spiritdogs
Posted : 3/25/2006 7:29:09 AM
I agree with aussiegirl. Sit is a great alternate behavior.
Most people have problems with jumping because they fail to realize that they are almost always providing some sort of reinforcement for it (and usually it's variable reinforcement, which keeps the jumping happening even longer). They shout "off" (means nothing) or "down" (wrong command), or they push, pull, shove, or look at the dog.
My best success has come with ignoring jumping completely (that means turn away, make yourself incredibly boring, no talking, no eye contact), and reinforcing the dog for sitting. What needs to happen is that the dog is left dragging a leash. You step on the leash and ask for sit. Dog sits, you reward. Dog jumps, he self corrects. If the leash is not on, he gets ignored for jumping, and rewarded if he sits on his own.
For guests, let them in on the secret and park a bowl of Cheerios outside the door. Dog sits to greet when they ask, he gets one. If he doesn't, well you are stepping on his leash way before the door bell rings (that's what cell phones are for LOL).
Seems like a lot of trouble, but it works.