Jumping up on people is a common but often frustrating dog behavior. Learning how to train a dog to stop jumping is crucial, as a large or excited dog can knock someone over and cause injuries. This behavior becomes especially concerning when dogs jump on young children, the elderly, or people who are unsteady. Teaching your dog not to jump can make interactions more enjoyable and ensure your dog engages politely with people. Although jumping is natural for dogs, proper training can help them keep their paws on the ground.
Why Dogs Jump
Most dogs jump up on people or guests due to excitement and a desire for attention. Jumping is a normal and natural behavior for dogs trying to get closer to what interests them. This behavior persists because it often gets rewarded, even unintentionally. Many dogs perceive any attention, even negative, as better than none. Therefore, scolding your dog can inadvertently reinforce and encourage the behavior.
Teaching Alternative Behaviors
Instead of scolding, teach your dog an alternative behavior to jumping. An alternate behavior is something that is incompatible with jumping, meaning when your dog does the desired behavior, they can’t jump. By consistently reinforcing an alternative behavior, you can eliminate jumping and reward your dog for doing something else.
Encouraging Paws on the Ground
One effective way to stop jumping is to encourage and reward your dog for keeping all paws on the ground. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: When you or guests enter the house, toss a handful of your dog’s kibble or treats on the floor.
Step 2: Praise your dog as they eat the scattered treats. If your dog ignores the treats to jump up, leave the room or have your visitor leave. Try again with your dog further from the door, using higher-value treats. Since jumping is self-rewarding for dogs, ensure the alternative is more enticing.
Step 3: Continue tossing treats and praising your dog for keeping their paws on the floor. Sniffing is a calming activity for dogs, helping them self-regulate their emotions. A more relaxed dog is less likely to jump.
Step 4: Repeat the process as you come home or when guests arrive, praising your dog for searching for the treats. After a few repetitions, your dog will start to anticipate the treats and stay on the ground during excitable moments.
Jumping On People While Walking
If your dog jumps on people during walks, use the same paws-on-the-ground treat activity. When approached by someone, toss a small handful of treats nearby for your dog to sniff and find. Praise your dog for keeping all four feet on the ground. If your dog enjoys meeting new people, release them to greet them calmly once they’ve eaten the treats. For dogs that are less social, continue scattering treats while you talk to the person to keep your dog occupied and grounded. This sniffing activity helps reduce stress and discourages jumping until you resume your walk.
By following these steps and consistently reinforcing positive behaviors, you can teach your dog to stop jumping on people, making your interactions more enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.
