30Jan
I am obviously a dog and puppy lover and twice in the last week when I was out walking on my own, on two occasions dogs came running towards me and jumped up. When the pet parent apologised I said "no problem" because I love dogs and my mind was elsewhere at the time
As soon as I said it I knew I was going against all this things I teach to my puppy parents for very good reason. So I thought I would write this blog as this is one of the behaviours many puppy parents struggle with once their puppy is no longer as cute or as small as they may have been a few short weeks before. By this time your puppy may have learnt this behaviour because it was "rewarded" at times subconsciously by the recipient so thinks that is the way they greet everyone.
Most people love puppies, they find their happy greetings, wagging tails very cute when so when young puppies jump up to them they enjoy it as much as the puppy does so it becomes very rewarding for the puppy
But as they get older, bigger and sometimes muddier some people (even the same people) are less accepting of this behaviour.
Which is very confusing to your pup and this isn't fair on them when people change their behaviours towards them and they don't understand "what' has changed"
This then can become an issue that the puppy parent wants to change. I have found through my own experiences personally and professionally it is easier for a puppy, dog or person to learn a wanted behaviour from the start the than "un learn" an unwanted behaviour once it has become a "habit" or learned behaviour.
The reason for this is that any behaviour when "rewarded/reinforced" by the the recipient (the person) it becomes stronger. So in the case of a young puppy jumping up they are rewarded with smiles, laughs, touches and cuddles (all things they enjoy) and this will make them want to do it again and again. They will then offer the same behaviour to other people they meet even strangers in the hope that they will get a similar response. Which they do often when they are small and cute..
Once they get older, bigger, stronger and sometimes muddier, the responses from people changes (even the ones that they live with) and can become negative and our puppy cannot understand why.
The reasons why your puppy jumps up at people include:
- When dogs greet each other naturally they can see the other dog's eyes and expression so to reconnect with dog's they know or to decide whether an unknown dog is friendly. They cannot naturally do this to people as we stand upright and are much taller than them so to get that connection the feel they need to jump up to us.
- When our puppy jumps up to us as first we find it "endearing" so allow them to do it and "reward" them for it by smiling, talking, laughing & stroking, which your puppy loves so makes them think it is ok (which isn't an unreasonable assumption).
- When they have realised jumping up gets them all the things they want such as fuss, cuddles or any other attention they automatically choose jumping up as a way to get attention.
- Once it works with you and your family they will then try it with other people they meet and when they are very young they often get the same response. Because most people love a puppy so this also becomes normal behaviour.
Then one day the people who who used to find this cute and endearing may start to find it annoying as the puppy is bigger, stronger and does not look like a puppy anymore.
This will then confuse your puppy when they start to receive "negative" responses such at telling the "off/down", pushing them away, or if they are frightened of dogs they may even shout at them which isn't fair on your puppy as they are doing something they have been allowed to do previously.
Therefore it is better for you and you puppy to teach them from the start how they get all the connection, affection and attention they need while they are small and cute without jumping up. This is much easier than having to change this behaviour that we may have contributed to.
Their are other reasons apart from the above why puppies and dog's should learn that jumping up at everyone they meet is not ok these include:
Safety
- Puppies - have delicate bones and joints. Jumping up at people and other things may lead to them falling backwards, this could lead to injuries, such as sprains or even fractures.
- People - not everyone is comfortable with "friendly" dogs (even cute puppies) jumping up. This may includes: young children, elderly individuals, anyone with injuries, disabilities (which you may not be able to see) or other mobility issues. These people may be worried that they may fall or be injured.
Good Manners
- Puppies - will do what has worked in the past to get what they want, so if they have been rewarded for jumping up on family and friends as mentioned above, they may assume that it is the way they meet any humans whether they know them or not.
- People - have a right to go about their business without having to think about whether a puppy or dog is going to approach them or jump up without being invited for the safety reason as mentioned above. Or they may not like dogs or have been scared by them in the past so really do not want to meet your puppy and even less likely to when they get bigger.
If your puppy learns good manners from the start it will make future outings, visits, and interactions with people they know or n strangers much more enjoyable for everyone.
Showing them from the that greeting people in a calm and polite way from the start can include:
Preventing Future Issues
- Having to re train a young dog who has grown too big or strong and it has become a safety or fear issue with some people. This can be more difficult as you have to break a "habit" to make a new one.
- If left unchecked, jumping can also develop into a way that your puppy or dog asks for attention. Because it worked previously and they were either consciously or subconsciously "rewarded" for.
Respecting Others
- Not everyone loves dogs, and even those who do might not appreciate being jumped on for the reasons mentioned above and any other they may have.
- Teaching you puppy to remain calm when they meet people shows respect for other people’s personal space.
Confidence Building
- Puppies can jump up because they’re excited to meet the person, but they may also do it because they are unsure of how to behave.
- Teaching them from the beginning that being calm gets them the attention they want and need helps build their confidence as they don't need worry about making the "wrong" (in human terms) choice.
Here are some tips to help you teach your puppy that jumping up is not the only option to get attention or to greet you or others.
- Reward Any Calm Behaviour - Whenever you notice your puppy is calm with four paws on the floor or are sitting, give them attention such as a smile, touch gentle strokes a treat if you have one available.
- Don't Reward Jumping Up - If you puppy jumps up to you it is easy to reward the behaviour with attention, even if it’s negative (like saying “no” "off" or pushing them away). For a puppy attention is attention.
- Wait for Four Paws on the Floor - If they have jumped up up stand still wait for them to step back and as soon as they are back on the floor immediately crouch down and greet them while they have all four feet on the floor.
- Teach an Alternative: With other people ask your puppy to sit (if they know the "cue") before they are able to greet people. Once they are sat reward them consistently for sitting calmly. Don't let them greet person until they are calm and with four feet on the floor and ask the person to crouch down if they want to say hello so not to inadvertently "reward" the jumping up not the calm
- Set Your Puppy Up For Success: Use can a lead to manage your puppy when visitors arrive, or have them wait behind a baby gate until they’re calm.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Consistency and repetition is key! Practice with all the people they meet (including you and regular visitors) in different locations and situations such as busy streets, cafes and when off leads. So your puppy learns to greet calmly no matter who or where they are.
Conclusion
Training your puppy not to jump up is about more than just good manners – it’s about safety, respect, and building a positive relationship. By addressing this behaviour early, you’re setting your puppy up for a lifetime of calm, confident, and happy interactions with people. And that’s something everyone can appreciate!
If you would like any help or support with helping your puppy understand that jumping up is not the way they get attention or to greet people and being calm is.
If you need help please seek advice from a dog trainer who uses pain and fear free training methods.
Gill Gallagher - Speaking Puppy & Young Dog
07595217299
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