Jumping Dogs

Dogs should not jump on people, to do so is an expression of lack of respect. Even if you think it is cute for a small puppy to jump, not every one thinks this way. It is not only annoying, it can be dangerous, furthermore it can cause the elderly to fall, get mud on clothing, scratch skin and rip nylon stockings.

A dog jumping on someone is not a greeting, it is an assertion of their dominance over someone. The dog is communicating that he is alpha and owns the person. A non-alpha dog would not jump on the alpha of the pack. The lower members of the pack allow space because space represents respect to dogs. If your dog jumps on a person, then he does not respect them.

Puppies should be taught from the beginning of their lives that jumping is not allowed. Anything that you do not want your full grown dog to do when he grow up should not be allowed when he is a puppy. Dogs like and need consistency. If you do not allow your dog to jump on you, then everyone that greets the dog must do the same. It is your responsibility to ensure that this is the case. A dog should never jump on people at his free will. You may create tricks that include jumping on people, but be sure this is only done on command and don't teach these tricks until all free-will jumping has been eliminated.

Stopping your dog from jumping

If you step backward or lean out of the way of a jumping dog, your dog will continue to jump. Instead, step toward your dog sideways with your shoulder towards your dog. Do not try to knock your dog down, instead, just fill the space which sets your dog off balance. This is uncomfortable to your dog because space and balance are very important to him. Continually fill your dogs space till the attempts at jumping are removed. You may end up bumping into your dog, however, do not make that your goal, keep the goal on protecting your space.

This will work with any dog, not only yours. Take the sideways step forward just at the dog starts to jump. This fills the space the dog was going to use and throws the dogs balance off at the same time. You have claimed your space. Quickly the dog will begin to show respect and will learn it is not fun jumping on you.