Jumping and chewing are normal dog behaviors — your job is to redirect them, not eliminate the impulse entirely.
Stopping Jumping on People
Dogs jump because it works — they get attention (even negative attention counts). The fix:
- Turn into a statue. Cross arms, look at ceiling, zero eye contact.
- The instant all four paws are on the floor: "Yes!" + shower with attention and treats.
- Teach an incompatible behavior: A dog who's sitting can't jump. Ask for Sit before any greeting.
- Ask guests to follow the same rule: no attention until four paws on the floor.
Redirecting Destructive Chewing
Dogs chew because they need to. Puppies are teething. Adult dogs chew for stress relief and jaw exercise. The solution isn't "stop chewing" — it's "chew this instead."
- Provide appropriate chews: Bully sticks, frozen Kongs, Nylabones, rubber toys
- Rotate toys every few days to keep them novel
- Manage the environment: Put shoes in closets, keep counters clear, use baby gates
- When you catch them chewing something wrong: Calmly trade for an appropriate chew + praise
The trade game:
Always trade up, never just take. If your dog has your shoe, offer a bully stick. They learn that giving up forbidden items leads to something better.