Jumping is a common problem behavior among dog owners everywhere. Although it can be cute at first it rapidly becomes a pain in the butt as they get bigger. To prevent the behavior we need to practice calm behavior from the moment we bring them home. This rule applies to everyone inside and outside the home. By doing this we are more likely to prevent jumping. Calm Behavior prevents Jumping.
Why Do Dogs Jump?
Jumping is a self-rewarding behavior. Similar to Barking and Chewing. More often than not when a dog jumps up on a person their first instinct is to push them off and say “No or Off” before the dog even understands what those verbal words mean. When we talk and touch our dogs we are actually reinforcing the jumping behavior. The more the dog gets away with jumping on humans or counters where they should not be, the more they will do this behavior.
How to stop my dog from jumping?
There are a few methods I use to stop jumping. It is important to note some work with certain dogs and others may not. Ultimately your dog should stop jumping with any of these methods but its, not a quick fix, these take and clear, consistent communication to succeed at.
Ignore your dog
When you come home from work or running errands and your dog is free-roaming or crated the first thing I want you to do is calmly leash your dog and take them outside on a leash to potty. This will control the jumping and help you ignore your dog while they are crazy. When they are done pottying and it is time to take them inside we are going to ask for a sit (if they know it) if not a calm body and then release them from the leash. As they begin jumping on you I want you to IGNORE THEM. Continue to unpack your bag or the groceries. Do not speak to them or touch them. This leads to the next method which is invading spacing pressure.
Spatial pressure
Establish a bubble around yourself that your dog should respect as your space unless invited in. When your dog jumps on you I want you to walk towards them, calmly. The moment they are on the ground with four paws, you will mark with a “Yes” or clicker and pet calmly. Repeat as needed. We are not kneeing them, pushing, or yelling. This is a nonverbal, body language method. But it is important to be consistent with this method.
Park the dog
This method works best when you are greeting another person in public. Your dog should be on a 6ft leash. (No Retractables). As the person approaches step on your dog’s leash to allow about 1-2 feet depending on the dog’s size. This method stops the dog from jumping up on people as they approach or pet them. They will eventually learn that jumping is not ok and freedom to greet can be earned over time.
None of these methods are a and one method, they have to be practiced and reinforced properly for them to work. Calm Behavior Prevents Jumping
Remove from the room
When you have visitors come over, leash your dog. Open the door and let your visitor in to sit down. Calmly walk the dog over to them, if they begin to bark or jump all over your guest I want you to say “Eh-EH” and walk your dog into another room. Wait 5-10 seconds for them to calm down and open the door and allow them to calmly walk up to the visitor. Repeat as needed. Remember to tell your visitor to ignore your dog until instructed to pet them. This method uses people’s attention as a reward instead of a treat. Be patient and if after 5-10 minutes of this they are not responding to it maybe give them an enrichment activity in the other room and they do not get to greet the visitor.
Remember it takes one time to allow your dog to practice jumping to reset your dog’s mindset on jumping. Calm Behavior Prevents Jumping.
Off Cue
- When they jump on you, say “Off” and take your hand (left or right) and move it across your body with knuckles facing them to their level.
- When all four paws are on the ground mark with “yes” and reward with pets on her level or a treat
- Repeat as needed and every time they jump up. I would not encourage any jumping on you for hugs at this time.
Nothing you suggested is working, what else can I do to stop the jumping?
Re-evaluate the above methods and hire a trainer to observe what you are doing. We are professionals for a reason and truly understand dog behavior. We may catch something you missed, timing is off or even you may be reinforcing the behavior without even knowing it.
If you need help with your dog Contact us today!