Last Updated on September 25, 2023 by ellen
Why does my dog jump on me? Dogs like to jump up on people. When dogs meet each other, they sniff each other’s faces to welcome each other and identify each other. Since we’re taller than they are, it’s perfectly normal for them to jump on us to do the same thing. When dogs do this, they want your attention but it’s important not to reinforce this behavior.
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Why Does My Dog Jump On Me?
Your dog jumps when excited. While this behavior is natural, it can be upsetting for some people. Dog owners need to remember that not everyone likes dogs and that their dog should not jump up on everyone that they encounter. Even though they are cute when they are still puppies, it can really pose a problem as they become full grown dogs.
The problem with this behavior is as the dog gets older, they weigh more. The more the dogs weigh, the more dangerous jumping on people can be. Since there are lots of people that don’t like dogs, they will not appreciate one jumping on them and possibly knocking them down.
If it’s a small child, it’s even worse. The child could be seriously injured due to the weight of the dog. The dog owner could be in serious trouble, regardless if it’s their child or not that got hurt. Whether it’s an adult or a child, you could find yourself with a lawsuit if you have not trained your dog to stop doing that.
The best time to teach him not to jump on other people is when the dog is still young. It’s easier to train them and you won’t have the trouble that you would if the dog were older.
Once you allow them to jump on other people, it can be difficult as the dog gets older and then you try to curb it. Their behavior pattern is already set and can be difficult to break.
The way to do this is when they try to jump on someone, put their feet back on the floor in a gentle and firm manner. You can reward and encourage them as they continue to obey you with loving words and attention. You can reward them with pet toys and tug ropes.
Stop your dog from jumping
As you are encouraging your pet, you must be at eye level with them. The dog will take you seriously when they see that you are providing direct contact at their level. You can continue to reinforce this as much as you need to.
Make sure that everyone knows the rules and does not encourage the dog to allow jumping on them. It can be confusing if you have one person getting irritated and another allowing the dog to jump on them. The standard must be consistent, regardless of who it is.
So, I hope I’ve answered the question of “Why does my dog jump on me?” and that you find a few of these tips helpful.
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Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.