Do you dread going to your sisters house in fear knowing that her 95 pound lab will jump all over your new dress slacks? A dog should NOT prohibit you from going to friends and families homes. Jumping is one of the single most challenging actions for a dog to control. Dogs love all people (most of the time) and when they exercise they’re acute sense of smell, sight, and sound to your new or returning guests, the chances of jumping are increased.
Why you ask? From puppyhood, dogs are naturally oral animals. They lick to induce taste, acceptance, and affection. In the wild, wolf pups jump up to their mother’s mouth to render food. So, this is Ahwatukee NOT the wild, so no more jumping! Jumping can be drastically reduced by following the below simple tips:
- Practice entering your home and ignoring your dog. You’ll survive! No touching or eye contact, or high frequency greetings to increase your dog’s energy. Remain calm so your dog will do the same. After returning in from a potty break, command your dog to SIT. Count to 5, and then praise with voice and affection. Always give affection BELOW your waist, not above.
- Dogs want to be part of a “pack.” So, get in the habit of greeting your dog with your shoulders back and a strong firm posture. Clasp your hands together to look like the pitcher on a baseball team. When you look and act as a strong leader, your dog will begin to sit automatically out of respect. It is a dog’s instinct to bow to the leader.
- Less is more. If your dog is used to jumping on you as soon as you walk in the door, try turning sideways to limit the surface area for him to land on. After time, your dog will end up sliding down your legs as you turn, and then sitting when you again face him in your “pitcher” posture. If he jumps again, repeat the sideways turn. Dogs learn and thrive from “routine/repetition” so this sideways turn will pay off in the long run.
- Finally, THERE IS NO PERFECT DOG! Sure, dogs over 9-12 years old are close to perfect, but it came with great practice. So, when you have guests come over, put your dog on a leash. When he is calm after 1-2 minutes, then take him off the leash, and tell your guest to follow the above tips.
So, is teaching your dog not to jump on you and your guests easy? NO!! Routine and repetition will play a crucial role in changing your dogs jumping behaviors. Be patient and consistent and in no time at all you’ll be returning to your sisters home for the Holidays.
Since 2005, Mark Siebel has trained over 6000 satisfied K’9’s and customers alike. The goal has always been to show owners how to properly integrate their dog into the home setting. Consulting on what breed of dog to buy, where to buy/rescue from, preparing your home for your new puppy and health/nutrition are just a few ways DOGGIE STEPS helps its customers.