Does your dog jump up at you and even bite or nip you or your visitors? Although jumping is a natural behavior for a dog, it can be annoying, embarrassing, or even at times downright dangerous. When managing canine behavior, understanding the root cause of this excitement is the first step toward a peaceful household. Jumping happens when a dog becomes excited and is looking to get your attention. They have learned that if they jump, you will respond in some way. For effective dog training, owners must realize that any attention—even negative attention—can accidentally reinforce these unwanted habits.
It is vital to understand that you are training your dog 24 hours a day. Any time a dog is allowed to repeat a behavior, such as jumping and nipping, it becomes a default behavior. If your dog has rehearsed jumping every time they see you, you have inadvertently trained them to do just this. Many clients tell me that they love it when they come home and their dog jumps all over them because they are so pleased to see them. However, it only becomes an issue when elderly parents or children visit, or when their dog starts to jump at random strangers on a walk. It gets even worse if they start to bite along with the jump. The thing is that your dog doesn’t understand why it can jump at you but not at other people. The nipping and biting is simply an extension of their over-excitement. The good news is that jumping is easy to change if you use the right dog training techniques.
Common Dog Training Mistakes to Avoid
In my professional experience, some traditional techniques simply do not work and can actually worsen your dog’s behavioral issues. If you want to stop your dog from jumping and nipping, avoid the following common pitfalls:
- Pushing the dog down and yelling: This will actually make a dog more excited because they think you have started a wrestling game.
- Turning your back: This rarely works as a clever dog simply follows you around or jumps up at your back, which can be incredibly painful!
- Screaming and waving your hands: Stepping back while making loud noises encourages the dog to get more aroused and excited.
Instead of trying to fix the dog’s reaction in the heat of the moment, you have to change your own behavior first. If you or your family greet your dog with high energy and excitement, you cannot blame your dog for responding in a similar way. Your dog does not understand that it is okay to jump on you but not on your visitors, a pregnant woman, or little children. Consistency across all human interactions is key to successful dog training.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Your Dog Jumping
The first step is to be completely consistent with your approach. The whole family must acknowledge your dog quietly and give no attention or even eye contact until your dog is completely calm. This simple shift in energy is often enough to stop a less persistent jumper.
However, if you have a serial jumper that will not stop biting, you need to implement more structured dog training methods. Pop your dog on a lead so that you have full control over their movements. Either hold the lead firmly down and away from you, or put the lead under your foot with just enough slack so the dog physically cannot jump up.
Once you have established control, you have several excellent options to redirect their focus:
- Scatter some treats: Toss high-value treats on the floor to distract your dog and keep their nose to the ground.
- Use interactive tools: Have a stuffed Kong or a Licki Mat ready to offer the moment someone walks through the door.
- Step in assertively: Step assertively toward your dog and command them to sit.
The second you have your dog’s attention, firmly tell your dog to “Sit” and offer a treat. You must stay calm and assertive as you do this. Your dog will soon learn that your arrival (or the arrival of visitors) means that rather than jumping and biting, something good happens only when they are calm and sitting.
Achieving Long-Term Success
You have now started the process of re-training your dog to sit instead of jump. By replacing the bad habit with an incompatible behavior like sitting, you make it impossible for them to practice the unwanted action. Keep consistent with these rules, ensure every visitor follows them, and you will soon resolve this troublesome habit for good.
If you are struggling with your dog’s behavior and need professional guidance, take a look at my Well Mannered Dog Programme. I can help you quickly resolve any issues you are having with your dog through tailored, effective dog training solutions.
References
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) – Managing Canine Excitement and Jumping Behaviors
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – How to Teach a Dog to Stop Jumping on People