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- It’s a bird, it’s a plane – it’s your dog jumping again!
It’s a bird, it’s a plane – it’s your dog jumping again!
Wish you could get your dog to stop greeting guests like the Energizer Bunny? Keep reading.
In this Issue
🦘 Why do dogs jump?
❓ Poll results
💡 Sit & Stay Pro Tip - 3 Ways to Help Your Dog Keep All Four Paws on the Ground
😊The Smile Section
👩⚕️Vet Recommendations
🦴Treats
For many dog owners, the jumping-as-greeting interaction looks something like this:
Person: Walks through the door.
Dog: Jumps excitedly.
Person: Shoves dog gently to the side and pats their head while saying something like, “Okay, okay, calm down already.”
As the AKC points out, dogs respond to behaviors that earn rewards; believe it or not, this interaction is a reward. Sure, you aren’t giving your dog a treat for knocking the breath out of you, but they are getting attention and (from their point of view) affectionate words.
You’re thinking: “I’m putting up with this because I love them, but I wish they’d knock it off.”
Your dog is thinking: “When I jump, they pet me and talk to me, so this must be acceptable behavior.”
Is jumping ever okay?
John Van Olden of Canine Trade Group always says that “good” behavior is subjective. Different dog owners accept different behaviors – and that’s okay! If jumping doesn’t bother you, then you don’t necessarily need to train them out of it.
If you don’t like it, or your dog’s jumping has begun to affect those around you, we’ve got some helpful tips below.
Poll Results
We asked, and you answered! Barking is the most common canine response to strangers.
Sit & Stay Pro Tip — 3 Ways to Help Your Dog Keep All Four Paws on the Ground
Dogs jump for a few reasons, the most common of which is greeting. Other dogs jump when they’re excited, want something you have, or are trying to get your attention. No matter the reason, these tips can help communicate to your dog that jumping is not the behavior you want to see.
Practice basic obedience training. Knowing your dog will listen to your command allows you to introduce an alternative greeting behavior. When you open the door, say sit, and do not greet them in return until they’ve obeyed.
Grab a partner. If your dog is greeting you inappropriately, they’re probably greeting guests in the same manner, which is a problem for small children and anyone who prefers to keep their clothes clean. Instead of grabbing your dog’s collar or crating them every time someone knocks, take time each day to practice with someone else. Hold their leash, have your partner approach them, and encourage your dog with treats and affection to keep all four paws on the ground.
Ignore undesirable behavior. The most important thing is that your dog doesn’t get the reaction they want when they jump. Ignore them without words, push them gently away, and only greet them once they’ve calmed down.
As always, if these tips don’t work for you, a professional dog trainer is just a phone call or e-mail away.
Poll
The Smile Section
Vet Recommendations — Jumping Dogs
In this article, The Preventative Vet reminds us that jumping isn’t just annoying to people; it can also be dangerous for puppies and toy breeds.
Treats
A foster dog, named Moose, in Portsmouth, VA alerted his temp family of a fire happening on their houseboat, ultimately allowing the family to escape just in time.
If you want to learn about a heartwarming mission, check out this segment on the Sato Project, a non profit rescuing thousands of street dogs in Puerto Rico.
Animal actors are also on strike.
Want your dog to be featured?
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Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!