Saturday, December 17, 2011

How to stop a dog jumping on you

By Sandra Mullaly


I visit many individuals in their home residence every week by assisting them finding solutions to their dog issues. They are those who are glad to have their little fluffy jump on them, but find it unsatisfactory to have their huge dog do the same. Go figure? Big or small, old or young, jumping up on people is a universal message- it doesn't change the headspace thanks to the size of the dog.

There are plenty of reasons that explain why dogs jump on people. For one....it is normal dog behaviour! Normal "although not acceptable! It is not nice in a pack of dogs unless the offending dog is the leader and in that case- go jump on whoever you like!

GREETING:

When in play and socialising dogs and puppies have to work out where they rank in each particular social group. It may be the regular family pack; it could be a new social group at the park or a friend's dog that is over to visit.

It is quite standard for dogs to greet each other by first sniffing each others faces, then moving to their rear ends (where the info is).

Because, most commonly, dogs are smaller than humans, the only possible way they can greet someone in a similar manner is by jumping up. They love a good crutch sniff then too- so much information!

Young pups will attempt to get right in your face because they illicit attention that way from higher ranking dogs and in truth as little pups changing to solids, they get fed that way by stimulating them to regurgitate their food by licking under their chins. Yuk!

ATTENTION SEEKING:

Jumping can also be an attention looking for behaviour, whether or not the resulting attention is more often than not, a negative reaction. This behavior is sometimes unintentionally braced if they dog has been allowed to jump up on some occasions and not on others a dog will not easily be in a position to notice the difference between when it is and when it isn't an acceptable instance to jump.

This particularly applies to a dog that was authorized or maybe encouraged to leap when he was a puppy, and of a far littler size! While this fellow is not invariably a cheeky dog, he still wants teaching some manners! Stick to the rules- you either permit it and you get smashed- or you do not allow it- EVER- for ANYONE- even the big robust male human of the family, who can cope or actually inspires it in play!

SPACE INVASION:

The next reason is usually reserved for the stronger character type dogs- a few people like to label them 'Dominant'. However your dog might be a passive dominant dog though and you are currently unaware of it- it isn't always about huff and puff!

Your personal space is just that- YOURS! If you were to be pushed around or moved out of the way by somebody there would most likely be things to say, but somehow with a dog we put up with being bullied. Shield your space! When your dog takes your space by jumping onto you it is a major statement.

WHAT TO DO:

There are many ways in which you can prevent your dog from jumping on you:

The first and most clear way: Ignore him .

When your dog starts jumping, stand still, cross your arms and look at the ceiling. Completely disregard your dog till he is calm. When he has stopped jumping, praise him.

Alternatively, as he jumps up, you can turn around and face the opposite direction. As the dog moves sideways, give him the sit command, and if he obeys, praise him.

Bear in mind that getting your dog to obey a command beats physical interference each single time. If he won't listen to your commands, then you need to re-establish your leader position, and have daily obedience training sessions with your dog.

Takes a bit more strategy: Beat him to it

When you see your dog is about to jump on you- take a large step in the direction of him instead , this takes his space instead of him taking yours. The dog will take a few steps backwards to avoid being stepped on, at which point you can give him the sit command. If he obeys, praise him.

Teach the "Off!" Command

Attach your dog's leash, and put him in a situation in which he would typically jump. When he jumps up, give the command "OFF" in a firm tone, and gradually pull your dogs leash to one side, so that he is forced to drop back onto all 4s. Then praise him for staying in that position, whether or not only briefly.

If you're looking for further ways to stop dog jumping then please visit our website or visit us on facebook.

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