Im having a posting frenzy today :D :D :D

Does anyone have any advice on stopping dogs jumping up.  Im currently looking after my friends cockers and they are constantly jumping up, not only at me but at people when we are out on walks which can be quite embarrassing if they are muddy.  I try saying off and no, I also try to get them to sit but they are always so hyper their bums dont hit the floor for 5 seconds before they are up again.  Any ideas ?

Claire :) 

Dogs jump up to greet humans so teach them to say 'hello' at floor level.  When ever your dog comes towards you reach your hand down to the floor and rub your fingers together.  When the dog comes to investigate say 'hello' and stroke them under the chin.  If you reach down and teach them that 'hello' is said at ground level, they have no reason to jump up.

Cockers (or certainly the working variety that I am familiar with) are absolute buggers for jumping up. I'm not familiar with any other breed quite so pre-disposed to climb up your leg! It seems to be part of their nature to try and get as close to you as possible. I find it quite an endearing trait (most of the time! lol), which my labs certainly wouldnt be allowed to get away with.

I'm sure it will be possible to train these dogs out of the habit, but as you've only got them for a short period of time (I assume) then you may have your work cut out!

I trained my Springer to stop jumping up by teaching her to sit for a stroke/cuddle when she greeted us. I found it better to give her something positive to do rather than just tell her not to jump up. :)

Kath.

I think it would be difficult for you to train them out of jumping up as you only have them for a short time. We have labs and if they were allowed they would flatten anything that walks in the door. Our dogs are trained with the word "back", and not only does this stop them jumping up it also means you do not have to battle your way through the door.

If you only have these dogs for a short period of time, try walking them in very secluded areas.

Hope this helps

Thanks for your replies, when they greet me I have started to go down towards them and putting my hands out (just to protect myself ) and it seems to be working.  Luckily I live in the country so there is loads of different walking routes in the middle of nowhere and the times I walk I dont generally see many people, I also try to avoid people/dogs/bikes because they bark their little heads off at them and it can be quite embarrassing.  They also arent particularly house trained ......... so glad its only for two weeks :)