Dogs jumping on people is a common problem that many dog owners face.
While it may be cute when your pup is a little guy, it quickly becomes much less adorable when he’s a full-grown adult and knocking people over with his enthusiasm.
If you’re finding yourself constantly saying “no” or “off” to your dog, then it’s time to nip this behavior in the bud with some training.
Keep reading to learn how you can train your dog not to jump on people.
Consistency is the key
The first thing you need to do is be consistent with your commands.
If you sometimes allow your dog to jump and other times tell him not to, he’s going to get confused and won’t know what he’s supposed to be doing.
So, whenever someone comes over, make sure you always give the same command (e.g., “sit”), and consistently enforce it.
With enough repetition, your dog will eventually learn that he’s only allowed to jump if you give him the okay.
Don't give attention. Tough Love
Another helpful tip is to not give your dog attention when he’s jumping.
This means no eye contact, no petting, and no speaking to him until he calms down and all four paws are on the ground.
Once he’s calmed down, then you can give him the attention he wants.
By doing this, you’re teaching your dog that jumping doesn’t get him what he wants (i.e., attention from you), and instead, being calm does.
Giving Your Dog Plenty of Exercise
Finally, make sure you’re offering your dog plenty of exercise so that he doesn’t have all that excess energy pent up inside of him.
A tired dog is a good dog, so take him for long walks or runs, play fetch with him in the backyard, or sign up for a doggy daycare where he can run around and expend all that energy during the day while you’re at work.
Once he’s well-exercised, he’ll be much less likely to jump on people out of excitement or frustration.
Conclusion
Jumping up on people is a common behavioral issue for dogs, but it’s one that can be easily corrected with some training and consistency.
By being consistent with your commands, not giving attention when your dog jumps, and making sure he gets plenty of exercise, you can train your furry friend not to jump on people anymore.
