How do you make it stop?

[Nobas Mom]

Hey all,

My 15 month old basset hound has this annoying behavior and everything I have tried seems to have no impact on making it stop. He is a jumper. He is very friendly to just about everyone, but instead of just sitting there letting people pet him, he insists on jumping on people. It's quite annoying and he seems to do it at the most inconvenient times (ie, coming in the house with an armload of groceries). It doesn't matter how long it's been since he has seen someone, he feels the need to jump on people to greet them. It's gotten severely out of hand, and I don't know what to do to stop it. I've tried turning my back as soon as I see him about to jump, I've tried getting down on his level the minute I walk in the door. I've tried ignoring him until he sits there nicely to get pets. Any ideas? Help me please!

[angelchampy]

I loaned my book out to someone and haven't gotten it back yet, but it's what I consider "the dog bible." It's called "Dogs Behaving Badly" and it's by Dr. Nicholas Dodson. It's a book from A-Z of all the bad habits dogs have and stories and what to do about it. He's a really good doctor and that book has helped me tremendously. While I've never had a dog that jumped, there were other behaviors they had that I referred to the book. It's only about $20. Another thing you can do until you get the book, go online under his name. He has to have a site of some kind and maybe some tips until you get your hands on the book. I swear by it.

[Freedom]

One way to break this habit: when the dog jumps up, you say "DOWN!" firmly. At the same time, step lightly on a back paw, and give the collar a jerk downwards. As the dog is up, reaching to step on a rear paw should be easy. You want the dog to feel the pressure on the paw and the downward jerk, but you don't want to hurt the dog. Uncomfortable, yes; hurt no.

Another method: When the dog is up ignore the dog. Do NOT react or respond as this is not behaviour you want to reward. No eye contact, no talking to the dog. When the dog is down, tell him "GOOD boy, Spot!"

OR if you are holding the leash and the dog is jumping on someone else, the other person must ignore the dog while you give the leash a jerk to get him down.

[theterrierman]

Another method that was recommended to me by a great breeder around here was to grab the dog by just above the elbows, and dance it around the room, but make sure it is going backwards. Keep this up until you know the dog is just hating it. Do this every time it jumps up on you or your guests OR have them do it if they're cool with that.

[k9friend]

I guess if I was that short, I'd be inclined to get level with the people, too. There are some good ideas here. I'll ask my friend who works with Cesar Millan and get back to you on this.

[areias]

Yet another is to keep a "tab" on his collar...you can buy one from the store or cut a leash yourself...but it gives you a small amount of leash (maybe 6 inches) that when you come through the door you can take it and give him a correction down.

Edited-Also, work on sit-stay. The more consistent you are with that, you can command to sit and stay, therefore eliminating jumping.