In all dog and puppy training,it is especially important to be clear on your vocal training commands. Your little pup may become confused if told the same things that may have different meanings to you. For a great example, consider the commands, "off" and "down."
When you get into obedience work, you will use the command "down" to mean that your puppy will lie down. Therefore, while you're working on the problem of jumping up on or at you, don't use the wrong command. Tell Puppy "off." But what do you do when the puppy doesn't obey? Let's take a look at why a puppy jumps before and then discuss how to train the correct behavior.
The first tip to stopping the unacceptable jumping is to bend or squat down to greet your puppy. You bend and your puppy doesn't have to jump up to see your face. That's an important start. Second, every time the puppy jumps up on you, take his/her front paws, put him off you firmly, and while you're doing this, say "off" loudly and firmly. If you do this along with bending over and greeting, you should be able to train out the jumping fairly easily. Remember to praise you dog lavishly and reward with a treat as soon as all four feet are on the floor.
Praise must always follow any attempt by your puppy to do what you've demanded, even if the attempt isn't perfect. Your praise is your puppy's reward for good behavior. With an older, more stubborn dog more set in its habits, you may have to be more persistent and firmer in handling dog. What you don't want to do is jerk your knee into the dog's chesst as some trainer's advise. You could hurt your dog, and harming your dog isn't necessary to instill the proper behavior. If the dog runs at or up to and leaps upon you, you will have to immediately and very firmly (though not cruelly, harshly, or injuriously) put the dog off so all four feet are on the floor. Be sure to use the "off" command. You will need to persist in correcting the behavior every time the jumping occurs. This may take several weeks, so be prepared to persist and take the time to correct the jumping behavior.
More Helpful Puppy Training Links
Housebreaking Puppies in the Winter
Bringing a New Dog Home
Dog Behavior Tips
Puppy Training Techniques
Training Your Puppy in Cold Weather
