How do I stop other dogs jumping up on my 9 year old? Obviously now we have a dog, we go to lots of dog friendly places (dog beach, dog park, friends houses with dogs). Because I have an issue that sometimes affects my balance, we have been vigilant about not allowing Daisy to jump up. And it has worked. She does not jump on us at all (one training success amid the many failures) I have got very good at avoiding some dogs I know at park that jump up (and I just don't go there if I'm feeling 'off balance ') but my poor son has had a border collie and a labradoodle jump up at him 3 times in the last week. One dog left a scratch on his face I'm now feeling more nervous at the park for him than for Daisy. Should note he's never there with her alone, always an adult there just not right next to him all the time. What is the right thing to tell him to do? My friend says he should bring his knee up and force them off. Not really a preventative measure. Another says he should turn his back. But he's often not really focused on the other dogs.
I think the single most effective way (and the safest for all concerned) is to put out your hands in front of you, plams down and block the dog's face - I don't mean touch the dog, I mean hold your hands as a sort of shield as though you are trying to block the dog's face - this is so the dog can't see your face. This won't stop a dog that is jumping at something other than you (eg a treat bag or a toy) but it does stop most casual over friendly greeters. If you imagine what it looks like to the dog, you can see why. If the dog moves round you, just move with it, so your hands stop it seeing your face.
I wouldn't knee anyone's dog for jumping up. I wouldn't hesitate to use force on any dog that was threatening my dog, but loads of young dogs jump up, it's just what they do. It is annoying though, for sure!
