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Jumping Jack Canine Flash

The minute you walk through the door, Jackson – your chocolate Lab – is leaping and jumping. And as he grows, he’s even knocked a few people off balance. Why? Well, because he loves his people. Or is it? If he’s jumping on you when you arrive home, he’s staking his claim as pack leader. And when he jumps on your visitors, he’s letting them know who’s in charge. How do you re-establish yourself as pack leader?

Why the theatrical aerobics?
 
He’s overexcited. Dogs don’t jump on people just because they’re happy to see them; they jump because they’re overexcited and need to release their energy in some way. He was alone all day meaning he’s bored and under-stimulated.
 
 
Jumping asserts dominance. When dogs greet each other, they stand quietly while the other sniffs them. When Jackson leaps all over his family, it’s not just because he’s happy to see them; he’s actually asserting his dominance. No subordinate dog would ever jump on the alpha dog. When you allow your dog to leap on you without correcting her immediately, you’re confirming her dominance over you.

Jumping is rewarded with attention. When Jackson leaps up on his people, , they react in one of two ways. Either they try to calm him by petting and stroking him; or they jump back, trying to push him off while waving their arms frantically and making lots of noise. To Jackson, both reactions are direct rewards for his leaps and bounds.

Four on the Floor
 
Coming home should be a low-key experience. There’s no need or benefit to greeting him within seconds of putting the key in the lock. Don’t play with the dog immediately. Take off your coat, put your shoes away, take a few moments for yourself. This prevents the dog from associating your return with a daily rumba.

When the dog jumps up, you need to withdraw of all your attention. Quickly turn away, fold your arms, make no eye contact, and say nothing. After a short while – although puzzled by your lack of attention – he’ll stop his frenetic behaviour. Once the dog has settled, give him lots of attention and serious petting.

Once the dog learns that that are no rewards for jumping, the behaviour should decrease. As the dog is calming down, give the sit command and reward the dog for the good sit. This is especially helpful on walks when the dog meets a favourite human. Just before he gets excited, give the sit command, then reward him with food, petting, praise, etc. Get the human to come down to the dog’s level and greet the dog that way.

Oh, and one more thing. When your visitors say they don’t mind if your dog jumps on them – ignore them. Stick to your training and don’t make exceptions. The trick is to make sure that all family members, as well as guests and friends, know how to react in this situation: by correcting bad behaviour, and rewarding good behaviour.