My Lab is only 16 1/2 weeks...still just a puppy...and doing VERY well...wonding what we can do to keep him form jumping on people when they come in the door...or when they sit on a chair jumping on their leg...he looking for attention..

I have heard to ignore them unstill they do the correct behavior...i have heard to tap their back feet with your foot and tell them down...

we use the down commamd and it works but only after he jumps..i dont want him to jump at ALL...

I want him to be sociable....

any help with this will be greatly appreciated

Hi Joey,
It helps to practice this one with a friend who's willing to get jumped on!

What works for my dog is to (ahead of time) instruct the person to:
A) Avoid eye contact with the dog as he/she approaches you and the dog, and do not talk to the dog.
B)If the dog jumps, ask the person to keep their arms folded and turn to the side to deflect the jump. Again, no eye contact or talking to the dog.

If the dog is not too distracted, you can ask him for a sit,and mark and reward if he complies. Use really yummy treats to motivate him to pay attention to you. If the dog is sitting, he's not able to jump.
If the dog is behaving calmly at this point, you could ask your helper to greet the dog, but in a calm fashion. (ie no high-pitched baby talk, etc...)

Perhaps others will have other methods that they use that they will share...

I have used the approach that Lynne described with my friends dogs. No eye contact, turn and ignore the dog. Also, like she said, when the dog stops the behavior and calms, I will acknowledge the dog but not all gushy (baby talk). Also, I have sometimes taken my leg/foot and gently pushed the dog away while turning away. NOT A KICK. Just to let the dog know that the behavior is inappropriate.

I have also done this with my own dog. Mine is real jumpy still and I have to always be aware that if I allow it ONE time, then it takes me TEN times to stop it.

If you aren't doing so already, read the pack structure stuff. I think it is the one that talks about not being all exicited and gushy when you see the dog, always walking in front, thru doors first, etc.

I am not nearly as experienced as others here and have only a small companion dog but if I am wrongly depicting this, someone will correct it.

Good luck and happy training.

ps

Also, don't let anybody else act all gushy to see the dog. Alert everyone who comes to your house ahead of time that you do not want them making big excitement when they come until the dog is calm.

Edited by Nora Ferrell (03/26/2009 11:17 AM)
Edit reason: proof reading/spelling

Joey, is the pup on a leash tethered to you in the house? You should give that a try because having the dog close to you and on a leash helps to curb alot of unwanted behaviour becuase you have the leash right there to let him know what he's doing is unacceptable.

To me, if the ignoring doesn't work, and sometimes it doesn't with certain dogs, put the pup on a leash when people come to visit. Before they come in the door. As soon as you see he's going to jump, give a quick little leash correction. Nothing major, don't haul on the leash and topple him over. Just a light correction (just something to get his attention off jumping) to let him know "four paws" on the floor is the way to greet people. The second his paws are on the floor praise. But again, don't be too exuburent otherwise you may just set him off again.

yes he is pretty much on a leash anytime he is awake whether in the house or outside...

A couple of thoughts... marker training, marker training, marker training... (In addition to all the prior suggestions).