Ask the trainer: my dogs jumps up & play bites

Video: Stop Dog Jumping Up | Stop Puppy Biting | What Would Jeff Do? Q&A Dog Training Help

Video: Khan Doberman Puppy Day 1: Manners Training Play Biting, Jumping, Pulling | Atlanta Dog Training

Dear Kevin,
How do I get my bully, Roxy, to stop jumping nonstop? She knocks you down and bites your feet when you try to walk away. Turning your back and folding your arms doesn’t work. She just bites them!
Thanks,
Tara K.

Hi Tara,
I recommend working hard on a “sit” cue. This can come in handy if Roxy is jumping on you, or on somebody else.

When she starts to jump, you’ll tell her to sit. Once she sits, you can give her the attention she’s looking for. To get her to stop jumping on guests I recommend using a leash and letting her approach. You can practice a cue that I refer to as “Go say hi.” You can then use this cue for her to greet the guest. Check out the video below for a visual of that. But as you let her approach, cue her to “go say hi.”

If she does it correctly she will not jump. If she jumps, pull her away for a few seconds and then try again. Jumping happens because the dog gets enjoyment out of it. By cueing her to sit every time she jumps, she should start doing a lot more of sitting than jumping in the future. I would also recommend increasing physical and mental stimulation. You can do a couple walks a day and also a couple 5-10 minute training sessions where she can practice all her skills.

Thank you for the question!
Kevin Duggan CPDT-KA

Video: Get Puppy to Stop Jumping On Guests | Puppy Care

Kevin is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT.org)  and is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator through the American Kennel Club. He currently resides in Ohio with his dog, V, a six-year-old Shepherd/Lab mix, where he operates All Dogs Go To Kevin, LLC, specializing in helping build positive relationships between humans and their canine companions using clear communication, not pain and fear. For more training tips and tricks, and to meet his amazing dog, V,  follow him on Facebook by clicking here.

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