Sandra Scott asked: The problem of dog jumping is very common. Often, dog owners will innocently encourage jumping when they respond with enthusiasm to a puppy that jumps up at them.
The puppy learns very quickly that jumping up results in him getting plenty of hugs and kisses. Dogs can’t possibly understand the difference between a small puppy and a large adult dog jumping up.
In your dog’s eyes, there is no reason for him to stop jumping up just because he’s a few months older. It will be necessary for you to teach your dog that it is no longer acceptable for him to jump up.
When is jumping unacceptable?
Many dog owners with small or toy dogs view dogs jumping up as a sign of affection and excitement. Thankfully, it is unlikely that the rambunctious antics of these dogs would knock anyone over, plus they are so small that the only person likely to be intimidated by them would be a child. However, it is rare for someone to welcome strange dogs jumping up on them, no matter how small they are. Simply put, it is a good idea to teach your dog the “off” command for those times when you’re not close by to prevent the jumping behavior.
The “no jump” or “off” command is vital for owners of large dogs. When a large dog stands on his hind legs, he will often be taller than a human – just imagine how scary that would be for a small child! In addition, their weight is often enough to knock over an adult. It’s bad enough when your own dog inflicts scratches and bruises on you, but it’s far worse when he does it to someone else. Dog owners should make sure that dogs are furnished with a recall to the “off” command.
What’s the reason for dogs jumping?
Jumping is usually a dog’s way of showing enthusiasm and excitement. Often dogs will only jump up when their master comes home after being away the entire day. If your dog jumps up on you at that time, he is simply jumping for joy. A less frequent and more serious reason is that some dogs use jumping to show their dominance over the person they are jumping on.
If your dog only jumps up when he’s excited to see you or during playtime, he is clearly just showing his enthusiastic and happy state of mind. If the jumping occurs under many different circumstances, it is likely that your dog is displaying dominance behavior, which is an indication of a communication or attitude problem. Basically, there will need to be major changes in your relationship with your dog, including asserting yourself as “alpha dog”.
Your reaction to dogs jumping up on you is key to whether the behavior is repeated or not. In order to stop dogs from jumping, consistent training will be required. He must be taught that jumping is always inappropriate. You shouldn’t allow your dog to jump one day, then forbid this behavior the next day. Play and work clothes look the same to a dog so, if he’s permitted to jump up on you sometimes, he’ll try to jump up whenever he’s in the mood.
How to put an end to your dog’s jumping behavior
Most dog trainers agree that the most effective way to put an end to annoying behaviors in your dog can also be the easiest. When he jumps up on you, you should just walk away. All attention should be withdrawn (including negative attention such as shouting, pushing or correcting).
Here’s how this training technique works: when your dog jumps up on you, right away turn your back on him, fold your arms, turn your face away, and don’t make eye contact with him. Dogs are able to interpret your body language so your posture will make it clear to him that jumping is inappropriate.
This is where many people go wrong – they confuse ignoring the bad behavior with ignoring their dog. You should be clearly ignoring your dog rather than acting as if his jumping behavior isn’t happening. Giving dogs the cold shoulder treatment is an extremely effective way to quickly communicate displeasure to them. When your attention and reaction are removed, your dog will quickly calm down.
The appropriate time to praise your dog
You can praise him as soon as his four paws touch the floor. Even if you were giving him the cold shoulder treatment a second before, it’s fine for you to show enthusiasm the moment his paws touch the floor.
foreclosure bargains