How to Stop a Shih Tzu from Jumping Up on People or Furniture

When tiny dogs, including the Shih Tzu, jumps up on people, it may seem like a cute or flattering action. After all, who wouldn’t love to be greeted by that charming little fluff of fur at the end of a hard day at work? The unconditional love that so many dogs give their owners can be hard to resist – and there is no need to resist it when properly expressed. However, if a Shih Tzu jumps up on its owner, it can also jump on other people. Not all of them will be dog lovers and some may be scared by even a tiny dog who doesn’t seem to be under control. Some children also suffer from a fear of dogs or haven’t been around the Shih Tzu breed. They may be terrified and start screaming.

Once the Shih Tzu starts jumping up on people, it can quickly turn into a major problem. With their stubborn natures, this can turn into a habit. Also, their long hair can become easily dirty or wet after a walk in the rain. Imagine having those paws and hair dirtying a clean pair of pants or a suit. It is better to have a dog which is trained to sit or stand rather than jumping on people or furniture. Otherwise, carrying around a lint brush and taking time to clean hair off clothes may be a part of Shih Tzu owners’ daily routines.

Owners may need to set aside time, perhaps during vacations or days off from work, to train their Shih Tzu not to jump on furniture or people. Don’t be surprised if the dog stays off furniture when owners are in the room and then snuggles into the sofa when the owner is supposedly gone. That is the time to immediately surprise a Shih Tzu, hopefully while it is jumping up on a chair or sofa. It may be necessary to put it in a crate for awhile.

Ignore any whining and let the dog out after a sufficient time being away from people. Don’t be surprise if this willful breed tests the limits.  Be firm, play with the Shih Tzu only while it is off furniture and never encourage the dog to share the sofa while watching television or reading a book.  Be sure to give the dog more attention when it is properly sitting, standing or resting on the floor or a dog bed. Positive reinforcement for desirable behavior and gentle but swift action when the dog jumps on furniture should help solve the problem.

If the Shih Tzu is jumping up on people, that is another issue. Because these dogs are so small, some owners feel that it is fine to let them jump on them. But how will guests, other family members and others feel about having the dog jump up on them. They don’t know or necessarily love the dog in the same way. So it is best to stop the behavior before it becomes a problem. Also, it is important to remember that even a Shih Tzu can scare people who don’t love dogs and also keep in mind that visitors may not feel thrilled to have a dog jump on them.

To stop a Shih Tzu from jumping on people, either keep it on a leash for a few days (with small periods of being off the leash for play) and jerk the leash sharply downward if the dog tries to leap on a friend or neighbor. Try to find someone willing to serve as an assistant in training the dog. This should stop the behavior in its tracks.