Why do dogs jump up on people:
- Dogs like to greet with noses
- Helps dogs read people
- Gets attention/ excitement (negative attention is still attention- running away, baking noise, yelling all make it exciting)
Prevention:
- Be with your dog when you dog greets people (guide the dog and the people)
- Backyard is for running and front yard is for greeting guests – this controls greetings
- When someone comes to the door, put your dog on leash – instruct guests not to look at dog or interact with dog until dog sits (once sitting, still have guest be quiet- they can feed a treat or give a quiet pet)
- OR keep dog in crate or back yard until guest has entered and seated then bring out dog on leash
- Work in sitting- do not reward sitting unless it is the first response the dog has
- Practice doorbell ringing while a person is inside with the dog throwing a shower of treats on the floor, then put a leash on the dog
- All humans that meet your dog cannot pet your dog if he jumps
- Do not say “down” to get your dog to stop jumping, reserve that word for lay down, use “off”
- Have your dog “sit” before the jumping occurs
- Have family members ignore the dog if he jumps on them (turn their back)
- Pet only when sitting, never when jumping
- Do not yell or chase or make noises or throw objects at your dog
- Make sure your dog has construction outlets for energy- Agility Training, play groups
- DO NOT yell, squeal, run, make hissing noises, knee your dog, push down your dog
Adapted From/Reading Material: “Take Control But Don’t Lose Control: Help for people with Dogs that are Excellent Human Trainers”