Dogs Jumping on People — Do You Have A Dominant Dog?

If you can’t get your dog to stop jumping on people, your real problem may be a dominant dog.  These two dog behavior problems are more closely related than most dog owners realize.

Dog Psychology 101

Watch two dogs when they greet each other.  They don’t jump all over each other the first time they meet, do they?  No, each dog stands still and lets the other one sniff him.  This is the doggy equivalent of shaking hands.  It’s only after they know each other that they’ll run around and play together.

You should understand that dogs are pack animals, and every pack has its leader.  One way the alpha dog asserts his dominance over the other pack members is to jump on them and put his front paws on the other animal’s shoulders.  Is this starting to sound familiar?

The other dogs in the pack NEVER jump on the alpha dog.  This is a sign that the other dog is challenging the leader for dominance.  The leader has to respond to this challenge immediately if he want to stay the leader.

When you allow your dog to jump up on you and put his paws on your shoulders, you’re reinforcing his idea that he’s in charge, not you.

Dog Training Tips For Getting Problem Jumping Under Control

Your dog should know the “Sit” command.  Always have him sit before you pet him.  You’re the leader, and he should get attention on your terms, not his.

If your dog is already jumping on you, these dog obedience tips can help to get him under control.

• When you see him coming, turn sideways and block him with your hip.
• Don’t give him attention by pushing him down and yelling “NO!”  He’ll think you’re playing with him.
• If he does manage to get his paws on you, turn your back to him.  Make a point of ignoring him.  When all four feet are on the ground, tell him to “sit” and “stay.”  When he obeys, praise him.  Don’t allow him to move until you release him.
• If your pet is demanding your attention and just won’t quit, squirt him in the face with a spray bottle.  Stop giving into his demands.

Being Consistent Leads To A Well-Trained Dog

Consistency is the key when training your dog.  If one person in your home thinks this behavior is cute, or is encouraging it, you’ll never get him to stop jumping.  Everyone in your household must have the same goal, which is teaching your dog to be a well-mannered member of the family who knows where he fits into his world.

Related articles

• Training Your Dog: Why Should You Do It? (aaccc.wordpress.com)

Tagged with: canine behavior • dog behavior problems • dog jumping up • dog training tips • dogs jumping on people • dominance in dogs • dominant dog

Filed under: Aggressive Dogs • Dog Jumping

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