Why?
Jumping up is a learned behaviour. Pups learn from an early age, jumping up gets results. Most commonly, for attention (both positive or negative) or access to resources (food, tissues, Dads smelly socks).
We know it’s so tempting to pick a cute puppy up for cuddles, to stroke them when they jump up, or to hold them in your arms or lap, but this is where the behaviour starts.
At the end of the day, we teach it. By leaving things out or engaging with the behaviour.
This could impact their joints, they could injure themselves or someone else. I’ve been covered in mud many times with bouncy dogs in the forest. It can be so embarrassing for owners when their dog launches themselves at unsuspecting walkers.
Prevent
Like with any undesirable behaviour, be proactive at preventing rather than responding. Turning your back is a great way to ‘respond’ to jumping, but your pup has already had the opportunity to practice jumping in that scenario.
The use of your lead is a great way to be proactive at preventing your pup from jumping up, either at guests in the home or members of the public on walks.
Prevention Ideas:
- Have a toy/chew by the door for your pup to hold (they will be less likely to jump)
- Sprinkle some food on the floor to encourage your pup to stay low
- Gently hold the pups collar (thereby preventing jumping)
- Have your pup behind a baby gate outside of training sessions
Remember the key here is to prevent and not respond.
Train
Try to keep the comings and goings of the household low key. We all love a BIG welcome home and there is nothing wrong with you both enjoying that moment. But the whole household and guests need to keep greetings low key and calm.
Although you can educate people how best to respond if your pup does get the opportunity to jump (don’t engage, keep silent, turn your back, increase distance). The responsibility lies with the handler on educating the pup how to behave in that context and not other people.
By training your pup how to engage with people appropriately, your pup could set the example and have four paws on the floor, despite people encouraging the opposite.
Exercise:
- Practice in the home with a friend or family member first
- Choose a time when your pup is less excitable (avoid first thing in the morning 😊 )
- Have your helper at a distance where your pup is calm
- With the lead attached, reward for four paws on the floor
- Take one step closer and reward for four paws on the floor, then repeat.
- At any point if your pup starts to pull towards your helper, increase distance until your pup is calm again, then repeat
- When you reach your helper, keep the interaction short and continually reward for calm behaviour. Stay focused on your pup and not your helper.
Goal: For your pup to achieve contact with your helper, whilst maintaining four paws on the floor.
Progression: Use a variety of helpers and practice in different environments. First in the home (kitchen, hallway), then in the garden, then on a quiet street. Switch the exercise and have your helper approach you from a distance, whilst rewarding your pup for having four paws on the floor.
By practicing this exercise, you will be proactive at teaching your pup how to engage with people appropriately. We would love to hear how you get on!
