MH Mama - I frightened every animal in the house when I read your post I laughed so hard!

Dixieland Dancer - Putting a knee up to intercept a jump is a technique I have used in the past with success. The trick is to realise why the dog is doing this in the first place. The fact that your dog "sticks to you like velcro" in itself indicates a certain amount of insecurity on the dogs part and that it is unsure of what it's role is and what you expect from it.
Don't get me wrong - if you are encouraging this behaviour then no problem.
There are three problems that can occur with grabbing the dog's paws, although, again, it will be effective with some dogs.
Firstly many dogs will see this as an invitation to play. Secondly it is very difficult to persuade visitors, especially those who have already been intimidated by the dog's behaviour, to do it for any length of time, if at all. Thirdly some dogs will take great exception to this, especially from strangers, and will retaliate.

[ August 22, 2001: Message edited by: carrie ]