Dogs jump on people when they are excited and to get attention. Unfortunately, we often unintentionally reinforce this behavior in our attempts to correct our dog’s jumping when we push them off or tell them “no.” Making eye contact, physical contact, and your voice are all giving your dog attention and contact, which will just make him repeat the problem behavior.

One of the great things about coming home to your dog is that they will always be happy to see you. If you encourage this excitement, it will amplify rather than dissipate. When you come home, don’t talk in an excited, high-pitched voice and don’t look at or touch your dog until he is calm and all 4 paws are on the floor. If he does jump, turn your back on him and look away. As soon as all 4 paws are on the ground, look at your dog and praise him. If he starts to jump again, immediately turn your back. Early on you may find yourself spinning in circles constantly but eventually your persistence will pay off. Be advised that the problem behavior will initially get worse before it improves. Your dog will initially be confused as to why he is no longer getting the same response, so the natural response is to try harder. Unfortunately, it takes very little time to teach a behavior but much longer to stop one. If you are consistent and stop everyone from looking, touching or speaking to your dog while he is jumping it will stop much more quickly than if there is intermittent rewarding (i.e. if you sometimes give your dog attention, or if one member of the household gives your dog attention for jumping, so everyone need to be on board!)