There are two approaches you can take to this very common problem.

Either one will work. One is more work than the other. And some people say that one is gentler and more humane than the other.

You will need to choose a technique and apply it consistently.

(1) Use your knee

This is the one that even those without dogs know about.

The dog approaches you trembling with excitement. He stands up to place his paws on your stomach or chest. You twist to the side just before he can get his paws on you and bring your knee up so it meets a hard, pointy but blunt object. After holding on to it for a second or two, he falls to the ground. You win.

There are a couple of additional things you can do at this point.

You can teach him that he gets a nice reception when all four of his legs are on the ground by squatting next to him when he’s let go of your knee and giving him lots of attention and fuss.

And if he gets his paws on you before you can lift your knee, then do your best to appear disinterested. Do not reward your dog in any way. (And that means no pushing him with your hands, as this is a fun game for any dog. Don’t talk to him. Ignore him. Make what he wants a game, definitely a non-event.

OK. that’s knee to chest. But there is an alternative.

(2) Use your hands

When the dog jumps, this second technique has you grab its legs with both hands and stay there. The jump from him has suddenly “frozen”. Nothing is happening. There was no reaction. Instead, he’s been trapped and can’t do anything!

keep it that way Hold on to him and don’t move. Draw this. Make it last as long as you can. Talk to him if you want, but stop him.

Most dogs, after a while, will start to drool on your hands. This is your cue, drop it. Hard. Do not lower it to the ground, but let it go abruptly.

Then, when he’s down on the ground, squat down with him and give him the nice, encouraging moment he was hoping for by jumping up just moments before.

That way he’ll learn that your best reaction is always when he’s on all fours!