14 Aug How to stop your dog from jumping up on you 

We all love to see our dogs happy and excited, but jumping up isn’t the kind of greeting we want to encourage, especially when visitors drop by. Here are some gentle techniques to help put a stop to this behaviour. 

Understanding the root cause 

Before we dig into the training methods, it’s essential to understand why dogs jump in the first place. Jumping up is often an expression of joy and excitement, especially when they greet their human after being separated. Dogs love attention and interaction with their owner, and they might have learned that jumping up is an effective way to get it. Some dogs also jump out of anxiety, while others simply lack training and don’t understand that this is an unwanted behaviour. 

Positive reinforcement training 

Praise and treats are a great way to encourage good behaviour. When your dog remains calm and keeps all four paws on the ground during greetings, reward them with treats, verbal praise, or petting. This will help them associate the positive experience with staying grounded. 

Ignoring the behaviour 

When your dog jumps up on you, it’s essential not to give them attention or eye contact. Turn your back and cross your arms, and don’t speak or interact. Even saying ‘no’ is giving them the attention they could be looking for. Wait until your dog settles down before giving them attention, reinforcing that jumping does not lead to affection. 

Teaching an alternative greeting behaviour 

Redirect your dog’s attention by teaching them an alternative way to greet you, such as sitting or offering a paw. Use positive reinforcement to reward them and, with consistent practise, this new greeting habit may replace the jumping behaviour. 

Practise impulse control 

Training your dog to exercise impulse control may be able to help curb jumping behaviour. Use commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ during everyday activities like mealtime or when putting on the leash. This helps your dog learn patience and self-control, making it easier for them to resist the urge to jump up on you or guests and listen to your commands when you tell them not to. 

Physical and mental stimulation 

A tired dog is less likely to jump up out of excess energy. Make sure your dog gets regular exercise and playtime to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Fetch, running, or puzzle toys can help them release pent-up energy in a healthy way. 

Plant-based calming aids 

If your dog’s jumping is triggered by anxious behaviours, talk to your vet about using plant-based calming aids, such as CBD for pets. CBD may help promote relaxation and comes in the form of treats, chews and oil that you can put in their food bowl. 

Interested in learning about plant-based therapies? Speak with a vet for free.