Problem: Dogs Jumping on Guests
Question from Will and Lydia Hubbard:
We have a 22-month-old lab mix. Some people think he is part viszla, yet others think red nose pit. His name is Pablo, he gets overly excited and hyperactive when we have guests come over, he wants to jump on them and lick them constantly, it takes him quite awhile to calm down. He seems to have these bursts of energy that nothing can calm. He is the most loveable dog in the world and he is our best friend but just wondered if you had any advice.
Advice from Cesar’s good friend and dog trainer Cheri Lucas:
The behavior you’re describing is very common. Houseguests often inadvertently nurture a dog’s disrespectful jumping behavior by petting or baby talking the dog instead of correcting him. Because the dog sees this as a “reward” for his actions, he’s being encouraged to practice the overly excited, hyperactive dog behavior even more.
Fortunately, this behavior is very easy to resolve as long as you have total cooperation on behalf of your visitors. If Pablo is overly excited when your guests arrive, ask your visitors to completely ignore him when they walk in the door. “Ignore,” means no eye contact, no talking, and no touching—they must act as if Pablo isn’t even in the room.
Keep in mind that a good pack leader is always fair. Be consistent! You must follow these same rules with Pablo when YOU come home from work or running errands. You can’t be disappointed in Pablo’s jumping behavior with your houseguests if you habitually give him affection or attention when he practices this same behavior on you.
If Pablo still attempts to jump on your guests and lick them even though they are ignoring him, ask them to turn their body away from him without retreating from their space. Again, remind them not to give any eye contact or say anything. There’s only so much you can ask from a visitor. Ultimately, controlling your dog is your responsibility, but most people won’t be opposed to helping you achieve better behavior from your dog, especially if it means future visits to your home are more pleasant.
Another method I highly recommend is to teach Pablo the “Place Command.” This technique is a favorite of many obedience trainers because it has a multitude of applications for you and your dog. This method teaches your dog to stay away from the area of “excitement” where the disrespectful jumping behavior is occurring, and teaches him to remain calm and submissive at a “place” until he’s invited to join the rest of the human pack. To learn how to teach your dog the place command, please see my article Teaching a Dog the "Place" Command
When Pablo is solidly trained with the place command, you will be able to invite guests into your home without having to worry about your dog jumping on them. Once your guests have spent a few minutes in your home and the initial excitement has subsided, Pablo can be invited to join the group, as long as he remains calm and submissive. If the jumping and licking behavior starts up again, send Pablo back to his “place.” Do this without frustration or anger. You aren’t punishing Pablo—you are simply creating a boundary.
Rehabilitating any behavior is always a process. Stay focused, consistent, and positive throughout the journey. A calm and submissive dog with perfect house manners will be the ultimate reward!!
