Jumping Up Problems, Rebellious Lab Options

[winchester]

I recently rescued a Lab, about 1 year old, or so, and he's constantly wanting to jump on me, and even insisted that he was GOING to sit in my lap (he's about 60-lbs already, not to mention the funniness of that picture - he's as tall as I am).

Anyway, I'm doing something wrong while attempting to correct the behavior because he thinks I'm playing, I guess, and he begins to reply to my pushing him off with feigns of biting (I hope they're only feigns), and continued jumping.

He really seems to be happy with me, but I'm needing some advice as to how to repel this behavior, because it's interfering with my desire to get him to meet my resident cats (with his excitedness, they will have nothing to do with this behemoth of a dog).

Any advice appreciated.

[bruisersgirl]

A few ideas; when he jumps try a firm "ah ah" or "no" cross your arms and turn your back on him. Ignore him untill he calms down and stops trying to jump on you then go back to what you were doing before. Be consistant and do it every time he jumps. Maybe ask a few friends to do the same so he doesn't jump on new people.
Spray bottle or an air horn might work as well. When he jumps spray the bottle or blow the horn.
Get him in some obedience classes. Labs are notoriously high energy. Couple that with high intelligence and you get a very easily bored dog. Training is a good way to tire him and redirect his behavior towards something else( ie sit stay when a visitor comes over)
Lots and lots of exersise. As said high energy dogs. Maybe a visit to a dog park is in order(on leash unless a fenced area or you have a good come command)
Hope this helps!!

[bruisersgirl]

Oh and he is still a puppy so he will in some aspects be a lil crazy. He wont change overnight so dont expect too much too soon. Labs mature slower . It just means you will get plenty of laughs about some puppyish act at a random time.

[winchester]

Thanks for the tips; I did find those on the main site as well.

Mellow is sitting when it comes time to put the leash on, and he knows we're going out, so that's a positive for him. He's learning to sit at other times too. But it's kinda hard to get hime to stay after the praise, cause as soon as I praise him, he jumps back up, and I don't even have time to get the "stay" command out.

I'll keep working with him. He's a really good dog.

[Sharin]

Hi,

When he jumps up on you, cross your arms across your chest and IMMEDIATELY turn to the SIDE. You can give a low, growly AHH, AHH as you are turning to the side. If you turn your back to him he still will be able to jump up on you so it's better NOT to turn your back on him. The VERY SPLIT SECOND all four of his paws are on the ground praise him with a happy voice and give him a treat. That can be an edible treat that is really yummy to him. If he is not food oriented maybe toss him a toy that he really likes.

As for getting him to like the cats and them to like him, DON'T force the issue. One of our members, Karen, has a website with some very wonderful, helpful articles. Go to her website here: http://www.westwinddogtraining.com/ and click on the Articles link. There you will find an article on introducing dogs and cats.

[winchester]

Sharin,

Thank you for that link, and the tips.