Jumping on guests-ingnoring won't work

[bellazmom]

No one wants to come over because Bella is too much to handle. She jumps on guests and will not stop no matter how long we try to ingore her. People (myself included) have a tough time ignoring the behavior because Bella knocks people over and is so strong she leaves bruises. She is just excited and playful and doesn't mean any harm, just trying to love on people. I hate to crate her when we have guests but it has to be done. When we have unexpected guests, she jumps at the door and it takes at least five minutes to corral her to crate her, meanwhile I have the bruises to show for it. She has been to trainers but they haven't been able to help with this. Any Ideas? HELP!

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

I would put her on a leash when the people arrive and keep her in a sit. After the first few minutes of excitement have passed and everything is calmer, you can take it off. I do this with Scrapper when we have company because I know that not everyone likes a big ole dog bounding up and jumping on them, no matter how friendly.

Also, I would suggest obedience classes if you haven't already attended them. Scrapper has been going, on and off, now for over three years, and he is very well behaved. Still gets excited when people come over, but more easily controlled now that he understands what I want him to do.

 

[Chris79]

I have the same problem with Zeus. He jumps up so high he is eye level with anyone that comes in the house. We had someone come in to talk to us about windows yesterday and I put his leash on him. It takes all of my energy to get him to sit and calm down. Once he calms down a little bit he lays down and whines so loud it sounds like he is dying. I don't know what to do anymore. I have tried ignoring him and turning my back on him but the last time I did that he knocked me into the kitchen counter. I am hoping he will calm down a little after he is neutered. That happens a week from tomorrow. Can anyone tell me if that has helped there boxer calm down at all??

Christina

 

[gmacleod]

Neutering can help a bit, yes, at least with hormonally-driven behaviours. It sounds to me though, as if you have some pretty big leadership issues going on there. More specifically, your dog is the one in control and believing that he is your leader rather than the other way around. Neutering won't put an end to that - it comes down to training and how you interact with your dog.

There is plenty of advice on these forums that you could put to good use in dealing with a dominant dog. I would also suggest that you get a copy of Jan Fennell's book, "The Dog Listener". It deals very well with leadership issues in general and specifically with the sort of behaviour you're describing. Read it - it can really help you out

 

[bellazmom]

I think Bella is related to your boxer, Chris! Sounds just like her. I do think sometimes she thinks she is in control. I tried the leash thing and she just jumped on me until I was black and blue and my arms were too tired to hang onto the leash. I think I am going to do some major reading to see what else I can do. We've had more than one dog trainer who couldn't handle her on a leash, either!

 

[Luvnmyboxer]

I think Titan and Bella have obviously met. I will say Titan was 100% better when we were in obedience class, but we stopped b/c of the craziness of the holidays (big mistake). Ever since then he jumps on me constantly, bruises like I've been beaten and just barks and barks at me. So we are definately going to be back in obedience very very soon. For us at least, obedience was a miracle worker, we're going to PetSmart this time. But maybe you should try a professional trainer who comes to your house that way your dog is in her own environment. Might make a difference.