Disclaimer: Unless specifically stated, any expert comments quoted in this news piece have been taken directly from the video cited below.
If you're anything like a lot of pet parents, trying to figure out how to stop a dog from jumping up is likely high on your priority list.
As much as we love our dogs, most of us don't want them jumping up on us when we're trying to cook dinner or hurling themselves at every visitor that walks through the door.
But keeping all four of your dog's paws on the floor can feel easier said than done some days.
Thankfully, expert trainer Piper Novick, founder of Happy Dogs Training, has come to the rescue with a handy Instagram video in which she's sharing her top training tips to help decrease your dog's jumping.
Let's take a look...
Novick says the first thing you want to do is to ensure you have a jar of dog treats outside your door so that you and your guests can have treats accessible whenever you're entering the home.
Next, ensure your dog is behind a barrier (like a baby gate) whenever someone comes inside.
"Toss treats over the barrier to alleviate some of that initial excitement about a greeting," Novick advises.
"When your dogs are ready (calmly waiting), have treats in your hand and open the gate. Have your treat hand waiting at nose level and immediately start delivering treats on the ground."
Novick says it's important to practice this procedure out of context before you introduce it to actual guest greetings.
And Novick's key piece of advice?
"Try to keep your movements slow and even, and your voice steady. Model the behaviors you want!," she stresses.
Just like training any behavior, teaching your dog not to jump up takes time, patience, and consistency.
If you feel your pup would benefit from some extra support in this area, we recommend reaching out to a professional trainer.
Check out our guide to how to spot dog trainer red flags to ensure you're working with someone who's suitably qualified and uses positive training methods.
