Have you ever blushed when your pet happily jumped on guests, leaving paw prints on their clothes? Or maybe it has already turned into a habit that causes more stress than laughter? In this article, we will tell you how to teach a dog to behave more politely, without losing his joyful mood.
Why do dogs jump on guests?
For dogs, jumping is a natural way of interacting. In the wild, puppies jump up to lick the faces of adult dogs as their way of greeting. At home, jumping on a person symbolizes the same friendship and joy. However, what is a manifestation of love for a dog may look completely different for guests, especially if the paws are dirty, and the pet itself is large and heavy.
How to prevent jumping on guests?
- Control of the dog’s emotions
Most dogs jump because they are overexcited. Before opening the door, give your pet time to calm down. The “sit” or “seat” command can be your lifeline. Keep repeating these commands until the dog learns to associate opening the door with the need to remain calm. - Learning alternative behavior
Instead of jumping, the dog can learn to sit, give a paw, or just stand still. Encourage him with treats or praise every time he chooses the “right” behavior. The main thing is patience and regularity. - Ignoring jumps
Dogs are masters of attention manipulation. If you pay attention to the jumps, even in a negative context, the dog perceives it as encouragement. So ignore the jumps: don’t look at the dog, don’t talk to it, and don’t touch it. As soon as he calms down, reward him for correct behavior. - Using a leash
If you are expecting guests, put the dog on a leash. This will allow you to control his behavior during the greeting. Teach your dog to stay put until he calms down. - Involvement of guests in training
Ask guests to help with the workout. They should ignore the dog if he jumps and only pay attention when he is calm. This creates a clear association: good behavior = attention.
What should not be done
- Do not punish physically
Punishment will only scare the dog, but will not solve the problem. Moreover, it can cause aggression or lower the level of trust in you. - Don’t shout
Loud noises only excite the dog even more, and therefore the problem can get worse. - Don’t encourage casually
If you occasionally let your dog jump, for example during games, it will confuse him. The rules must be consistent.
How to fix the result
Raising a dog is a process that requires time and patience. Remember that consistency and encouragement are your main tools. As soon as the dog understands that calm behavior brings more positivity than jumping, he will begin to automatically choose the correct option.
In addition, do not forget about regular physical activity. A brisk walk before guests arrive will help reduce overexcitement.
