How to wean a dog from jumping when meeting out of joy? - briefly
To curb your dog's exuberant jumping during greetings, remain calm and still upon arrival. Do not acknowledge or reward the behavior until all four paws are on the ground.
How to wean a dog from jumping when meeting out of joy? - in detail
To effectively curb your dog's habit of jumping on people in excitement, it is crucial to understand that this behavior stems from their desire for attention and affection. Here are some detailed steps you can take:
Firstly, ensure your dog is well-exercised both physically and mentally before interactions. A tired dog is less likely to jump due to excess energy. Regular walks, play sessions, and puzzle toys can help maintain a balanced energy level.
When greeting someone new or familiar, ask the person to ignore the dog until it settles down. This means no eye contact, no talking, and no touching until your dog is calm and all four paws are on the ground. Consistency in this approach from everyone who interacts with your dog is key.
Teach a reliable "sit" command. Start by holding a treat close to your dog's nose without letting them get it. Slowly move your hand up, allowing their head to follow the treat and causing their bottom to lower. Once they are in the sitting position, say the command "sit," give them the treat, and praise them for following the instruction.
Practice this command in different environments and with various distractions to build a strong association between the command and the action. Over time, your dog will learn that sitting is the best way to get attention and treats.
If your dog jumps despite these efforts, turn your back on them and avoid any interaction until they settle down. This signals that jumping does not result in the desired attention or rewards. Once your dog is calm and seated, you can then reward this behavior with praise and a treat.
It's important to be patient and consistent. Dogs learn through repetition and positive reinforcement. Avoid punishing your dog for jumping as it may cause fear and aggression rather than the desired calm behavior.
By following these steps consistently, you can help your dog understand that jumping is not an acceptable way to greet people. Instead, they will learn to sit calmly, which is a more desirable and polite behavior in social settings.