My dog jumps on me
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Table of Contents
For dogs that jump up, we have to think that a dog will do what is rewarding. If it’s good, he does it. If it is not good, he does not do it. Simple as that.
Jumping is normal dog behavior. It is a “canine etiquette rules” taught to each pup from birth. As soon as they can eat solid food, the mother canine carries bits of food in her mouth back to her waiting dogs. On her return, the young pups greet her by licking the bits of food from around her lips. As canines grow older, this behavior translates into an acceptable canine greeting. If you have more than one dog, or if your dog encounters a dog friend, they are likely to lick each other around the mouth to say hello. This behavior is similar to the human habit of shaking hands.
When a pup moves from his litter into your family, his human pack, he retains this “Glad to see you” greeting behavior. However, humans walk upright and have mouths high off the floor. When your dog is happy to see you and wants to greet you in the only way he knows how he has to jump in an attempt to lick you around this high-up mouth. People find jumping up, and mouth licking rather disgusting and often react by scolding the dog or pushing it away.
Many training methods teach a dog that jumping is not appropriate. Although many people use turning their back on their dog to correct this or stepping on their toes, using a leash and a command such as OFF will define the action and allow your dog to understand this is inappropriate behavior.
Why do dogs jump on you?
Dogs that jump up on people are a nuisance at best and dangerous at worst. This problem is easy to correct and even easier to deal with while the dog is still young (and presumably smaller). Dogs that jump are generally doing it for two reasons: to greet you or express dominance. Dogs that are excited to see you jump up to get closer to your face so that they can smell your breath. This is one way they use to identify you. Dogs that jump and remain still with their paws on you are vying for social dominance. If you push the dog away, these dogs become more frustrated, so they jump with even more determination.
How to stop jumping dogs
As the dog approaches, take a quick cha-cha step toward him. The dog’s defense reflex will usually stop him in his tracks. you must instantly praise the dog, and the owner should then crouch down and allow the dog to approach. If he again starts to jump, the owner stands up abruptly. This little body language game continues until the dog is not jumping but close enough to dor petting. When your dog is on all four legs, love him to bits, cuddle and talk.
