A lot of dog owners unintentionally encourage and in effect reinforce their puppy to jump from the get go by allowing him/her to come running up to them with wagging tails, then awkwardly and excitably start jumping up for attention. It is our natural instinct to lean over and give hugs, kisses and an assumed acceptance of the jumping behavior. This action can be very annoying when they leave scratches on your legs or tears in your clothing from their sharp nails and what if their paws are just plain muddy? The problem of a jumping puppy does not lye with the puppy or the dog, but with the owner. Puppies don’t know that as a much bigger adult dog that his behavior will most likely not be accepted at all. Just because he has grown up doesn’t give him any reason to stop jumping, in his mind. After all he was rewarded for the jumping a few months ago when he/she was a puppy. Now it is time to address the matter as his owner and begin taking the steps to teach your dog that jumping is not an option anymore.
Click here to learn how to stop your dog from jumping!
When Is Jumping Not Acceptable?
It all depends on weather or not you are ready to accept your dogs idea of the meaning of vertical, all comes down to choice. Small dogs such as the toy breeds that jump up seem to be more widely accepted for their jumping behavior as it is often looked upon as affection and excitement. Small dogs are not large enough to push you over like say a Doberman, and a small dog is not so intimidating to a child. Never the less, most strangers don’t appreciate a dog jumping up on them no matter the size. It comes down to the fact that it is just plain good sense to teach your dog the “OFF” command, so in those instances when you are not around, you don’t have to be concerned that your dog will not be on his best behavior.
What About Big Dogs?
Most big dogs like a Great Dane are taller than most person they are jumping on, not to mention the brute force and strength of a big dog like that. To be bowled over or pushed over by a dog larger than yourself could be frightening, damaging to your clothing and also cause possible injuries to an adult or a child. Big dogs are very heavy and in the process of jumping on you can also step on your feet causing pain and bruises. It is one problem to deal with when the dog is your own, but when it is a complete stranger, that is another uncomfortable problem to have to contend with. Just face it, any type of jumping that involves anyone other than yourself is just bad behavior. Dog owners should train their dogs using the “OFF” command-to always be on the safe side.
Why Does Jumping Happen?
Excitement is the number one reason dogs jump….they want to please and be accepted. For instance when family members have been away for the long work day and return home to the dog who’s adrenaline is rushing, are most likely to be jumped upon because he/she is jumping for joy. A lot of dogs do not jump at all, except for times like this.
Not found as often is the dog that will jump out of the need to exert his/her dominance over you or the person that is being jumped up on. It is in the DNA of a dog to exert dominance over a lesser animal. When dogs are at play with one another they will instinctively place their paws on the shoulder of another dog to enforce physical superiority. You will be able to easily recognize the reason for your dog jumping just by accessing the current situation around the circumstances. Basically, you will have to make some overall serious adjustments to your relationship with your dog. In other words…brush up on your alpha-dog skills. (Secrets to Dog Training is full of resources on dealing with an alpha-dog. A link to the site is at the bottom of this page). Depending on your determination, persistence and your overall effort to curb the problem of your dog jumping will determine weather he/she will continue the negative behavior. Your dog will need to be taught that it is never an acceptable behavior, not even in play. Allowing him to jump sometimes and not other times is forbidden. A dog does not know when you are waring your good clothes or your play clothes or what mood you are in at any given time, so if you allow it once he will try again and again. If you haven’t reinforced the “OFF” command he/she won’t know not to jump because his/her training memory is short. Be consistent….that makes for a happy owner and a happy well behaved dog that everyone will appreciate.