Jumping Jimmy
by Maureen Hagggerty
If “Jimmy” jumps up on you, withdraw yourself from him. Stand still and cross your arms. Take away what he wants: your attention, or maybe an it’s an item in your hands. If you were playing with him when he jumped, stop the play and stand still. You are removing any reward in jumping so the behavior is not reinforced.
Mark Jimmy’s inappropriate behavior with a “no reward marker”, by saying something like “too bad”. Do not verbally scold your dog or push him away. Yelling escalates behavior. Pushing provides fun attention, thereby rewarding the behavior.
As you become still, your dog will momentarily respond with his feet falling to the ground. As soon as you hear his paws hit the ground, say, “Yes!” and give him what he wanted, your attention. Give him attention with calm praise as to not rile him up into jumping again. If you had treats in your hand, give him a little treat after the click. If Jimmy is quicker than you and jumps up as you bend down to greet him, withdraw yourself again immediately. Then once again “Yes!” when all for feet are on the floor and resume greeting him.
Some dogs may continue to jump on you as you walk into the house. If this is the case, immediately step back and shut yourself out behind the door. Wait a few seconds; then open the door. If all four feet are on the floor, say, "Yes" and begin to pet, praising calmly, and treat. If your dog jumps up on you, shut yourself out again. Your goal is to “catch” him with the behavior you want (all four on the floor), so you can let him know by marking the behavior ("Yes") and rewarding him.
If Jimmy already has a great “sit” on cue, take the guess work out for him and tell him what to do to get your attention. Ask your dog to sit as you turn your back to his jumping. Or, better yet, ask him to sit before he has a chance to jump on you. Then reward him with your attention. Showing your dog what behavior you expect, will help him learn that much faster!
Have fun with your training!
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