Dogs are known for being very friendly creatures. They love to greet people with a big jump up, but this can often be overwhelming or annoying for guests. If you're struggling to keep your dog from jumping on people, don't worry - we have some tips and tricks that will help! In this blog post, we will discuss why dogs jump up on people, how to stop them from doing it, and some helpful exercises that you can do with your pet.
Why Do Dogs Greet Others By Jumping?
Dogs jump up on people as a way of greeting them. It's a natural dog behavior that dates back to their wolf ancestors. However, dogs typically tend to do this in a home because they're receiving attention, or rewards, for doing the action. So even when you scold your dog or push their paws down when they start to jump, you're still giving them attention and reinforcing the behavior that you don't want them to do. Some dogs might even consider it a game instead of you telling them to stop jumping.
Tips To Stop Your Dog From Jumping
Ignore Their Jumping Behavior
The first step to stopping your dog from jumping is to ignore their behavior. When they start to jump up, turn your back on them and don't give them any attention. It might be hard at first, but eventually, they will realize that their jumping behavior does not get them the results they want. When they're not receiving attention, it should help lessen the behavior. You'll need to combine this tip with other tricks mentioned below to really stop the jumping.
Give Them A New Command When New People Enter The Home
If you have guests coming over, or someone new enters your home, give your dog a specific command to do instead of jumping. This could be something like sitting, lying down, or staying. If they perform the behavior you've asked them to do, make sure to praise them and give them a treat.
You can invite a friend over and continually practice this new trick by having them knock on the door and telling your dog the command before letting the person inside. Repeat this continuously until your dog understands what they want you to do.
Exercise Your Dog More
If your dog is full of energy and jumpy, it might be a good idea to increase the amount of exercise that they're getting. Dogs with a lot of energy are more likely to jump up on people as they're trying to release some of that built-up energy.
You can take them on long walks, runs, or hikes to help wear them out. If you don't have time for a long walk, try playing some games in your backyard like fetch or tug-of-war. The more tired they are, the less likely they'll be to want to jump up on people.
Create A Barrier
If you have a dog that is especially excited when people come over, or one that is difficult to control, you might want to consider creating a barrier. This could be something like a baby gate that blocks them off from the entryway.
This will prevent them from being able to jump up on people as soon as they walk in the door. Of course, you can still let them say hello to your guests, but it will be from a distance and on your terms. This will help them learn that they need to wait for you to approach the gate and let them out if they want attention.
Replace Unwanted Behavior With The Desired One
Whenever your dog jumps up on you or a guest, gently push their paws down and tell them "no." Immediately follow this by asking them to sit, lay down, or do another desired behavior. If they perform the behavior you've requested, make sure to praise them and give them a treat. Don't reward the negative behavior. Be firm in your commands and only give praise when they've done what you've asked.
Use Positive Reinforcement
When trying to stop your dog from jumping, it's essential to ignore their behavior. This means no eye contact, no talking, and no touching them when they jump up. If you do any of these things, you're giving them attention and reinforcing the behavior that you don't want.
Instead, focus on rewarding the behaviors that you do want to see. This could be something like sitting calmly when people come over or waiting patiently for a treat. Whenever they display the desired behavior, make sure to praise them and give them a treat. This will help them to understand what you want from them, and eventually, the jumping behavior should start to decrease.
What If I Still Can't Get My Dog To Stop Jumping?
If you've tried all of the tips above and still have trouble getting your dog to stop jumping, it might be time to seek professional help. A behaviorist or trainer can assess the situation and develop a more tailored plan to help your dog learn the desired behavior.
Jumping up on people is a common problem for many dog owners, but it is possible to stop the behavior. It might take some time and patience, but with a little bit of work, you can get your dog to greet people in a more appropriate and less disruptive way.
Do you have any tips for stopping a dog from jumping up? Share them in the comments below! For more information on all things dogs or to order a custom dog portrait, head on over to JoyousJoyfulJoyness! Thanks for reading!