I have 2 German Shepard's 18 mo. old. I cannot get them to stop jumping on people, myself included. I have tried to turn my back and ignore them, but then they jump on my back. I try to be stern and say no and pet them when they are calm and on all fours on floor. that doesn't work. they think they are playing with my sheltie and are all over him and has made him so scared he hides when he's not on my lap and i cannot keep them off him. Please help with advise. I am at my wits end and I love my dogs!!
I have a 9 Mo. Ridgeback and had the same problem. Mine was that being at work all day, she was saying hello. However, she weighs 65 pounds and can see what is on top of the refrigerator.
When you dog starts to jump, move in with your left shoulder. This will get your dog off balance and also let him know that he is in your space. He will try to jump again and maybe several times and everytime move in a little closer. Not saying a word. Also when you make eye contact, stare him down and make him look away first. This is good practice on any kind of behavior problem.
I learned this when I read that dogs do not like to be hugged. That is their space. Trying this method of throwing them off balance is letting him know this is your space.
18 months means your two dogs are just like teenagers. Full of energy and perhaps a bit confused and unwilling to accept boundaries. You might have to lift your knee up when they jump to keep them at distance when they jump, ignoring them and not looking at them as they do it. Any sort of interaction at this point (negative or positive) will reinforce the fact that they get attention when jumping up, which is exactly what they want. Turn away, lift your knee, ignore them. I know it might take some time, but they will learn that jumping doesn't get them anywhere. Avoid greeting them when you come home and wait at least 15 min before you do so to give them time to settle down. If they jump at you during a non-greeting related situation put them in time out. Shut them in a safe, but boring room and leave them there for 5 minutes or until they calm down.
You will have to teach your dogs the "leave" command if they don't already know it. Start with one (two at the same time might be a bit of a hand full). Put a treat in your hand. Your dog will lick your hand and try to get to the treat. Hold your fist firmly closed, so that the dog can't get the treat. Praise your dog as soon as he stops licking your hand and give him the treat. Repeat this and withhold the treat for longer when he stops licking your hand. Once he displays the correct behavior (leaving the treat) add the verbal command and say "leave" every time he leaves your hand. Once both your dogs have learned this command transfer it to something else, for example leaving a sock of yours on the floor, rather than playing with it. You will need to be sure they know and follow the command. Soon you will be able to say "leave" when they pester your other dog.
Try to give them lots of exercise and teach them something new every few days to keep their minds active. Let us know how you get on. John
Kiddo is correct I attended a dog whisperer workshop recently and jumping was one behavior we were shown how to handle. It was helpful to see the demonstration but I'll try to write it for you: Using your hand (I'm right handed so my right hand) you hold your hand in an open position, similar to holding up "5 fingers". Close your 4 fingers together so they are touching and keep your thumb wide. (Like when the queen waves in a parade) When the dog jumps, you push the dog using the part of your hand between your thumb and index finger. You push right at the neck/ear/shoulder area...never on the throat as it can damage the trachea. Don't say anythingjust be matter of fact and quick with your "push". It usually takes 2-3 times and the dog will get the hint. Also, never step backwards when a dog jumps on you---go forward. This is intimidating to dogs.
I hope that makes sense. I used it today at the dog shelter and it worked for me. Good Luck!
18 months means your two dogs are just like teenagers. Full of energy and perhaps a bit confused and unwilling to accept boundaries. You might have to lift your knee up when they jump to keep them at distance when they jump, ignoring them and not looking at them as they do it. Any sort of interaction at this point (negative or positive) will reinforce the fact that they get attention when jumping up, which is exactly what they want. Turn away, lift your knee, ignore them. I know it might take some time, but they will learn that jumping doesn't get them anywhere. Avoid greeting them when you come home and wait at least 15 min before you do so to give them time to settle down. If they jump at you during a non-greeting related situation put them in time out. Shut them in a safe, but boring room and leave them there for 5 minutes or until they calm down.
You will have to teach your dogs the "leave" command if they don't already know it. Start with one (two at the same time might be a bit of a hand full). Put a treat in your hand. Your dog will lick your hand and try to get to the treat. Hold your fist firmly closed, so that the dog can't get the treat. Praise your dog as soon as he stops licking your hand and give him the treat. Repeat this and withhold the treat for longer when he stops licking your hand. Once he displays the correct behavior (leaving the treat) add the verbal command and say "leave" every time he leaves your hand. Once both your dogs have learned this command transfer it to something else, for example leaving a sock of yours on the floor, rather than playing with it. You will need to be sure they know and follow the command. Soon you will be able to say "leave" when they pester your other dog.
Try to give them lots of exercise and teach them something new every few days to keep their minds active. Let us know how you get on. John[/QUOTE]
Thanks John, I will try this 'leave' command. Our 1 year old chocolate lab knows the command 'leave' but doesn't want to honor it. This will help me retreave socks and things she takes and runs with it. She also has a 'jumping' behavior problem we are working on.
