Dogs will repeat any behavior that works so as adults, they keep doing it. For some dogs, even the coercive techniques used to punish them are perceived as getting some type of attention. Knee slamming, grabbing the front paws, stepping on the back feet or squirting with lemon juice are inappropriate corrective devices and may even seem as a great invitation to play in an active dog s mind. However, there are effective exercises and management tools that can teach a dog that being on the floor is a better place to be. The best way to teach a dog not to jump is to teach it something it can do to get the attention it craves without jumping.
Consistency is important.
You should never reward jumping up and you must convince family and friends to react appropriately to the dog s behavior. Make sure everyone teaches the dog in the same manner. If several family members are teaching the dog but one family member lets the dog jump freely, the problem will never be fully resolved and your dog will continue to jump. The next time your dog is getting ready to jump, take a couple of quick steps backward or sideways. Your dog will miss you on its way down with his purpose thwarted.