How to stop dogs jumping up

When ‘down boy!’ doesn’t seem to work what’s the best way to tackle the problem of a dog who jumps up at you every time he sees you?    If you’re in your old clothes it doesn’t matter so much, although even with a small dog those claws can hurt.  The first thing to realise is that without training and reassurance your dog can’t help what he’s doing.   It’s a lack of confidence and he wants you to be especially close to you and for you to fuss him and tell him you won’t leave him – I need you mommy! This is a problem mostly seen in anxious dogs so giving plenty of reassurance is the first step.   Give him plenty of hands-on contact and praise.   At the same time tell him a firm ‘no’ every time he jumps at you, together with a push down on the shoulders and then an enthusiastic ‘good boy’ and a small reward.    Putting a hand out in front of him, palm down, is another useful indicator to him that he should think twice about what he’s going to do!   Communication is what it’s all about.

Making sure your dog has plenty of exercise and free running is a big help, if he’s nicely tired, he’ll feel better about life.   An over-active take-me-for-a walk-now-please dog is less likely to behave well.   Your dog is trying to tell you something – what is it?    ‘Do you still love me?’ is the most likely.    Or – ‘I’m scared, don’t leave me’ is another.   Being cross with him will not ease the situation.

Providing comfort food can help, some diets are prone to ‘hyping’ a dog up.   Chappie is a good, bland fish and cereal meal, or you could try Nature Diet which is also a calming food and well liked.   Cod liver oil is a supplement that helps nervy dogs, also Dorwest Herbs Skullcap and Valerian makes a huge difference.   We’ve used this for over 30 years and know that it works.   You can get both from us either online or call at our on-site shop.

Consistency is the key – you will eventually find that when you see that ‘jump-up’ look in his eyes a sharp ‘no’ will be enough by itself to keep his feet firmly on the ground.