Jumping!
When working on behaviors, it's important to identify the cause of the issue so we can properly address it and communicate it to our dogs. Jumping on people is not an instinctual behavior for dogs, but even as young puppies, dogs learn quickly that jumping generally gets them what they want attention! This tends to turn into a greeting ritual very quickly for pets. As well as a behavior that shows up when dogs get over-excited!
That being said, there are several ways to stop jumping in dogs. Keeping in mind the way we reinforce jumping by giving attention, so being talked to, touched, pet, etc. That can all be reinforcement to jump more for dogs. It's also very important to evaluate our energy. That can sound a little weird, but if we come home baby talking to our dog and acting excited, they will feed off of that and act excited as well. Which can be hard when we are equally as excited to see our furry friends!
The easiest way to stop jumping is just to ignore it. Ignoring them until they have “four on the floor”. If they jump again, ignore them again until they are back on the floor. Try to stay calm and limit talking. You can also try turning your back to them when they jump. It's important to keep in mind, that your dog may have been previously rewarded with attention when jumping. So when working on this behavior, it's important to recognize that there is a learning curve for your dog, and a period of confusion where they may become worse, because they don’t understand why it “isn't working” for them anymore, so it can take time.
Something else to try, especially if your dog is very treat motivated, is to have some treats ready, and then when you come inside or go to greet your dog, scatter the treats on the floor for them. You can even roll them to make them more interesting and fun! When your dog finishes eating all the treats, have one ready for them and drop it right at your feet. Then you can start petting and greeting your dog as they are eating!
For some dogs, they will continue to jump even if ignored. Or they are too big and powerful to put up with their jumping! For these dogs, I continue to use the technique of staying calm, not over-exciting your dog, and not rewarding their behavior with attention. When the dog jumps up on you, lift a knee into their chest. For many dogs, they don’t expect it, and they get the point. Some dogs may need a bit firmer of a knee to the chest, but it should never be a kicking or punting motion.
The last way to work on jumping with your pup is to utilize the leash! If your dog is still struggling with jumping on you, use a leash that you can grab not to allow the jumping on you. If your dog jumps, grab the leash and pull them back to the ground, and remember, don't give them attention for jumping! If this is a big struggle, I recommend purchasing a tab leash to grab without your dog dragging around a big leash!
Greeting other people
Especially when meeting new people, have your dog on a leash. It's always best to communicate to guests the other techniques and ask them to remain calm and not pet when your dog is jumping, but sometimes dogs are easier to train than humans! Have a leash on your dog, and give them slack to greet someone. When they jump, tug your leash, and call your dog to you, reward them with a treat they enjoy when they come back, and then go allow them to try again.
Pro Tips
Be consistent!
Ensure everyone your dog interacts with implements the techniques
Reinforce “four on the floor”
give your dog treats, or attention when they are not jumping!
Use multiple techniques together!
