[rnhaas]

Hi,
We have a four year old 75 lb, rescue boxer mix whom we've had for over a year now. He likes to lick people's faces.

When we first got him we enjoyed that he greeted us by standing up but once we started doing it to strangers we stopped. He still does it occasionally but we always turn out backs and wait till he has all four paws on the floor before we give him attention. We stopped encouraging this kind of greeting nearly a year ago.

We also used to play a game with him with a ring where he would jump and get the ring but stopped doing this a number of months ago. (3 or 4 I think)

However, he will still run and jump at strangers when he is off leash in the dog park. He is not trying to hurt them, he's just really really friendly. (Unfortunately some think it is really cute and encourage it but we ask them not to.)

Does anyone have any suggestions about how to further discourage him from jumping up on people?

Thanks.

 

[JudyN]

I'm not an expert, but wanted to reply as you've not had any responses. Isn't it annoying when other people undo your hard work?!

I think you probably need to put him on a long line, and/or rope in a stooge (or a few stooges) to help with training. So first, you prevent him going up to and jumping on strangers, and reward him for 'paws on the floor'. If the person is a stooge, they can also give him attention when he has four paws on the floor - but probably not treats, as that will encourage him to go up to strangers. If he does try to jump up on them, they turn their backs and ignore him, as you have done.

If he is particularly trying to get to their faces, then make sure he doesn't get to lick your face when you're on his level - again, turn away and ignore him when he does this.

 

[rnhaas]

Thank you!