How to Stop My Dog From Jumping & Scratching the Door

Blocking Access to the Door

• 1). Measure the height of the dog. Calculate the height needed to contain the dog by adding half the dog's height to the original measurement.
  
  
• 2). Measure the width of the opening. Gates exist for many openings, some exceeding 6 feet in length. If the dog is a forceful jumper, then a wall-mounted gate is the most effective.
  
  
• 3). Mount the gate on the wall, using the manufacturer's instructions.
  
  
• 4). Show the dog the gate, praising it or clicking and treating for having all four paws down.
  
  
• 5). Teach the Patient Greeting (below).
  
  

Teaching a Place Stay

• 1). With the dog on a leash, show the dog the place bed. If the dog gets on the bed on its own, praise or click and treat (C/T) the behavior.
  
  
• 2). Stand next to the place bed. Toss a soft, bite-sized treat onto its surface. As the dog jumps onto the bed, praise or C/T the behavior. Repeat 10 times.
  
  
• 3). Repeat step two, adding a command such as "place" or "bed" to name the behavior. Use a happy, but low-key tone for the command; the dog should not perceive the place bed as a punishment. Repeat 10 times.
  
  
• 4). Test the dog's understanding of the command you want to use. Without tossing the treat, give the command. If the dog jumps onto the bed, praise or C/T. If the dog does not obey the command, then say nothing and repeat step three. Alternate between steps three and fou until the dog understands the command.
  
  
• 5). Incrementally increase the distance the dog is expected to go, until you reach the end of the leash. When the dog responds immediately to every command, remove the leash.
  
  
• 6). Incrementally increase the time the dog is expected to remain on the bed. Never leave the dog in place for more than 30 minutes without releasing it from its position.
  
  
• 7). Start giving the "place" command from various places in the house. "Proof" the behavior by leaving the room periodically until the dog consistently remains in place.
  
  
• 8). Begin sending the dog to its "place" when people come to the door. Enlist a friend or relative to practice the behavior before relying on it entirely.
  
  

Teach the Patient Greeting

• 1). Place a container of treats near the door, located where the dog cannot reach them.
  
  
• 2). With the dog on a leash, have it sit to one side of the door. When the dog is calm and relaxed, praise or C/T.
  
  
• 3). With the dog sitting on-leash at your side, have a friend or relative to knock on the door. Praise or C/T quiet behavior. Repeat as needed until the dog remains quiet when the assistant knocks.
  
  
• 4). Give the assistant soft, bite-sized dog treats. Repeat step three, opening the door at the knock. Praise or C/T quiet behavior. When the dog is calm and before the assistant enters the room, he or she should give the dog a treat. Repeat this step as needed until the dog keeps all four paws on the floor when the door is opened.
  
  
• 5). Repeat step four, allowing the assistant to enter the room. The assistant should give the dog a treat immediately upon entering the room. Praise and C/T the dog for having all four paws on the floor. Repeat as needed until the dog remains calm when the person enters the room.
  
  
• 6). Increase the dog's distance from the door and the duration of the calm greeting period over time.