Do you have a jumpy dog? My lil guy definitely tries to leap on strangers (for kisses) and it's something we're constantly working on since he doesn't do this to me. If I have company over, my friends all know the training method I use:
- Grabbing his paws! When a dog jumps up on you (or strangers), gently grasp his paws and hold them firmly in place. While at first most pups won't care, when you don't let go, chances are they'll get more uncomfortable, struggle, and try to get away. When this happens, say "off" or "down" (depending on the word you favor) and let go. Immediately follow this by asking him to sit and rewarding when he follows through. Repeat this process every time your dog jumps up.
Learn one more commonly accepted method to limit jumping when you read more.
- Stepping on the leash! Simply leave a leash on your pet indoors when company's coming so it drags around behind him. Whenever you notice your pooch ready to jump, place your foot on the leash. Don't stomp so close that he immediately notices your foot, but don't leave enough slack for him to jump all the way up. When he jumps, say "off" or "down," and the leash should help correct him. Follow up with a sit command and reward as above. Please note, this really works best on collared pets – I tried it with North's harness and he was either able to jump or got tangled (and fell sideways) which wasn't too effective on my lil guy!

Kenneth Jay Lane
Blugirl
Dior Homme
I haven't seen the leash thing work, but in Marley and Me, he kneed him (not aggressively, but firmly) in the tummy a couple of times, which worked.
1We did the knee trick too. Not hard, or anything, but it keeps her from jumping. Then, we would stick our hand out flat like "stop" and that's what we use whenever she's getting ready to jump. She barely jumps anymore. It's worked really well.
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