How can I get my dog to stop jumping on people?
Your dog sees a person and thinks they need to jump into action. Literally. Here’s how you can keep your dog grounded.
- Stop jumping before it starts.
Use an “In Training” leash sleeve on walks to signal that your dog is learning. Use baby gates at entryways to keep your dog from rehearsing launching at guests. When someone asks to pet your dog, hold up a polite “stop” hand and let them know your pup is working on their manners and you will approach them when your dog is ready. - Grounded paws
Instead of asking for a sit, focus on keeping all four paws on the ground. Before allowing your dog to greet someone, do a quick “treat test”: If your dog won’t take a treat, they’re too excited to greet. Wait 6 seconds to let them calm down, then scatter treats at the person’s feet as you approach. If your dog jumps, calmly say “uh-oh” and move away for 10 seconds before trying again. - Enlist your people
Get friends, family, and others to help out. Let them know you’re working on polite greetings, and ask them to let you approach them and to pet your dog when all paws are grounded. If the dog jumps, they’ve got one job — stop the petting and remove attention. - Be consistent
Consistency is key. Make sure everyone interacting with your dog follows the same rules. If jumping sometimes gets rewarded and other times doesn’t, your dog will be confused and keep jumping. - It’s okay to say “not today”
Not all dogs are social butterflies. If your dog prefers staying close to you, that’s fine! Reward them for sticking by your side and calmly avoiding social situations. Let people know that your dog is in training and learning to stay with you. - Create a safe space
If your dog gets overwhelmed by guests, create a safe, quiet space just for them. This could be a quiet room or crate where they can relax when things get too busy.
How can I teach my dog to walk nicely on a leash?
We’ve all seen it — a dog zigzagging down the street, dragging their human along like a kite. Here’s how you and your dog can walk together in harmony.
- Sharing the lead
Let your dog sniff — seriously. Dogs were born to sniff. In fact, the part of a dog’s brain that processes odors is about 40 times bigger than ours. Sniff time allows for decompression and exploration, and slows your dog down on walks. Follow their lead . . . or nose (within reason) on a loose leash for 10 to 15 minutes. Stop walking or turn and go in the other direction when the leash gets tight. Then, it’s your turn. Grab some treats and encourage them to walk calmly by your side. Reinforce every step they take in the right direction. - Pre-exercise before walks
Burn off some steam before your walk with training games, off-leash time in a yard, fetch, or a visit to a Sniffspot or dog park. A dog whose exercise needs are met will be ready to follow your lead. - Switch up the gear
If your dog has a history of pulling, switching to a new harness or leash can signal that it’s time for a new routine. Pair the new equipment with training and consistent rewards. Use your old equipment when you don’t have time to train. - Be consistent
As with jumping, consistency is key to leash walking. Stick to the same routine each time and reinforce the behaviors you want. Mixed messages will confuse your dog and slow progress.
Jen Biglan, KPA CTP, is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Licensed Family Dog Mediator, and a member of the Karen Pryor Academy faculty. An Oregon native, in 2016, Jen and her business partner Tera Dschaak-James launched Training Spot, a 4,500-square-foot facility dedicated to community education, positive force-free training, and improving the lives of dogs and their families.
Training Spot, 541-357-7387, trainingspot.us
