with treats or praise.  If he jumps again—and he will—all attention is immediately withdrawn.  This can go back and forth many times in any one session, but the important part is that there is no reward when the puppy jumps.  Any form of verbal or physical discipline is a reward to the puppy.  So just ignore the jumping, or walk away.  For best results, everyone the puppy goes to must respond in the same way.  The pup will soon learn that the way to get attention does not involve jumping.  Other people must be informed ahead that they can pet the puppy only if he’s not jumping on them.  If they don’t cooperate, just take the puppy and leave.  Don’t allow others to sabotage your training. 

     Dogs learn best what they teach themselves.

     Be patient, be persistent, be consistent—your puppy will learn to be an exemplary citizen!