Expert: Jannie Balliett - 7/10/2008

Question
Hi Jannie,

I have a 1 year old 80 lb Male Boxer who loves to jump on friends whether in the house or outside.  It doesn't seem to matter how much you tell him "No!" he continues to jump.  I will often tell people he is in training and to just walk away and ignore him.  However, some people become very frightened, especially if they don't know Boxers.
Have you had any immediate luck in correcting this issue and if so what do you recommend.
Thanks,
Gary


Answer
Consistency, consistency, consistency-- with your reprimand and training.

He is typical Boxer. Excited, loving, playful.

However, it is frightening to those that are not familiar with the breed.

Every time he jumps on someone, even you and other family member (to play) tell him; "No-- down. Down!" and then push him down into a low position, sitting position, or whatever. If you have taught him to "sit" then by all means, tell him; "No-- down. Down-- SIT!" .....

Be consistent. Each and every time. Always.


I would recommend a water squirt bottle, but most Boxers seem to love them-- so I recommend you carry a clean (new one for this purpose) fly-swatter.

Each time he jumps, verbal reprimand as I mentioned, and give the "sit" command-- and if he does not do it, or is slow to obey, or as you reprimand him, swat his butt with the fly-swatter.

It won't be long that he will be afraid of a fly-swatter and associate it with being spanked with it and reprimanded.

Now, on the flip-side: When he begins to obey and is improving, give him a special treat (these are treats he only gets for training and not regularly.) This way, he will associate his good behavior with a special treat.

Reward good, reprimand bad. I bet it'll take him no more than 2 weeks to learn NOT to jump on people.