Q: I have a 5 month old male ShiPoo. He behaves basically well, is house trained, however jumps up on people when they come to the door or we meet them on the street. How do I break this habit?
A: Hi Susan,
Sorry about the delay in getting back to you. This is a typical behaviour issue that arises from our (the human's) behaviour. Dog are very visually specific, and learn from past experience. It is very common for strangers and owners alike to acknowledge this pesky behaviour unintentionally, therefore reinforcing it. I assume that every time or perhaps every so often, when your beautiful puppy jumps up to greet you or a stranger, he is immediately encountered with eye contact at the very least. Most often he will get a rub on the head, and a "Hey there is little guy". Eventually we as owner get annoyed and start scolding our dogs, first we give them eye contact, then "Get off!". The pattern is still the same. You have still said "Hey, I noticed you, hello". The only way to break this habit of yours and your dogs is to go cold turkey!
Jumping-up= No more interaction at all, that means no talking, no looking, and no touching.
Use your body to block you dog, lean in, or turn away. For dogs who are extremely persistent: have him drag a leash around, and ground the leash with your foot when approach by people. Wait until he offers you a calm body posture (sit, stand or lie down) then say "Say hello" calmly. If the jumping begins again, start over. Leave your emotions out of it. Don't over talk to him. Basic training classes at the right school will help as well.
Keep in your mind: Your dog will not access things he likes until he can demonstrate that he is calm or at least controlled.
Hope this helps, for more information please email me or contact me by phone to set up a consultation. Congratulations on your new family member, and good luck!
Cheers.
Jessica O'Neill
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