Believe it or not, some people do not mind a dog that jumps! If that’s you, then you may not find this article useful. However, if you are looking for a guide on how to stop your overly enthusiastic dog from jumping, then you’ve found yourself a good read!
Understanding the Behavior
Dogs often jump up as a way to greet their owners, seek attention, or show excitement. Puppies and young dogs, in particular, might jump because they haven’t yet learned better ways to express themselves. Try to consider the situations in which your dog is most likely to practice this behavior and have a plan ready to address it!
Consistent Training is Key
Consistency is crucial in any training program. If you and everyone in your household don’t respond to jumping with the same approach, your dog can have trouble understanding what is expected of them. Some dogs will notice one person is more lenient than the other and will continue the behavior with the more lenient family member. It is important to also advise visitors of the home that you are working on teaching your dog not to jump and educate them on how they can help with the process.
If Your Dog Jumps
The first and most important step is to stop reinforcing the behavior. If your dog jumps on you, step towards them with your arms crossed. Do not speak to or touch your dog until all paws are on the ground. When they are on the ground you can give them affection. Dogs often jump for attention, so if they don’t get it, they’ll eventually stop trying.
Teach an Alternative Behavior
Redirect your dog’s energy by teaching them a more appropriate behavior. The “Sit” command is a great alternative. Here’s how to do it:
Start with Training Sessions: Begin by asking your dog to sit when they are calm. Use treats and praise to reward them for sitting.
Practice at the Door: Have a friend or family member ring the doorbell or come inside. Have your dog on leash to help with control. Tell your helper to ignore the dog. Before your dog starts to jump, ask them to sit. Reward them immediately when they comply, and then deliver intermittent rewards if they stay in position to build duration. Only allow your guest to pet your dog when your dog is calm and compliant.
Reinforce Calm Behavior: Whenever your dog greets you or others calmly, reward them with treats or praise. This helps them associate good behavior with positive outcomes.
Use a Leash for Control
If your dog is especially persistent, use a leash to control their movements. Attach the leash when you expect visitors or when entering and exiting the house. This allows you to manage their behavior without allowing them to jump. When they stay calm with the leash on, reward them.
Manage Excitement Levels
Sometimes, dogs jump because they are overly excited. Help your dog manage their excitement by:
- Providing Regular Exercise: Ensure your dog gets enough physical activity to help them stay calm.
- Engaging in Mental Stimulation: Use brain games or training exercises to keep your dog mentally engaged.
- Practicing Calm Greetings: When greeting your dog, wait for them to get over the initial excitement. Then ask them to “Sit” before giving them affection.
Educate your guests
If your dog tends to jump on guests, inform them about your training efforts. Ask them to ignore your dog and only give attention when all paws are on the ground. If your dog makes a mistake, it is not up to your guest to handle your dog. If your dog jumps on the guest, use the dog’s leash to guide them away until they calm down again. This consistency will help reinforce the behavior you want.
Be Patient and Persistent
Changing behavior(s) takes time. Be patient and consistent with your training. Celebrate small victories and stay committed to the process. Over time, your dog will learn that jumping is not the way to get attention or greetings.
Expect The Extinction Burst
When training a behavior such as jumping out of a dog it is important to be aware of “Extinction Burst.” Some dogs become frustrated when we withhold the reinforcement for a behavior that was previously being reinforced. These dogs will then test the boundary and ensure that there is no leeway. Which means, the jumping is likely going to get worse before it gets better! A lot of owners tend to give up at this stage, as they are not aware of what an extinction burst is. It is important to keep maintaining your boundaries. Humans also experience extinction bursts when they encounter situations that no longer go their way. For example, when a pen runs out of ink, most people will tap the pen, sometimes with extra force, to see if it will start working again.