Quote:
Originally Posted by Terri Lambert  I also agree with codglv, but also ignoring the behavior you don't want also works, turn your back to her/him. Also they should learn they don't get petted unless they sit. |
YES!!
Our ten month old foster would jump up on people....the trainer advised us that ANY interaction (even grabbing, shoving, yelling) reinforced the behavior. His advice was to fold our arms, look up at the ceiling, and totally IGNORE him...if he is too persistent, you can sort of turn you back to him, but do not interact. If really necessary, leave the room. His behavior actually intensified initially (extinguishing burst) because he was trying harder to get your attention...but if you continue ignoring him, he gets no reinforcement and will stop. What's really important is that you do this EVERY time...if he gets ignored nine times out of ten, but the tenth time someone pets him, that will hugely reinforce the behavior (think how reinforcing it is for a gambler who keeps dropping coins into the slot machine but randomly gets reinforced for the payoff).
Also, teach an alternative behavior that is incompatable with jumping up...I taught Zach to target (touch) my hand with his nose...put your hand out and the dog will probably sniff it with his nose, I was using a clicker so at this point I'd click and treat...pretty soon the dog will touch your hand every time you extend it to him...so as he was coming up to me, I'd put out my palm, he'd touch it and then I'd ask for a sit (course you PRAISE him when he does this)....it took about four weeks but when he adopted, we got a lot of positive comments about how well behaved he was.
Good luck.