Have you ever come across a situation where your guest arrived at the door and your dog jumping on your guest to say hello out of excitement? Your overly excited dog leaping on them and paws landing on their clothes- such moments are adorable but as a pet owner it becomes quite embarrassing too, isn’t it?
Whether it’s just greeting guests, trying to gain attention, or just burning off energy, dog jumping can be quite dangerous and annoying. Likewise, large breeds of dogs can knock people over by jumping. Furthermore, small breed dogs can scratch with their nails. Hence, it is essential to stop your dog from jumping. But how? Let’s delve deep down into this article to find techniques for stopping your dog jumping.
Why Do Dogs Jump?
Dog jumping is a natural behavior that shows the playful and affectionate side of your furry baby. Even though this behavior comes from their instinct and canine curiosity, it can be quite problematic. The first step in solving this issue is to understand the reasons why your dogs jump. There can be various reasons for dog jumping.
Excitement
Dogs are inherently sociable animals, and excitement is one of the main causes of their jumping. Your dog may leap up to show that they are happy and excited to be close to you when you get home from a long day.
Seeking Attention
Dogs may also learn to jump because they believe that doing so will get your attention. If, in the past, they jumped and you responded by petting them, talking to them, or even scolding them, they might continue this behavior because it guarantees interaction, whether positive or negative. This can become a habitual behavior, especially in dogs that crave human attention.
Excess Energy
When they don’t get enough exercise or mental engagement, they may resort to jumping as a way to burn off excess energy. This is especially common in young dogs or high-energy breeds.
Technique to Stop Dog Jumping
Do Not Give Any Attention When Your Dog Jumps
Since jumping is an effective idea of gaining attention from their owners, your dog will jump on you to gain attention. So for correcting dog jumping all you have to do is stop giving them what they need i.e. your attention.
When your dog jumps on you, do not give any attention towards that behavior but what you are going to do is turn away from them and walk away. They will try to jump again and again but do not give them attention unless they sit quietly on the ground or are on their four legs. Make sure not to touch them or make any eye contact with them. Once they behave quietly, you can praise and pet them. After learning that jumping no longer gets them attention, they will stop doing it eventually.
Leash Step on Method
This method is a way for dogs to correct their behavior themselves. In this technique, you have to put on leash on your dog when you are expecting any guest. However, you have to find the heaviest person in the house who can control the dog to practice this method.
First, you have to put a leash on your dog. Then, you can step on the leash at a safe distance so that your dog cannot jump all the way up but there’s just enough slack for your dog to stand or sit comfortably. Then, you can try bringing anyone near them. When they try to jump on that person, it will gently restrict them since you are stepping on the leash.
Your dog will still try their best to jump but will eventually stop. When your dog calms down you can praise them and pet them or give any treats. Rewarding their calm behavior will certainly reinforce good behaviors in your dog.
However, you have to consistently practice this at home with family members. If you start to practice when then things can go pretty wrong since it’s the first time for you and your dog too.
Teaching Your Dogs Appropriate Way of Greeting
Usually, most dogs like to say hello by coming up to the face. To stop dog jumping, you have to teach them to greet by sitting. You have to make them understand that when they sit then only they can get your attention.
How to Train?
- You can tie your dog somewhere by attaching them to a leash or harness.
- Give them the cue to sit from afar. Afterward, try coming near them. If they start to jump to approach you, all you have to do is turn away and give them the cue to sit. Then again you can go near them.
- If your dog greets you by sitting when you go near them, then you can reward them with treats, praise, or a pet.
- However, if your dog does not sit as you approach them, then you can again turn back and give them the cue to sit.
- Once your dog learns to greet you by sitting, then you can try it out with your friends and family members.
- Then, Voilà! your dog is all set to greet your guest by sitting
Managing Excitement Level
Usually, a dog’s energy level can vary from breed to breed. However, dogs in general have high energy and excitement. So, it is quite normal to jump when they have so much energy in them. Now, all you have to do is burn off their energy. You can take your dog for regular walk and run. Moreover, you can play tug-of-war or fetching games with your dog. Physical stimulation will reduce their excess energy.
Furthermore, you can give them puzzle toys or any DIY toys for mental stimulation. Or, you can play smell games with treats or favorite toys to make them tired. Remember that a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Hence, physical and mental stimulation can reduce dog jumping to quite a good extent.
Read More: How to Help Your Senior Dog Maintain Mobility
Dos and Dont While Trying To Stop Your Dog From Jumping
Do Not Push Your Dog Away or Grab Them
One of the biggest reasons behind dog jumping is gaining your attention. When you push your dog or try to grab their paws when they jump, it is still giving them attention even if it’s a negative response. Moreover, they can take your action as a way of playing. So, next time they will jump harder thinking as if this is some kind of game. Hence, pushing or grabbing your dog can make the counter effect worse.
Do Not Use Punishment To Correct Them
It is important to correct some behaviors of your dogs but using negative reinforcements and punishment is a big no. If you yell, scold, or use other means of punishment to correct your dog, instead of correcting their behavior it can create confusion and a big gap of miscommunication. This will not only induce fear and anxiety but also make your training less effective. Hence, instead of punishing them, you can use alternate behavior to redirect their behaviors.
Do Not Use Your Knees To Avoid Contact
When your dog jumps on you, you may use your knees up to avoid contact with them. Lifting your knees up can be misinterpreted as roughhouse play by your dog. So it can lead to some negative effects while you are trying to reinforce positive behavior in your dog. Worse of all, it can cause some serious injuries to your dog. This can cause physical and behavioral issues, leaving behind a long-lasting trauma to your dog.
Keep Greetings Low Key
Your dog is just excited to see you. So they will use every possible means to express that happiness. Moreover, if you approach your dog with overly excited gestures, in return they will read your emotions and try to express their joy in more grand manner. So, make sure to keep your greetings low-key. Try to calm down and approach your dog quietly so that both you and your dog are not riled up. Ensure no loud or chaotic entrance is made by your family members and guests too.
Conclusion
Dog jumping is not just about fostering a well-behaved pet but it’s also about having a good level of understanding between pet and owners. Implementing simple techniques rooted in behavioral training will help you to curb their enthusiastic behavior. However, it is necessary to positive reinforcement for establishing and maintaining dog discipline. With patience and consistency, in no time your dog will learn to have calm and enjoyable interactions with not just you but every people to they see. Say goodbye to unwanted jumping and hello to a well-mannered feline companion.
By changing these small behaviors, you can better connect with your dog and strengthen your relationship with them. If you are looking for more pet updates, feel free to reach out to LittleFurr.
FAQs
- How long does it take to stop my dog from jumping?
It can range between a few weeks to a few months. However, it is dependent on training consistency and training techniques too.
2. What should I do if my dog jumps on strangers during walks?
If your dog jumps on strangers during walks, then you may use the leash step-on method to gently limit their ability to jump.
3. Why do my dogs jump on certain people only?
If your dog jumps on certain people, then it can be learned behavior. For instance, previously when your dog jumps, if someone has given them enough attention or treats then they may jump on those people as learned behaviors.
4. Do dogs jump when they are happy?
Yes, jumping is their way of expressing excitement. So, when they jump at you after a long day, then it’s their way of greeting and expressing excitement to see you.
5. Why is my dog jumping at nothing?
Even if you think your dog is jumping at nothing, there may be various causes leading to that jump. For instance, you may find doorbells quite normal, however, your dog may be startle lby istening to that doorbell and jump out of surprise.
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