When dogs jump at their owners, it is usually due to a lack of attention, busyness or insufficient training. Under certain circumstances it can also be a sign of fear, jealousy or even a cry for help if you are in pain.
It can be really dangerous and expensive if your dog not only jumps at you, but also at strangers. Because they could fall and get injured.
And according to the Civil Code, you as the owner are liable for all kinds of damage caused by your dog. This applies not only to damage to property, but also to damage to people. [1]
Without dog liability insurance, this can be extremely expensive. This also explains why insurance is compulsory in almost all federal states.
Fortunately, jumping is not an instinct, but a learned behavior. Breaking the habit is therefore much easier.
Since this behavior is often due to unmet longings and needs, it can often be prevented through appropriate measures.
Below you will learn the 10 most common causes and corresponding solutions so that you never have to complain about “my dog jumping on me” again in the future.
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#1 Lack of attention
Dogs have many things in common with small children. Among other things, they require about the same amount of daily attention. If this is missing, then begging is the order of the day.
They learned this behavior when they were puppies. The young puppies are usually rewarded with milk when they jump on their mother. [2]
In addition, sensitive breeds such as lap dogs are particularly needy. Other typical symptoms of a lack of attention are:
- Look for physical contact
- Constant beeping
- Jump up on the owner
- Hyperactive behavior
As a preventive measure, it can help to take measures so that your dog gets enough attention every day. At the same time, it is also important to set limits.
If your dog demands too much, you should stop pampering him and instead give him the appropriate feedback. Ignoring and turning away is a good choice here.
Specifically, this means: When you jump, turn to the side and switch to zombie mode. Don't make eye contact, show any emotions and be completely disinterested.
If your dog then stops the behavior, you can give him attention again and give him a treat as a reward. [3]
A lack of attention often leads to dogs begging for something by jumping on their master. If the dog is neglected here, then it is important to pay more attention. If, on the other hand, he is spoiled, then his limits should be shown to him.
#2 Fear
You've probably seen frightened children running to their parents in fear and clinging to them. Not true?
Dogs are not much different here. They also often run to their master out of fear, hide behind their legs or even jump up on him.
The most common triggers here are:
- Lack of socialization with strangers and dogs
- Sudden and loud sounds over 85 decibels
- Existing or impending storm
- Brief absence of the master [4]
You can usually recognize fear if your dog has his tail tucked in, avoids eye contact, his ears are pulled back and he starts to shake.
To avoid jumping up here, three things are essential:
- Research into causes: Try to identify the trigger and (if possible) avoid it.
- Strengthen self-confidence: Focus on positive feedback methods and get your dog used to the “threats” of everyday life step by step.
- Avoid violence: Verbal or even physical violence will only make your dog more anxious. [5]
In the case of panic attacks and other extreme cases, anxiety-relieving medication or supplements can also make sense. The vet can help you here.
Severe fear can cause dogs to jump on their owners in self-protection. This particularly affects very sensitive breeds and dogs that have not been socialized. The aim here is to avoid the trigger and to strengthen the dog's self-confidence.
#3 Unintentional training error
From personal experience, I can say that around ⅔ of all dog owners who complain about “my dog jumping on me” are themselves to blame for their situation.
Often even without even knowing it. Typical unintentional training errors include:
- Jumping at the young puppy is perceived as “sweet” and is rewarded with attention and petting.
- The command only comes after the dog has jumped up. If he is then rewarded with a treat, he will continue to jump up first in the future.
- Friends and acquaintances don't mind jumping up. The dog receives feedback from external parties that jumping is okay.
Young dogs are generally easier to train than older four-legged friends. But that shouldn't be an excuse. The principles are the same here:
- Do not offer any form of reward for behavior that you want to break the habit of
- Give your dog other commands to replace the behavior
- Be consistent and let all other family members know about it too [6]
In some cases, a negative consequence can also help here. A gentle method here is to spray your dog with a little water. However, this doesn't work for all dogs.
Unintentional training mistakes in the past can lead to the dog learning to jump from the owner himself. Here it is important to correct the error through consistent behavior and always give the dog the appropriate feedback.
#4 Power imbalance
You've probably already observed how dogs greet each other. They first run towards each other and then sniff each other.
Many dogs also maintain this behavior around people. The problem? Our eye level is significantly higher than that of our four-legged friends.
To compensate for the difference in height, many dogs jump up on their master. This also explains why small breeds jump up significantly more often than large dogs.
It often helps to get down on your knees when greeting someone and be at about the same eye level as your dog for a short while.
If your dog does not currently recognize you as alpha, then this behavior can also be a symbol of his own dominance. Because dogs originally descended from wolves.
And wolves always live in hierarchies made up of Alphas (at the top), Betas, Deltas and Omegas (at the bottom). [7]
By jumping up, dogs make themselves bigger and thereby show their dominance. Here you should correct the balance of power and show your dog who is boss.
Unfortunately, how this works goes beyond the limits of this article. However, Johanna Esser's online dog school has an extra course that I can highly recommend.
It also helps to include strangers in the training so that your dog also recognizes them as superior and of higher rank.
The height difference between the eyes and the self-perceived dominance can cause dogs to always jump at their owners. In the first case it helps to get on your knees in greeting, while in the second situation your own dominance should be demonstrated.
#5 Desperate cry for help
Compared to humans, dogs tolerate much more pain before they show it publicly. They also inherited this behavior from their ancestors.
Because when wolves show themselves to be weak and injured in nature, they often become prey for other predators or are even rejected by their own pack.
In other words, if your dog jumps at you because of pain, it is likely to be serious. In many cases you can also recognize pain from other symptoms:
- Sudden whining and whining
- Trembling and nervousness
- Restless walking around
- Dog avoids touching
- Aggressive behavior [8]
Pain in the musculoskeletal system is relatively rare here. Dogs usually avoid jumping and other physical activities.
Sometimes dogs here start to nip and bite out of desperation when they jump up. This is a symbol that things are really serious.
Typical causes include abdominal pain, infections, poisoning and inflammation. If you suspect this, you should consult the vet immediately.
Jumping up on the owner can sometimes be a desperate cry for help if the dog is in severe pain. As a rule, other pathological symptoms can also be identified. A veterinarian should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
#6 Strong joy
“My dog jumps on me every time I come home.” – This is one of the most common complaints from relatively new dog owners.
The cause here is usually strong joy and excitement. This also explains why dogs jump around more often when walking or even jump at visitors. The following 3 tips will help here:
A few treats or even a new toy are enough to distract him. As a result, many dogs forget that they actually wanted to jump up.
If introduced regularly, this can even cause the dog to automatically search the ground when greeting you instead of jumping at you.
The “sit” and “down” commands are great for calming a cocky dog. Lying down tends to be more effective here, as jumping up is impossible here.
At the same time, you give your dog the chance to show his obedience through commands. And dogs love to be rewarded for good behavior. [9]
- Practice opening the door while seated
Many dogs jump up at the door when they notice you coming home. The ideal way to prevent this is to teach him the seated greeting.
Training in front of a glass door is ideal here. Before opening, give the command “Sit” and only open the door if he remains seated during opening.
Excitement and intense joy are among the most common reasons why dogs often jump at their owners. It helps to introduce appropriate commands or distract the dog with toys and treats. Consistent behavior is key here.
#7 Lack of utilization
The younger a dog is, the more physical and mental activity it needs. But hunting and shepherd dogs also naturally need more exercise.
If this is not enough, dogs often behave hyperactively in order to get rid of their energy. You can often recognize this by chewing furniture and constant barking. [10]
Jumping at you here is like a child who, out of frustration, constantly annoys you with “I’m bored.” Typical causes here are:
- Keeping active…