Q&A for How to Stop a Dog from Jumping

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Question

What does it mean when a dog jumps up?

Sheri Williams
Certified Dog Trainer
Sheri Williams is a Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of sheriwilliams.com, a business that specializes in teaching veterans how to turn their dogs into service dogs or emotional support animals to assist with PTSD. Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. She is certified by The Animal Behavior and Training Association.

Sheri Williams

Certified Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

People often really confuse this behavior. Sometimes it is genuine joy, but most dogs who jump up on people aren't just trying to be friendly. Dogs wiggle, wag their tail, and fidget a bit when they're happy. Many dogs are trying to claim you when they jump up. They're putting their scent on you and they're trying to establish control.

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Question

What if my dog doesn't listen when I back up?

Sheri Williams
Certified Dog Trainer
Sheri Williams is a Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of sheriwilliams.com, a business that specializes in teaching veterans how to turn their dogs into service dogs or emotional support animals to assist with PTSD. Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. She is certified by The Animal Behavior and Training Association.

Sheri Williams

Certified Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

You hear this suggestion regularly; just step back so the dog falls and they'll eventually stop. This rarely works. I recommend pushing your chest out a little bit, look them in the eye emotionlessly, and say "off." Be consistent, don't let them move you, and never back up!

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Question

How do you train your dog not to jump up on people?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Teach your dog to sit on a particular spot (such as a mat) when you expect visitors. Alternatively, keep a leash on the dog in the house, and when the dog goes to jump up, tread on the leash.

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Question

How do you stop a dog jumping up and biting?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Jumping up and biting is often the result of over-excitement. In this instance, work on calming commands, such as "Look," to stop the dog getting out of control. Also work on basic obedience skills so that the dog gets used to listening and following commands.

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Question

How do you make your dog stop biting you?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

First you need to work out why the dog is biting: are they over-excited, playful, aggressive, or protective? Then address these specific issues. Regardless of the cause, working on basic obedience teaches the dog to listen to you and obey your commands.

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Question

How do you teach your dog to jump?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

To jump on an object such as a chair, simply lure the dog up with a treat and add a cue command such as "Up." To jump over an agility hurdle, use a treat inside a clam-shell training toy and toss this over the hurdle.

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