Jumping on people is one of the most annoying habits a dog can have. Typically this behavior starts as a puppy, but left unchecked, develops to the professional level by the time an animal is a year old. Often, if you anticipate the jump, you can quickly take a step back and make him miss, as you say "No!" Do this as many times as you need to until he gives up. Teach your dog that when he chills, then he'll be petted and praised (basically for not jumping). If you're not fast enough to execute this move and your dog is a little guy, use the top of your foot, or your shin to block and fend him off. Be resolute and do this as many times as he jumps—until he gives up. You must be more persistent than him. As soon as he gives up, praise and pet him. 

For bigger dogs, you can quickly bring your knee up to meet him in the chest when he jumps. You have to be quick with this move to be effective. Another pretty good way to thwart a jumper is to actually catch those front paws when they're coming at you. Then gently pull him toward you as you hold fast to his tootsies for a few seconds. He will not like either of these methods, as a knee in the chest is very uncomfortable, and his paws are relatively sensitive.  

The lesson and conditioning for Max is that a negative consequence will naturally occur every time he jumps, and affection will only be given when all four are on the ground. Once he understands this paradigm in the home, you must be the one to protect others until he understands this also applies to all humans, which he will, if you stay the course. 

A native of Louisiana, SRQ Daily Columnist Gregg Flowers owns Dog's Best Friend Dog Training Services here in Sarasota, where he "teaches dogs and trains people." Gregg became fascinated by our relationship with dogs as a boy in the '60s, and by 1985 had developed his own unique style of working with dogs and their humans

Dog's Best Friend