Teaching puppies not to jump up
Young puppies that jump up can be very appealing, and it is hard to resist making a fuss of them when they do it. However, doing so can reward the behaviour and allow an annoying habit to form that can last a lifetime. With correct education during the early months of puppy ownership, your puppy can learn not to jump up and to keep all four feet on the ground when greeting people instead.
Why do puppies do it?
Puppies that jump up and put their paws on people are usually very social and are trying to get our attention. Their aim is to get close enough to lick our faces, a normal and natural greeting for a puppy. When this is rewarded by humans with fuss and attention, they learn to do it every time they want their attention or when greeting people, which can become a real nuisance when they are older and bigger.
To punish or not?
Many people scold or tell their puppy off for jumping or pawing. This usually has only a temporary effect and the puppy jumps up or paws again soon afterwards. Many trainers misguidedly recommend the use of various forms of punishment for jumping up. The side-effects of punishment are often the development of a fear of hands, knees, legs, or feet, depending on the choice of action. This can cause a happy, out-going puppy to become withdrawn, wary, frightened and even defensively aggressive, and so it is not a good choice of treatment for this (or any) problem.
Play Time?
Some lively puppies jump up and put paws on people when trying to get them to play. This is common in young energetic puppies that play unsupervised with children. Jumping up and play-biting often results in some lively squealing from the person, making the game very exciting for the puppy. It is also very common in puppies whose owners like to play ‘rough and tumble’ wrestling type games. Puppies that do this need to learn to play with toys rather than using people's bodies for this purpose.
No more jumping or pawing
Teach an alternative behaviourMost puppies respond well to training for a behaviour that is incompatible with jumping, such as sitting.- Prevent practiceSome owners may need to use a line for a while to prevent the puppy practising the jumping up or pawing so they can reward the behaviour they want, particularly if there are small children in the household.
- Be patientThe important thing is to only ever reward your puppy with attention when all four feet are on the ground and allow time for your puppy to develop new habits. Use of management tools e.g. leads or baby gates, will also be needed around visitors and children until good habits are established.
- Lessons in self controlFor seasoned jumpers or pawers, lessons in self-control may be needed to help speed up the process.
Preventing jumping up
How can a Puppy School Tutor help?
On Week Four of the Puppy School course our tutors will coach you how to teach your puppy to greet people appropriately. If your puppy is under 20 weeks and you’d like to sign up to our puppy classes, please get in touch with your local Puppy School tutor.
As well as training classes, many of our tutors offer home visits to provide additional 121 support and guidance for you regarding appropriate management strategies, teaching your puppy to play with toys or useful self control exercises. Perfect if your puppy is already over 20 weeks or if you would prefer advice tailored specifically to you and your family.
Find your local Puppy School tutor
If none of our Puppy School tutors are local to you, we recommend contacting an Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Animal Training Instructor for further help and advice.
Need more help?
Puppies may also jump up for other reasons. They may seek reassurance when worried, they may jump up when their owners arrive home if they are worried about spending time alone, they may learn to seek attention by jumping up and grabbing or they may jump up when unsure about greeting new/unknown people.
In these cases it is best to seek professional help fast. We recommend contacting an Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist when further advice and support is needed.
Testimonials
What Clients say
about Puppy School
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“Charlie was absolutely wonderful in all aspects. Friendly, kind and knowledgeable. Always available to answer any questions or concerns. Charlie is very experienced and myself and my daughter thoroughly enjoyed the classes and wish that we had more weeks together with our puppy family! Highly recommended and really enjoyable! Thank you for helping us understood our puppy and teaching us ways to grow together - invaluable”— Sam
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“I wanted to share my gratitude towards my puppy school tutor in Chichester, Louise Williamson. She has really gone above and beyond to help me giving me lots of support, advice and positive encouragement.”— Emma
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“Claire, is so knowledgeable, patient and very helpful. Amber and I thoroughly enjoyed the six week course. It has certainly helped Amber to understand simple commands. Even though I have owned dogs before, Claire has taught me a lot too. A big thank you Claire. ”— Thomas
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“It was just a great course, it helped so much with our confidence in training Lucky correctly, and watching his confidence grow from being super nervous when he started, to the outgoing bundle he is now. Puppy School has been amazing!”— Erica
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“It was a good experience for both us and Reuben. I think puppy training is valuable for all dogs and owners!”— David