Hi my name is Geri and I have a 18 month lab mix.I got her from labs for rescue and have had her for ten months.I ordered your program and also read the dog whisperer.I was quite happy with your program as it helped me solve problems like hole digging and poop eating!However, I am having no success with her jumping on everyone including myself.I even watch Its me or the dog on our local animal channel.I use all of the techniques but nothing works.She is a great dog and loves everyone she meets.Yesterday was the final straw.My mom and I walk our two dogs twice a day.They are not long walks as mom and I are up in age but they are consistant.Yesterday as we were walking we ran into a doberman that Vanna has met before.When the two dogs approached each other the dobie became aggressive.Vanna started jumping and pulling and I lost control of her.She scratched me and made me bite my lip.I was close to tears.I really need help to stop this jumping behavior.Anyone have any fresh advice?
Dogs jump up on people for two reasons - to show Dominance or to gain attention. In fact, there is very little, if any, emotional component to jumping up on a person: it’s a means of communication between dogs, not a demonstration of emotion. Between canines, the dog that leaps up on the other dog is asserting dominance. If the leapt-upon dog submits to this behavior, she’s acceding dominance to the leaper. In short by letting your dog jump up you are saying you will play by their rules because you will pat them or give them attention when they demand it and you will let them stand up against you in dominance.
[B]Dealing with the attention seeking component[/B] Consistency is absolutely essential when dealing with jumping. The ‘no jumping’ rule must apply at all times. You cannot permit her to leap up on you on some days, and then get angry with her on other days. Your dog can’t tell the difference between your work clothes and your gardening outfit, or whether you’re feeling rushed or playful. If you’re going to teach her not to jump up you need to be prepared to react the same way every time she does it - and so does everyone else in the household. This goes for visitors, too.
The training is simple: When she starts jumping, completely ignore her. Give her the real cold shoulder: turn your body completely away, avert your face, and break eye contact. Give her absolutely no attention. Don’t react at all.
She will probably sit down puzzled after 30 seconds of fruitless leaping. As soon as all four paws are on the ground, praise her: give her treats, pat her lavishly, shower her with praise. You want to make it crystal clear that four paws on the ground is what you want - not leaping or jumping. She should get the message very quickly.
[B]If this doesn't work...[/B] If this doesn't work try purchasing a head collar such as a gentle leader or halti. Once you have introduced it to your dog using the instructions that come with it, you can put it on your dog and use it to help you in the training above. When she jumps on you use the head collar to pull her calmly back down on all four paws while still making no eye contact, talking to or touching her at all. As soon as all four paws are on the ground praise and treat as above.
[B]A better way to greet [/B] Once your dog is consistently not jumping up you can greet your dog affectionately by getting down to its level and giving it some calm cuddles and pats. When you decide you’ve finished get up and walk off so your dog is clear that you are in charge of when and where attention is dished out. Alternatively when you get home try running your dog through some quick tricks or playing fetch. In this way your dog is getting some attention and fun but again under your rules.
[B]Dealing with the dominance component[/B] Flip through your secrets to dog training manual and read up on alpha-dog training. If you need some extra pointers try the premier members download area for a full manual on alpha-dog training. Keeping up alpha-dog training will help you control your dog better under many conditions and will help you get through the teenage months that your dog is currently in, a time where your dog is challenging all the boundaries.
[B]Dealing with jumping on walks[/B] The head collar will be a vital tool for reducing jumping on walks and helping you exercise and socialize your dog. Walk your dog on the head collar and you will have full control of the dogs behavior so that it will not be able to jump or lunge at all. If your dog begins to respond aggressively or over excitedly well you can simply ignore its behavior and walk on. As soon as it is calm again praise warmly and treat. Once all of this training has come together you can phase out the head collar if you choose.
I hope this helps and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to ask.
