How Do I Stop My Puppy From Jumping on People?
Reward the puppy for keeping four paws on the floor.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Why Puppies Jump
- Puppies jump to explore new people, places, and objects.
- Jumping can help a puppy see over barriers or reach something interesting.
- Many puppies learn that jumping works because people talk to them, touch them, or look at them when they jump.
- Behaviors that are rewarded tend to be repeated.
What to Avoid
- Avoid rewarding jumping with attention.
- Avoid talking to, petting, or making eye contact with a jumping puppy.
- Avoid giving the puppy more freedom than it can handle.
- Avoid allowing the puppy to practice jumping over and over until it becomes a habit.
- Pushing a puppy off may stop the behavior momentarily, but the puppy may view that interaction as a reward.
What Can Help
- Bring the puppy near the situation that usually triggers jumping.
- Reward the behavior you want, often sitting or standing calmly.
- Practice around guests, children, furniture, and other common distractions.
- Teach the puppy that keeping four paws on the floor earns rewards.
- If you enjoy having your dog jump in certain situations, teach jumping as a cue rather than allowing it whenever the puppy chooses.
- Reward good choices before the puppy jumps whenever possible.
Summary
Most puppies can learn better greeting habits when owners consistently reward the behaviors they want rather than waiting to correct the puppy from practicing unwanted jumping.
How We Can Help
DogSchooling has helped Columbia-area puppies and their owners build better manners and stronger relationships for more than 50 years.In Puppy Kindergarten, the goal is to help your puppy learn when jumping is appropriate and when keeping four paws on the floor earns the reward.
Ready to get started? Learn more about Puppy Kindergarten and begin teaching your puppy the skills needed for polite greetings and good manners.
About The Author
Ann Gafke has spent more than 50 years helping dogs and their owners succeed through practical, positive training. She is the founder of DogSchooling in Columbia, Missouri and has worked with hundreds of puppies, family dogs, therapy dogs, and their owners.
About DogSchooling
DogSchooling has helped Columbia-area dog owners train puppies, family dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs for more than 50 years. Puppy Kindergarten combines group classes, private coaching, online resources, and real-world practice to help owners build reliable behaviors at home.