Expert: Jannie Balliett - 10/10/2011

Question
I have an 18 month old fawn boxer female. She is used to me and when I tell her down if she jumps on me she obeys. Shes calm after a few moments and will sit and relax. However, when I have company over no matter what she jumps on everyone and will not listen to me when i command her "down" How do I stop her from jumping on people? Of course she is playing and means no harm however people no longer want to come over.

Answer
Of course you know that it is just excitement and playfulness, but, not acceptable behavior.

Try this: buy a whistle and blow it every time she misbehaves; any reason of unacceptable behavior.

Especially blow the whistle when company arrives and she jumps on them, and each time she jumps on you. Don't allow her to jump on you because she will think it is acceptable to jump on everyone.

The whistle should startle her, then give you the opportunity to verbally reprimand her.

Start using it on any bad behavior (unacceptable behavior) to begin the practice and familiarity of the sound and association of the sound and behavior at the time. It must be followed with an action; verbal reprimand, time-out, whatever you use and do.

Let me know how it worked for you in a few weeks.