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A lot of people think it is cute when they come home
from work and their dog jumps up to say hello. However, not everyone
enjoys being jumped on by a strange dog and children can get hurt
by the dog that means well, but is much too big for a jumping "HELLO."
Often, this behavior can carry over to visiting friends, neighbors
and children
If you have a dog that jumps up unwelcome here are
a few tips and techniques you can use to get results immediately
and still have a nice welcome home.
Why dogs jump
Most problem jumping can start in adolescence (6 months to 18 months).
By this age you and your dog should already be enrolled in obedience
training.
Dogs learn by repetition and conditioning. They watch
how we greet them. Face to face, eye contact and kisses. And they
learn that THAT is what we prefer. Dogs live for you and your attention,
so of course what we allow and do with our dog, they accept as behavior
we want to see. UP in our faces just to say hello. After all they
learned it from us.
I bet you noticed when dogs greet each other their
behavior is quite the opposite. Avoiding direct eye contact, saving
kisses for much later and a whole lot of sniffing with nose to different
areas and to the ground. Dogs say hello with very different body
language. Jumping and licking come at the end when all agree that
they like each other and it is time to play.
From this we could say that we too would prefer the
natural greeting behavior of dogs. So why not use that to teach
your dog what you really want and stop the crazy jumping.
WHAT TO DO:
- Give the behavior a name, so you can turn it on and off. Teach
your dog how to jump up on command, "paws up," "feet
up," "kisses" or "hugs". Then add the
word "NO" as in "NO paws up," for the times
that you will want to not allow the behavior. Reward the dog with
a treat when they jump up on command as well as when you say "No
paws up" and they get down. (Remember you are teaching something
new so there should be NO punishment). While saying "No paws
up" you should turn your body away from your dog so his feet
loose their "grip" and S/he has to get off you. Immediately
reward. Be sure to practice. And reward the good and ignore the
bad.
- It is never too late to go back to school. If your dog jumps
up a lot, chances are he or she might have it mixed up who the
boss really is. Obedience classes will help you get control of
your dog and remind him or her that you are the boss. And most
of all it is a great confidence and bond builder for your relationship
with your friend.
- Be ready. Put your dog on a leash before friends come over.
Be ready for training whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Give him just enough leash to do a sit or lie down and stay and
step on the rest. Don't forget to tell him to sit and stay (but
only once). If the dog attempts to move, while the rest of the
leash is under your foot the collar will tighten and your dog
will experience a correction from the leash and collar. Reward
when your dog stays put.
- Be consistent. Never let the dog jump up without being commanded
to. A dog will not be able to tell which days it is okay to jump
on you just by what you are wearing or what the weather is like.
You have to help define ok and not ok with commands
- Be consistent with strangers, too. Do not let someone confuse
your dog by stopping in mid-correction by their crooning, "It's
OK, I just love dogs," while kissing and stroking your dog--thus
rewarding him for his misbehavior. There is nothing wrong with
asking people not to pet your dog. Guests to your home are no
exception. Warn them beforehand. (I'm training my dog not to jump
unless commanded. I could really use your help).
- If your dog is just not getting it you may need to "set-him/her-up".
On a weekend or vacation day, arrange for a friend, neighbor,
or relative to ring your doorbell every 10-15 minutes for an hour.
Each time, put your dog on a leash, ask him/her to sit and stay
and open the door (don't forget to step on the extra section of
leash). Reward good behavior and ignore the bad behavior. Have
treats ready and remember your key words " No paws up".
Once the dog is under control, the visitor leaves, only to return
again in another 10-15 minutes.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
Remember that your dog is your friend, do not knee him in the chest,
squeeze his front paws 'till it hurts, or stepping on his back feet.
By teaching him what is acceptable behavior and rewarding him for
doing it, you've become a fair, respectful and responsible pet owner.
For more help with a jumping problem or other behavior
problem please call us at 603-772-2921 Ext. 112
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