Addressing jumping behaviour in dogs is a common concern for pet owners seeking to promote good manners and prevent accidental injuries or discomfort to guests. For example, Labradors, known for their exuberant nature and affectionate tendencies, may jump up on people as a form of greeting or excitement.
However, this behaviour can become problematic if not addressed promptly and effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of techniques and strategies for teaching your Labrador to refrain from jumping up on people, from using positive reinforcement and redirection to implementing consistent training methods and setting clear boundaries.
How To Stop Dogs Jumping on People
- Training and Consistency: Implement consistent training methods to teach your dog alternative behaviours to jumping up, such as sitting or staying calm when greeting people. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to reward desired behaviours and discourage jumping.
- Ignore the Jumping: Teach visitors and family members to ignore your dog’s jumping behaviour by turning away, crossing their arms, or stepping back when the dog jumps. Withhold attention until the dog settles down and displays appropriate greeting behaviour.
- Use Commands: Teach your dog verbal cues or commands such as “sit” or “down” to redirect their attention and encourage calm behaviour when greeting people. Practice these commands regularly in various situations to reinforce their effectiveness.
- Leash Training: Keep your dog on a leash when greeting visitors or encountering new people. Use the leash to control their movements and prevent them from jumping up. Reward calm behaviour and provide treats when they remain calm and controlled.
- Provide Alternative Outlets: Channel your dog’s energy into alternative activities such as playing with toys, going for walks, or engaging in interactive games to provide mental and physical stimulation. A tired dog is less likely to exhibit excessive jumping behaviour.
- Create Physical Barriers: Use physical barriers such as baby gates or pet pens to prevent your dog from accessing certain areas where jumping is a common behaviour, such as near the front door or kitchen counter. This helps limit opportunities for reinforcement of the jumping behaviour.
- Avoid Reinforcement: Be mindful of inadvertently reinforcing jumping behaviour by giving attention, treats, or affection when your dog jumps up. Instead, wait until they are calm and exhibit appropriate behaviour before providing attention or rewards.
- Socialisation and Exposure: Expose your dog to various people, environments, and situations from an early age to help them develop social skills and confidence. Gradually expose them to different stimuli and teach appropriate responses to different situations.
- Seek Professional Help: If your dog’s jumping behaviour persists despite your efforts, consider seeking assistance from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide personalised guidance, assess the underlying causes of the behaviour, and develop a tailored training plan to address it effectively.
Is Behaviour Aggressive or Not?
Determining whether a dog’s jumping behaviour is a sign of aggression or an attempt to welcome people depends on various factors, including the dog’s body language, context, and past experiences. Here are some considerations to help distinguish between the two:
Aggressive Behaviour:
- Stiff body posture: An aggressive dog may exhibit a stiff, tense body posture, with raised hackles (the fur along the back), ears pinned back, and a rigid stance.
- Growling or snarling: Aggression is often accompanied by vocalizations such as growling, snarling, or barking with a low, guttural tone.
- Defensive or territorial behaviour: Dogs may jump up on people as a defensive or territorial response, especially if they perceive the person as a threat or intruder.
- Lunging or snapping: Aggressive dogs may lunge forward or snap at people when they jump up, displaying threatening or defensive behaviour.
Welcoming Behaviour:
- Loose, wagging tail: A dog that is welcoming people is likely to wag its tail in a loose, relaxed manner, indicating friendliness and excitement.
- Soft body posture: A friendly dog will have a relaxed, soft body posture, with a relaxed expression, ears in a neutral position, and a slightly open mouth.
- Seeking attention: Dogs may jump up on people as a way of seeking attention, affection, or interaction, especially if they are excited to see someone they know.
- Playful behaviour: Dogs may exhibit playful behaviour, such as bouncy movements or offering toys, when they are happy and eager to interact with people.
In many cases, jumping up on people is not a sign of aggression but rather an expression of excitement, friendliness, or a learned behaviour seeking attention.
However, it’s essential to assess the overall context and body language of the dog to determine their intentions accurately. If you are unsure about your dog’s behaviour or have concerns about aggression, it’s best to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist for guidance and support.
