Dogs are naturally boisterous and loving creatures, but jumping on people can go from adorable to problematic very quickly. Whether it is a guest in your home or a stranger on a walk, a jumping dog can cause discomfort, fear, or even accidental injury.
At K9 University, we provide expert training in OKC that addresses such behaviors through our custom programs in basic obedience, advanced skills, and behavior correction. Here’s how you can stop your dog from jumping on people.
Why Dogs Jump on People
Understanding why your dog jumps is the first step in correcting this behavior. Common reasons include:
- Excitement: Dogs often jump to express excitement or greet someone.
- Seeking Attention: Jumping is a way for dogs to get noticed, especially if the behavior has been inadvertently reinforced in the past.
- Natural Instinct: Dogs instinctively jump to get closer to a person’s face as a form of greeting.
Here are Some Basic Steps to Stop Your Dog from Jumping
Ignore the Jumping Behavior:
When your dog jumps, avoid making eye contact, talking, or touching them. Any form of attention, even negative, can reinforce the behavior.
Turn your back or walk away until your dog calms down and has all four paws on the ground.
Teach an Alternative Greeting:
Train your dog to sit when people are greeting them. Use a command like “sit” and reward them with treats or praise for sitting.
Repeat this often, especially when strangers come into your house, or approach your dog.
Reward Calm Behaviour:
Reward your dog with praise and treats if they sit without jumping. They should calm down and remain there.
Gradually take away the treats as your dog learns not to jump and instead to greet people in a proper manner.
Use Leash Training:
When outside or in situations where your dog might jump on others, use a leash to maintain control.
If your dog attempts to jump, redirect their attention using commands like “sit” or “watch me.”
Desensitize Your Dog to Exciting Situations:
Practice calm greetings by exposing your dog to guests or stimulating environments in a controlled or slow manner.
Reward your dog for staying calm and gradually increase the level of excitement in each scenario.
Teach the “Off” Command:
When he starts jumping, use a firm but calm “off” command. Combine the command with some redirection—such as telling him to sit or lie down, for example.
Stick to a consistent tone and commands to avoid confusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Reinforcing the jumping: by giving attention to him, even though it’s not the desired behavior.
- Inconsistent Training: Make sure everyone within the household is on the same page when it comes to his commands and rules.
- Punishment-Based Methods: Avoid yelling at them, scolding them, pushing, or hitting because these practices confuse your dog and break the trust.
How K9 University Can Help
Here at K9 University, we are masters at addressing unwanted behaviors through positive and effective training methods. Our programs target to:
- Understand the Root Cause: Understanding what causes your dog to behave this way is the starting point in getting desirable behavior correction.
- Personalized Training: Our professional trainers design specific plans that fit your dog’s personality and requirements.
- Building a Stronger Bond: We work on improving communication and trust between you and your dog.
Preventing Jumping from Becoming a Habit
Stopping your dog from jumping requires consistency, patience, and reinforcement. With the right approach, you can teach your dog to greet people politely and confidently. There are many other more tailored methods we can work with your dog if these simple tips are not enough.
Ready to deal with unwanted jumping and other behavioral problems? Contact K9 University today to learn more about our training programs in Oklahoma. Let us help you and your dog win again through expert guidance.
K9 University: we transform good dogs into great companions. Let us get to work on your dog’s jumping behavior and establish a long-term solution.
