Dee Dee, has jumped up to Dennis, who thinks it is great !
How to teach the dog to keep all four paws on the ground.
In the area where I live, there are lots of dogs. Us dog owners have gotten to know each other and our dogs so well, that we know when we are able to let the dogs run loose, and when to use a leash. It works really well. When I see one of my dog friends in the distance, I often call it to say hi.
There is one in particular that hold my heart dear (and the other way around, I tell my self). It comes running towards me with a 100 kph, and I know for surdent that it will jump up to say hi. When a dog jumps up, it is to reach the face of the person. It is a friendly act, but not always a welcome gesture. I don’t mind the dog jumping up, its just cosy, and I always wear clothes that can take it!
There can though, be problematic situations with nice clothes or big and strong dogs, who in their eager, can knock you of your feet, and that is not pleasant. It’s very easy though to prevent. When the dog comes running towards you, turn around and face the other way – and the behaviour stops. If the dog keeps trying to go around you, just keep turning away. It’s not a good idea to tell the dog of, instead compliment it when all four paws are on the ground. If you are a dog owner your self, with your pockets full of treats, keep giving them to the dog when it “stands”. Eventually it will calm down, and you can relax.
You can teach your dog not to jump up. The younger it is, the quicker it learns, but it is never too late to teach a dog something new. It just takes a little longer time, when the dog is older. You simply have to reward what you want – that is, when the dog has all four paws on the ground. Provoke the dog to jump up – stand still and ignore it. When all four paws at a time are on the ground, compliment and reward instantly. Repeat and repeat. It can be a benefit to use a helper that provokes the dog to jump up while you concentrate on timing the compliments and treats best possible, when the dog is “down”. Eventually the dog has to stay “down” longer and longer, even though it is provoked extensively, before it is complimented and receives the treat. That way it learns that it doesn’t pay of to jump up.
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