how to stop my shihtzu jumpimg up at people

[adygolding]

hi i have a shihtzu 1year old but are having trouble when people visit she will continuously keep jumping up at them . i have tried smacking shouting but runs behind them and carries on. i have had to put a safety gate up now to put her behind. any ideas????

[shaneystar2]

If your dog has the habit of jumping up at visitors, the easiest way to deal with this, is to put her on a lead before you go to the door to greet them. Hold the dog and tell the visitor to ignore the dog. Explain to the visitor that this is part of your dog training and that she can give the dog a pet later. Only let the dog off the lead when the visitor is in the room and settled down.
Remember to praise your dog and give her a treat each time she greets somebody with all four paws on the ground. Smacking and shouting is no good because the dog is getting your attention by doing this.Ignoring them is the best way ,no eye contact,nothing .It may take a while but she will get the message sooner or later .When she realises that she will get a treat for good behaviour rather than bad ! Good luck with your pooch .

Have a look at what what Celia Haddon has to say

http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20problems/do gs/frameset.html

[adygolding]

thanks for the info il give it a try and let u know how getting on thanks

[Clanad]

In line with shaneystar's good advice, if the dog also jumps on you, turn away immediately, and as previously advised, don't make eye contact and, importantly, don't touch the dog with your hands. This is what the dog is really seeking, that and putting its paws on you , which is a kind of dominance display. When the dog jumps, turn immediately with your back to the dog and arms folded, and/or, considering the size of the dog, extend your leg into the dogs chest (I didn't say kick it!). Try to have your friends that come to visit mimic your behaviour. Additionally, when the dog has quieted, then place your hands on it and praise it. Anytime you can divert the dogs attention by carrying its favorite toy or a treat, and give it to the dog when good behaviour is exhibited. Be consistent with this and within a week or so you should see a change... Be sure to STOP shouting or smacking... won't work since part of your action is what the dog is seeking anyway... Good luck...

[maggie01]

I wish you the best of luck. I have 2 shih-tzus who are reasonably well behaved. Having said this, they do love people. Mine only jump up at me and all the telling, ignoring etc makes no difference. They are very stubborn dogs . I am sure as shaneystar says, putting your dog on a lead before you answer the door may work. That's if you can get it to stand still long enough to get the lead on. Good Luck. They are great little dogs.