Have a kangaroo instead of a dog?
One of the most common questions I hear from students is “how do I teach my dog not to jump on people?”
Jumping happens most often during excitement and when greeting people.
The behaviour is reinforced with young puppies by people talking to them or petting them when they jump up. As they get older and bigger owners expect the puppy to know they aren’t supposed to jump up anymore which leads to confusion and frustration.
Pushing your dog down or scolding them can reinforce the behaviour, your dog is still getting the attention they are seeking.
It’s critical to reward dogs when they are being good (not jumping up) and ignore them when they are jumping up. Turn your back, walk away or even leave the room when they start jumping up on you.
Teach your dog what to do instead of only telling them what not to do, training them to sit or go to their mat is a great option.
Management with the use of barriers (gates or crates) and leashes is important during the initial training steps to prevent your dog from rehearsing the behaviour.
Leashes should not be used to drag your dog off of someone but rather to allow the person to leave the interaction if your dog jumps up. The consequence for your dog jumping up is the person goes away.
We now have a class specifically for teaching Polite Greetings! Check it out:
Remember that your dog is looking for attention and interaction from you by jumping up. Be sure to give them that attention and praise while they have their feet on the floor not while jumping up.
Behaviours that are rewarded will increase in frequency
dogs everywhere