Of course, any dog owner knows that there are plenty of irritating things your pooch can do. Most owners will find that consistent training in the puppy stage will stop most unwanted behavior. However, some adult dogs develop bad manners simply because they receive less attention as an adult than they did as a puppy. Probably foremost among these annoyances which owners want to correct is excessive barking. However irritating it might be, barking does not pose a threat to guests of the house. On the other hand, visitors greeted with a dog jumping up on them are not only bothered by the behavior, but they can be injured by it as well.
Why the Behavior and How to Correct It?
Excitement and happiness to see its owner or other visitors may be the primary reason for a dog jumping up on people. Other reasons for jumping up may have to do with the dog’s need to express dominance over visitors to the home, or even because of boredom. The downside to the pleasure of being greeted so enthusiastically is to possibly have your clothing ruined, be scratched by claws or even be physically knocked down. This becomes obviously clear and pertinent in the home with small kids and older folk that may sustain serious injury from a dog jumping up on them.
Of course, as with any training, it is easiest to stop a dog from jumping up when she is still just a pup. A basic rule to remember is that under no circumstances should jumping up ever be praised. The owner must be constant in his efforts to stop the dog from jumping up on people, as just one instance of attention for the behavior will encourage it further. Your canine friend must realize that, to receive attention at home, it must behave in a proper manner. Allowing a dog to jump up some of the time because it’s “cute” and praising her, only to discipline her for doing it at other times, only confuses the dog. If this is the case, she may never really understand. The owner must demand the same behavior of the dog whether it’s for a guest or a member of the family.
To reinforce the fact that the dog will not receive attention when jumping up, the owner should not make eye contact with the pet, and instead turn his whole body away from the animal. The dog should receive absolutely no attention until his behavior subsides and he respectfully asks for attention. The owner can try issuing another command such as “sit,” to stop the dog from jumping up. In this way the dog will become distracted from the undesirable behavior. Instead of only giving the pet attention when it is jumping up, the owner should try giving it the attention it is looking for when it behaves properly.
Dog training is James’ specialty, providing owners with consulting services to develop an enduring bond with their animal through effective training methods. Puppy training is another of his specialties. His website, puppy-training-advice, is full of comprehensive training product evaluations; you will also find free advice for effective dog training methods, along with other helpful suggestions to create a happy and healthy life for your pet.
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