PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – One annoying behavior that many dog owners are probably familiar with is jumping up. And while dogs may not mean any harm, not all pet owners and their guests like it when a dog jumps up on them.
According to Carol Erickson, animal welfare officer with the Pennsylvania SPCA, a dog that jumps on you as soon as you walk in the door is not an attempt at dominance. It is usually a dog’s way of showing exuberance.
“Biologists say that dogs have developed this special greeting gesture of jumping on people as a ritual to interact specifically with humans,” explains Erickson. With other dogs, dogs can use their tails and ears to communicate. “They communicate in different ways and developed this starting behaviour.”
While jumping up is considered normal Greeting behavior of dogsthat doesn’t mean that people always like it.
To prevent dogs from jumping up when you come in the door, Erickson recommends throwing a few treats on the floor or getting a toy for your dog before he starts jumping. “Give him warm attention when he’s sitting and later relaxed.”
If you let your dog jump on you sometimes but not other times, your pet won’t be able to distinguish when the behavior is okay and when it isn’t, according to Erickson.
“Remember: If you don’t want them to jump, plan something for them to stop them from doing so,” says Erickson.
You can watch this week’s full Pet Project interview with Erickson in the video player above. Stay tuned to the end to meet some of the animals available for adoption at the PSPCA.
If you would like to learn more about these adoptable animals, contact the PSPCA at [email protected] or call 215-426-6300.
