Help! My Dog Jumps on People!
Have you ever been embarrassed to have people at your house because your dog jumps on people? Believe me, you are NOT the only one! Lots of people have this problem. Let’s face it, it may be adorable when your dog is 3 pounds, 8 weeks old, and wants a little extra attention. But especially if that little 3 pounder grows into something like, say, a 100 pound Shepherd, you have a big dog AND a BIG problem if that 100 pound dog jumps up on everyone! Especially if that someone is a child.
Dogs may jump up on people for many different reasons. They may want attention, they may have energy to burn, or they may just simply not understand that is not the best way to greet a person. If you have an understanding friend, one of the best ways to teach your dog to greet people properly is to practice having your dog respond to commands like “Sit” and “Stay” as that person enters your house, and rewarding your dog every time it listens to your commands. Eventually, your dog will get the idea! And this is one of the best things you can start working on when your dog is small and young. If you’re starting off with a puppy, it’s easier to encourage good habits than it is to break bad habits when they’re older.
And if you’re working on the same thing with an older, bigger dog…it may take a little time. But even an old dog can learn new tricks, and new commands. You may want to consult a trainer for help with an older dog. You can also get the free dog training mini course for some ideas.
