Advice on dogs jumping up at people ....

[Pheasy]

I have 2 dogs, Bonnie (brittany spaniel) and Bradley (GSD). They both have the very bad habit of jumping all over people when they arrive at our house. Bonny is not so bad as she is smaller, but Bradley weights approx. 100lb. It can be very annoying and scary for people, even the ones that know Bradley, when a 100lb GSD jumps all over you. He actually puts his paws on people shoulders, and when up on hind legs is taller than some.

They also do it to us family members. Even if I have left the house only for about 10 mins (like to take Lucy to school), they, especially Bradley, will jump all over me when I get back. I know its because he's pleased to see me, and he's being loving. Hell! DH doesn't even do that

So how can I stop them - nicely? Some people have told me to knee them in the stomach - but that just seems nasty and cruel, and I could not see myself ever doing it.

Any ideas?

[RedGlitter]

Yeah, you're right to not do that knee in the chest bit or to step on their toes. There's a lot of unsound advice out there, even suggesting pinch collars. *shudder* Vets are now telling people NOT to knee in the chest or step on paws.

Dogs jump on each other in the wild in play and such and it seems there are different reasons for doing it in a domestic scene. One of my guys jumped on me as a form of dominance. I would say "OFF!" while pushing him off and I would ignore him until he stopped trying to jump. A lot of people will grab the dog when it jumps and start baby talking it but that only gives the dog attention for his bad behavior. It's reinforcement.

One suggestion I came across was to leash the dog when people come to the door and when the dog starts to jump on the person, say "OFF!" and apply a firm jerk to the leash. Not to hurt them mind you, but to get their attention. It was also suggested to have a can full of coins in your hand and when the dog tries to jump on you, to shake the can loudly. This may or may not work for all dogs.

I also read about getting in the dog's personal space when the jump occurs and making him off balance. Instead of backing up and letting the dog get on you, to step in closer to the dog and crowd him. You might try that.

I still think ignoring usually works well. They're happy to see you and they want your attention so you deprive them of your attention until they sit or otherwise behave.

Hey Valerie!!! We need you in here!!! Valerie knows about dogs, I bet she may have some suggestions.

PS. Those are beautiful dogs!

[Pheasy]

RedGlitter;720923 wrote: Yeah, you're right to not do that knee in the chest bit or to step on their toes. There's a lot of unsound advice out there, even suggesting pinch collars. *shudder* Vets are now telling people NOT to knee in the chest or step on paws.

Dogs jump on each other in the wild in play and such and it seems there are different reasons for doing it in a domestic scene. One of my guys jumped on me as a form of dominance. I would say "OFF!" while pushing him off and I would ignore him until he stopped trying to jump. A lot of people will grab the dog when it jumps and start baby talking it but that only gives the dog attention for his bad behavior. It's reinforcement.

One suggestion I came across was to leash the dog when people come to the door and when the dog starts to jump on the person, say "OFF!" and apply a firm jerk to the leash. Not to hurt them mind you, but to get their attention. It was also suggested to have a can full of coins in your hand and when the dog tries to jump on you, to shake the can loudly. This may or may not work for all dogs.

I also read about getting in the dog's personal space when the jump occurs and making him off balance. Instead of backing up and letting the dog get on you, to step in closer to the dog and crowd him. You might try that.

I still think ignoring usually works well. They're happy to see you and they want your attention so you deprive them of your attention until they sit or otherwise behave.

Hey Valerie!!! We need you in here!!! Valerie knows about dogs, I bet she may have some suggestions.

PS. Those are beautiful dogs!


This is what I do and have done since they were young. What you said does make sense, my response is a positive one and probably has unintentionally told them its ok. I will definitely try the 'ignore' suggestion as Bradley HATES being ignored. I will have to train Graham to do the same too, cos between you and me , Bradley is the love of his life. Often I will go into the living room to see Graham on the sofa and Bradley laid on his lap (image 100lb dog on your lap :wah:) with his legs in the air - Bradleys legs that is. Maybe Graham feels the need as I won't lay on his lap with my legs in the air!

Thanks Red I will try that and let you know how it goes. :-4

[WonderWendy3]

Awww, they are so beautiful!

I am one of those people that don't care if a dog jumps on me, which most dog owners hate me....because they are usually trying to teach their dogs NOT to do that!--and I'm giving kisses and attention and the owner is in the background growling!

My dogs don't jump....they do get excited and let you know they are happy to see you....and they have to get their kisses and hugs and then they go on their merry way!:)

Red Glitter gave some great pointers! I have never heard of kneeing them in the stomach or stepping on their toes...that sound cruel to me.....me no likey!:(

[Pheasy]

WonderWendy3;720948 wrote: Awww, they are so beautiful!

I am one of those people that don't care if a dog jumps on me, which most dog owners hate me....because they are usually trying to teach their dogs NOT to do that!--and I'm giving kisses and attention and the owner is in the background growling!

My dogs don't jump....they do get excited and let you know they are happy to see you....and they have to get their kisses and hugs and then they go on their merry way!:)

Red Glitter gave some great pointers! I have never heard of kneeing them in the stomach or stepping on their toes...that sound cruel to me.....me no likey!:(


Yes. I usually end up doing that in peoples houses too ..... the owners are usually hopping around saying 'please don't encourage them' and 'no, I don't want them licking peoples faces' :wah:

[YZGI]

I have found out that if I jump onto the dog before it has a chance to jump on me it tends to take care of the problem.You are welcome in advance.

[Pheasy]

YZGI;720959 wrote: I have found out that if I jump onto the dog before it has a chance to jump on me it tends to take care of the problem.You are welcome in advance.


:D Thanks Wisey. So if I run into my kitchen when getting home and suddenly jump on Bradley, you think maybe it would stop him? Well , that could work - nothing like putting him into shock !! DH might be a little taken back too

[gmc]

ThePheasant;720849 wrote: I have 2 dogs, Bonnie (brittany spaniel) and Bradley (GSD). They both have the very bad habit of jumping all over people when they arrive at our house. Bonny is not so bad as she is smaller, but Bradley weights approx. 100lb. It can be very annoying and scary for people, even the ones that know Bradley, when a 100lb GSD jumps all over you. He actually puts his paws on people shoulders, and when up on hind legs is taller than some.

They also do it to us family members. Even if I have left the house only for about 10 mins (like to take Lucy to school), they, especially Bradley, will jump all over me when I get back. I know its because he's pleased to see me, and he's being loving. Hell! DH doesn't even do that

So how can I stop them - nicely? Some people have told me to knee them in the stomach - but that just seems nasty and cruel, and I could not see myself ever doing it.

Any ideas?


I can't believe anyone would seriously suggest kneeing a dog that's just welcoming you-a strange one attacking maybe.

we've got a ten month old pup we are training out the habit-he's big enough to knock a child flying when he's being boisterous (he's about 23" at the shoulder) . One previous dog we looked after was a standard poodle (31" at the shoulder) that would send an adult flying.

what we do is stand up straight and tell him to sit, (we use a hand gesture as well) ignoring him until he does what you want. Put your bags down hang up your coat whatever and ignore until ready. Don't bend over him and shout at them to sit as dogs read that as an invitation to play. Watch how dogs initiate play with another and you'll see what I mean. Anyone coming in to the house does the same-or is told to and he's gradually getting out the habit. Takes a lot of patience and consistent behaviour from the household. I don't even have to tell him to sit any more he just does it.

Outside when someone is approaching call them back and make them stay beside you or put them on the lead -dominant dog is always the one that approaches first so it's a subtle way of reminding him whose boss. if he shows any sign of running up to someone check them so he starts looking to you for permission to continue. Takes a lot of perseverance but it does work.

Tell off anyone that encourages them to jump up-in our case it's all right when a cute little pup but not when he's older and even at he size he is it's potentially terrifying for little kids. He's your dog they shouldn't be doing it.

Works for us anyway. Kind of similar to what red glitter is suggesting I think

[weeder]

There are a few dog lovers on FG. I am not one of them. Your description of how the dogs behave or react when someone approaches, is one of the many reasons why I do not care to be around dogs. To be approached, or God forbid, jumped on by a big dog, is horrifyingly frightening for me. And if a dog owner does not prevent their dog from jumping on me... I get really annoyed at the owner also. I have always been fascinated by animal lovers.

How they love the very things about animals ( particuarly dogs) that I do not like. It is good that you are trying to correct their behavior. It shows you are as considerate of people, as you are of animals. I just thought it would be interesting to hear how a non animal lover feels, and why we feel the way we do. I want to be clear.... I do not hate animals. I would never hurt an animal. I just do not have that special place in my heart for dogs, the way you all do.

[Pheasy]

Thanks GMC. There's some good advice. Its my fault I should of stopped it when they were puppies. I am going to try the suggestions. I will let you know the response and which method works best for my dogs.

Oh also, I have had several people suggesting I knee them really hard in the stomach - I have to say I was horrified and would never even consider doing it to them :-4

[Pheasy]

weeder;721055 wrote: There are a few dog lovers on FG. I am not one of them. Your description of how the dogs behave or react when someone approaches, is one of the many reasons why I do not care to be around dogs. To be approached, or God forbid, jumped on by a big dog, is horrifyingly frightening for me. And if a dog owner does not prevent their dog from jumping on me... I get really annoyed at the owner also. I have always been fascinated by animal lovers.

How they love the very things about animals ( particuarly dogs) that I do not like. It is good that you are trying to correct their behavior. It shows you are as considerate of people, as you are of animals. I just thought it would be interesting to hear how a non animal lover feels, and why we feel the way we do. I want to be clear.... I do not hate animals. I would never hurt an animal. I just do not have that special place in my heart for dogs, the way you all do.


I appreciate your comments Weeder, and yes it can be very frightening and annoying when dogs do this. The problem is I also get a lot of children visiting my house (kids friends turn up all the time), it has not happened yet but I am fearful that they will accidentally knock one over, then proceed to cover them in slober. It has got to the stage where I have to put the dogs in the bedroom when I have visitors that do not already know my dogs. Which I don't like doing.

[Bryn Mawr]

ThePheasant;721063 wrote: I appreciate your comments Weeder, and yes it can be very frightening and annoying when dogs do this. The problem is I also get a lot of children visiting my house (kids friends turn up all the time), it has not happened yet but I am fearful that they will accidentally knock one over, then proceed to cover them in slober. It has got to the stage where I have to put the dogs in the bedroom when I have visitors that do not already know my dogs. Which I don't like doing.


My youngest daughter had one particular friend who, whenever our border collie came near, would throw her hands up and squeal. Obviously Sam thought she wanted to play but that made her squeal all the more.

Whenever she came round to play we had to lock Sam out - which he could not understand - because, no matter how much we explained, she could not understand.

Sam was as soft and gentle as the come and would never hurt anyone.

[RedGlitter]

Bryn Mawr;721094 wrote: My youngest daughter had one particular friend who, whenever our border collie came near, would throw her hands up and squeal. Obviously Sam thought she wanted to play but that made her squeal all the more.

Whenever she came round to play we had to lock Sam out - which he could not understand - because, no matter how much we explained, she could not understand.

Sam was as soft and gentle as the come and would never hurt anyone.


Oh that makes me livid when kids do that. Dogs don't understand that and some think it means playtime as you said and others think it's threatening and will bite the kid. What I don't understand is how come more parents don't correct their child when this happens. Many seem to find it cute when the kid screams bloody murder. I don't.

[YZGI]

RedGlitter;721098 wrote: Oh that makes me livid when kids do that. Dogs don't understand that and some think it means playtime as you said and others think it's threatening and will bite the kid. What I don't understand is how come more parents don't correct their child when this happens. Many seem to find it cute when the kid screams bloody murder. I don't.
Would you care to babysit for me next week?:wah:

[RedGlitter]

YZGI;721107 wrote: Would you care to babysit for me next week?:wah:


:D Why don't I just take the dog?

[YZGI]

RedGlitter;721119 wrote: Why don't I just take the dog?
:wah::wah:Good idea.

[abbey]

We had a GSD when I was a kid and mum used to let it out to greet us from school,

We'd be crossing the field and he'd spot us and we'd have to crouch down quick otherwise he'd knock the wind out of us before knocking us off our feet and kiss us to within an inch of our lives. :-4

[Betty Boop]

My sister has two Wiemeraners that are terrible for jumping up, I pay them no attention when I arrive and if they do try to jump up I step into them so they over balance and have no choice but to get back to all fours. They now jump up at me less and less but continue to jump up at other visitors, especially my two children who now as a result are wary of most dogs.

[gmc]

WonderWendy3;720948 wrote: Awww, they are so beautiful!

I am one of those people that don't care if a dog jumps on me, which most dog owners hate me....because they are usually trying to teach their dogs NOT to do that!--and I'm giving kisses and attention and the owner is in the background growling!

My dogs don't jump....they do get excited and let you know they are happy to see you....and they have to get their kisses and hugs and then they go on their merry way!:)

Red Glitter gave some great pointers! I have never heard of kneeing them in the stomach or stepping on their toes...that sound cruel to me.....me no likey!:(


Next time you let a dog lick your face watch and see what else they like to lick. Great way to discourage kids from letting dogs lick their faces.

[minks]

I have in the past used a product called the Halty or Haltie I forget it's spelling. It is a kind of muzzle, however it does not stop the dog from barking it fits loose over his nose and has a little bit of a "handle" under his chin, when he misbehaves you grab the little handle under the nose and give it a tug this pulls the muzzle over his nose taut and it gets his attention right quick. Then you can tell him NO. It's a good training tool.

Beyond that I have used the knee to the chest, you don't need force the knee into the dog simply pull your knee up and kind of butt the dogs chest it works. I have to do that regularly with the neighbors badly badly behaved border collie, he is a maniac.

[moonpie]

I don't have any suggestions - but good looking dogs. I bet they are sweeties.

[valerie]

I used to use the knee in the chest... thirty years ago or so!! When you

know better, you do better!!



Some good suggestions as to leashing them up. I think what you really

need to do though is go back to basics, and firm up their sit/stays or

down/stays. Do they have a place they can go (such as their own beds?)

I would put them there, perhaps with a toy... a Kong makes a good

thing for them to work on, put some peanut butter in it.



Other than that, you need to put the dogs on IGNORE!! Make

all the comings and goings of the household casual and no big deal.

When you get home, ignore them for 10 minutes or so until they settle

down, up to and including turning your back on them. Leaving the house,

same thing no "Bye sweeties mommy will be back in a little while" just

ignore them for some length of time before you leave.



They CAN learn this, never fear. Be very firm, dogs actually like a firm

leader, it gives them confidence.



I wouldn't seperate them or lock them up when people come over, that

works to a point but can also just exacerbate the problem. You need to

regain control over them, show them who alpha is and that is always

YOU.



Tell all your visitors what you are doing before they arrive. THEY have to

ignore the puppers for a while, too.



Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

[watermark]

This is all good advice for our dogs. We have two that get so excited to see us when we walk through the door. Makes me crazy! I can't calm them enough to put a leash on them.

I wonder if it would be too late to train them in basic commands now that they are older? They are close to 6 years now. They will obey some vocal commands, such as 'go'.

They are also in the midst of a divorce and we have joint custody of them though they usually live over at his house. I wonder if this could be a problem for behavior as well.

Maybe I should search this topic bet you've already discussed on fg.

Erin

[RedGlitter]

watermark;721452 wrote: This is all good advice for our dogs. We have two that get so excited to see us when we walk through the door. Makes me crazy! I can't calm them enough to put a leash on them.

I wonder if it would be too late to train them in basic commands now that they are older? They are close to 6 years now. They will obey some vocal commands, such as 'go'.

They are also in the midst of a divorce and we have joint custody of them though they usually live over at his house. I wonder if this could be a problem for behavior as well.

Maybe I should search this topic bet you've already discussed on fg.

Erin


Hi Erin,

I don't think it's too late to train your dogs. I would make sure you and your husband use the same techniques and commands though so they don't get confused. Have you considered clicker training? http://www.clickertraining.com/

[LilacDragon]

Erin - I took my 11 year old rottie to a couple of classes and she LOVED it! Your dogs are certainly not too old to take a class.

As for the subject at hand - much like Val, I too have stepped on some toes and kneed a dog or two in the chest. But when you have been living with and training dogs for 30 years or so, you learn new things all of the time. Personally, I calmly use the word "OFF" (as "down" means to lie down) and either step into the dog's space, making them off balance and forcing them back down to all for feet or turn around so that the dog is looking at my back as I walk away.

As for company coming over - keep leashes by the door and make sure that dogs are leashed and in a sit before opening the door. Your guests should be instructed as to what you are doing and why and it is NOT too much to expect their cooperation. Anyone, after being told the why's and wherefor's of what I was attempting to teach my dog, that encouraged the behaviour that I was working so hard to correct would NOT be welcome in my home again! I most certainly will not be reading about MY dog attacking someone on the front page of the paper because some idiot couldn't control themselves in my home!

Red - as for your perception of a prong collar being cruel - you really need to do more research. ANY collar, used improperly, can kill a dog. Even a flat, buckle collar. A prong collar is 100 times safer then your choker collar and I can promise you that there will always be a prong collar in my home but you will never again see one of my dogs wearing a choker of any type.

[RedGlitter]

Thanks for the input, LD. I agree it's easy to get sabotaged by well meaning house guests and sometimes they are worse to control than the dog.

We'll have to agree to differ on collars though. Of course any collar can be dangerous, that I agree with, but as for prongs and chokes I don't use them or recommend them because I feel they are cruel and unsafe.

[watermark]

Thanks Red,

I have used positive reinforcement with my dogs when walking them on leashes. When they stayed close to my side I gave them such sweet talking and loving, telling them what how wonderfully behaved they were, and they loved it! And then the next thing I know they take off towards a cat or another dog they get wind of, and yank my arm.

I gave up on positive talk when they were doing things right as a form of training them. Maybe the clicker is an easier way for them to understand other than tone of voice, attention, affection, etc. The thing is, training a dog like that takes consistency and lots of repetition. I don't have that at this point and since they aren't the type of dog that really, really needs the training in order to learn how to control their agression and be safe around others, I've learned to live with these problems my dogs present.

At any rate, I will try the technique where I walk into them when they jump up on me at the door. That sounds like something that might work for my family.

Hi LilacDragon,

To be honest the only thing that has worked for me to control my dogs' enthusiasm on a walk (which causes yanking my arm out of its socket) was to use a leash that uses the same principal as a choke collar.

The leash itself is regular strength woven synthetic cord, very thin, but is designed to be placed around the dog's neck and slipped through the loop at the end forming something akin to a noose (I know the image this creates is not nice).

When I walk Rogers (that's the one I am most annoyed by and concerned with, he weighs roughly 50 pounds) he always goes towards something at a run, like when he sees a cat or another dog. At that moment, the leash tightens around his neck and he is reminded that he is NOT supposed to take off like that. Then he continues walking onward, happy as a clam.

Does he actually learn anything by this mode of control, where he no longer requires it after awhile?? I doubt it, but at least I can experience a good walk with him this way.

Erin

[LilacDragon]

Honestly, your best bet would be a beginner training class with a trainer to help you with your dog's individual behaviours.

Personally, my dog's don't get praise for expected behaviours. If they walk calmly and politely at my side - that is great but we save the praise for the end of the walk. This way they aren't encouraged to go nutso at the end of the leash because Mommy is happy.

The problem with a choker (or your leash) is that the only thing that stops the "noose" from closing is your dog's neck. A properly fit prong collar can not close enough to hurt your dog. If you think that a prong looks barbaric (I assure you, it is not - my dogs are thrilled to see it come out of the closet. Something I doubt would happen if they found it painful.) then you can look into a martingale collar. They are used on greyhounds but are available in many different sizes and are made out of many different materials.

[RedGlitter]

I bailed two highstrung mixed breeds out from the pound and walking them was impossible. They would pirouette, dance around me, jump up from all fours. I got this harness: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... y&keepsr=1

and walked them the first day I put it on. It applies pressure to the chest/breastbone area when the dog pulls or lunges and it did not hurt my dogs or I would not have used it. Within a week I was walking them on a regular leash. It's worth looking into.