By Olivia Steinrock
Welcome to Training Tip Tuesday! This week, we’re tackling a common question: “How do I stop my dog from jumping on me?”
Dogs jumping on guests is one of the most common behavior problems we encounter as pet parents. Dogs can jump for various reasons, most commonly due to overexcitement or overstimulation. To address this, we’ll use a jumping behavior modification plan.
Step 1: Identify the Reason for Jumping
Understanding why your dog is jumping is crucial. Are they seeking attention, excited, or simply trying to greet you at eye level? Identifying the root cause will help tailor your approach.
Step 2: Replace Jumping with an Alternative Behavior
Replace the unwanted jumping behavior with a more acceptable one, like sitting or keeping all four paws on the floor. Train your dog that sitting is more rewarding than jumping. A great technique is to train the “Sit for Pets” command. Check out our video tutorial for detailed instructions.
Step 3: Utilize the “OFF” Cue
Teach your dog the “OFF” cue to correct jumping behavior and reward them for keeping their feet off people. Consistent reinforcement of this command will help your dog understand that staying grounded is desirable. Watch our video on how to effectively use the “OFF” cue.
Step 4: Consistency and Practice
Consistency is key. Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page and reinforces the same rules. If you allow your dog to jump sometimes, it will confuse them and undo all the training. Practice regularly to reinforce good behavior.
For advanced training, once your dog masters “Sit for Pets” when greeting people, you can introduce the “PLACE” command. This can help manage their excitement at the door. Check out our video on training the “PLACE” command for more details.