That enthusiastic leap from your dog can sometimes be less than welcome, leaving muddy paw prints or causing unease for visitors. As experienced veterinarians at Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, we understand that while often stemming from excitement, jumping can also be a manifestation of anxiety, impulsivity, or hyper-arousal in our canine companions.

It's important to remember that jumping is normal and natural exploratory behaviour for many puppies, a way they try to investigate their world and solicit attention to get their needs met. Frequently, this behavior is accidentally reinforced – a pat, a coo, even a brief interaction – and it quickly becomes a habit. What was once a cute puppy antic can become an undesirable behavior as your dog grows into its full size.

Consistency is Key: Prevent Jumping from the Start

If you don't want your adult dog to jump up, it's crucial to avoid reinforcing it when they are a puppy. Every interaction counts! Instead of allowing those little leaps, focus on teaching an alternative behavior right from the beginning.

Train Incompatible Behaviours:

The most effective approach is to teach your dog a behavior that they physically cannot do at the same time as jumping. Great examples include:

• "All four paws on the ground": Reward your puppy lavishly when they greet you or others with all four feet planted.
• "Move away": Teach your dog to back up a step or two when someone approaches.
• "Go find": Redirect their energy by asking them to find a toy or treat.

A Strict "No Punishment" Policy:

It is paramount to never, ever punish your dog for jumping. This includes yelling, kneeing them in the chest, or using any other aversive methods. Punishment weakens their trust in you and, crucially, doesn't teach them what you want them to do instead. When dogs don't understand what is expected of them, punishment can even lead to fear-based aggression towards humans.

Understanding Accidental Reinforcement:

It's completely understandable if jumping was accidentally reinforced when your dog was a puppy. Many new dog owners may not have had prior training knowledge or didn't seek guidance during those critical early stages of shaping their puppy's behavior.

Positive Training Works!

Fortunately, the vast majority of physically healthy and neurologically normal dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training. However, if you've been implementing the tips above consistently and aren't seeing improvement, it's time to seek professional help.

We're Here to Help at Avoca Drive Animal Hospital:

If you're struggling with your dog's jumping behavior, please don't hesitate to contact us here at Avoca Drive Animal Hospital in Erina. Ask to book an appointment with either Dr. Nyssa Ross or Dr. Briony Starer. Both of us have extensive experience in addressing canine behavioural issues and are dedicated to finding the exact underlying cause of the jumping and developing a tailored, effective solution for you and your beloved dog. We're committed to helping you both live a happier, more harmonious life together.