I visit many people in their homes every week helping with finding solutions to their dog problems. They are those who are happy to have their small fluffy jump on them, but find it unacceptable to have their big dog do the same. Go figure? Big or small, old or young, jumping up on people is a universal message- it doesn’t change the headspace because of the size of the dog.

There are many reasons why dogs jump on people. For one....it is normal dog behaviour! Normal – but not acceptable! It is not socially acceptable in a pack of dogs unless the offending dog is the leader and in that case- go jump on whoever you want!

GREETING:

When in play and socialising dogs and puppies have to figure out where they rank in each particular social group. It might be the regular family pack; it might be a new social group at the park or a friend’s dog that is over to visit.

It is quite normal for dogs to greet one another by first sniffing each others faces, then moving to their rear ends (where the information is!).

Because, generally speaking, dogs are smaller than humans, the only way they can greet a person in the same manner is by jumping up. They love a good crutch sniff then too- so much information!

Young pups will attempt to get right in your face because they illicit attention that way from higher ranking dogs and in fact as little pups changing to solids, they get fed that way by stimulating them to regurgitate their food by licking under their chins. Yuk!

ATTENTION SEEKING:

Jumping can also be at attention seeking behaviour, even if the resulting attention is more often than not, a negative reaction. This behaviour is often accidentally reinforced if they dog has been allowed to jump up on some occasions and not on others – a dog will not easily be able to tell the difference between when it is and when it is not an appropriate instance to jump.

This particularly applies to a dog that was allowed or even encouraged to jump when he was a pup, and of a much smaller size! While this fellow is not necessarily a naughty dog, he still needs teaching some manners! Stick to the rules- you either allow it and people get smashed- or you don’t allow it- EVER- for ANYONE- even the big strong male human of the family, who can cope or in fact encourages it in play!

SPACE INVASION:

The next reason is usually reserved for the stronger personality type dogs- some people like to label them ‘Dominant’. However your dog might be a passive dominant dog though and you are currently unaware of it- it is not always about huff and puff!

Your personal space is just that- YOURS! If you were to be pushed around or moved out of the way by a person there would probably be something to say, but somehow with a dog we put up with being bullied. Protect your space! When your dog takes your space by jumping onto you it is a major statement.

WHAT TO DO:

There are several ways you can prevent your dog from jumping on people:

The first and most obvious way: Ignore him.

When your dog starts jumping, stand still, cross your arms and look at the ceiling. Completely ignore your dog until he is calm. Once he has stopped jumping, praise him.

Alternatively, as he jumps up, you can turn around and face the opposite direction. As the dog moves sideways, give him the sit command, and if he obeys, praise him.

Keep in mind that getting your dog to obey a command beats physical interference every single time. If he won't obey your commands, then you need to re-establish your leader position, and have daily obedience training sessions with your dog.

Takes a bit more strategy: Beat him to it

When you see your dog is about to jump on you- take a big step towards him instead, this takes his space instead of him taking yours. The dog will take a few steps backwards to avoid being stepped on, at which point you can give him the sit command. If he obeys, praise him.

Teach the “Off!” Command

Attach your dog’s leash, and put him in a situation in which he would normally jump. When he jumps up, give the command “OFF” in a firm tone, and gently pull your dogs leash to the side, so that he is forced to drop back onto all fours. Then praise him for staying in that position, even if only briefly.

WHAT NOT TO DO!!

Firstly forget about some of the old techniques- times have moved on. The days of giving your dog a swift knee in the rib cage have gone. Punctured lungs, aggression and an increase in rough play drive have been common side effects of this.

• DON’T retaliate physically- YOU may be able to take the dog on but can Little Johnny or Grandma? It becomes a battle of the brawn and unfortunately it often then redirects to a member of the pack that is perceived to be weaker by the dog- a visiting child, a younger family member etc.
• DONT yell
• DON’T explain in plain English the problem, dogs speak it
• DONT flap your hands and try to fend them off -waving paws is the international dog signal for ‘Let’s PLAY!’
• DONT lose your cool- leaders are controlled calm critters BUT a nasty piercing glare doesn’t go astray when being pushed around- think the ‘mother’s glare’....
• DONT use the word NO unless you can manage to make it a short sharp growl sound that doesn’t whine or change pitch. Dogs don’t nag when disciplining.
• DONT play rough games that encourage jumping up- they just don’t get the difference.

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