Jumping

by Melissa
(Texas)

Kane @ 7 months

Kane @ 7 months

My Rottie keeps jumping on people when he sees them. Then he runs through their legs.

How do I get him to stop? He is about to turn 8 months.

Hi Melissa
Jumping up at visitors is a natural and instinctive canine behavior. Sometimes it’s their way of showing that they recognize authority (wild dogs will lick the faces of the more dominant dogs), other times it can be a way of trying to exert dominance themselves.

Kane is still a puppy and I think he’s most likely doing this as a result of the first motivation… but it is something you need to correct because Rotties are big heavy dogs and can easily knock someone down if they’re small, light or frail.

Obviously the first way to do this is with a firm, verbal correction such as ‘no jump’, make sure the people who are being jumped on give him this correction as well as you. He needs to know it’s not okay by anyone’s standards. Don’t shout or get angry etc. though as that will make him excited and he’ll jump even more.

In addition to the verbal correction I’d recommend getting him a short training leash (see my Leash Training A Puppy page for one of these, also known as a ‘pull tab’) and when people are coming over have it attached to his collar. It’s basically a leather ‘handle’ and you can use it to give Kane a short, sharp tug on his collar whenever he goes to jump on anyone.

To be most effective you may want to combine it with a ‘choke chain’ or ‘prong’ collar rather than his regular buckle collar. BUT don’t keep this type of collar on him when you’re not actually training him as if it gets caught up on something it could literally choke him.

Any type of training needs to be consistent, and you need to repeat it every single time he indulges in the behavior you want to stop. Be patient, firm and loving and he will learn what is expected of him. Rotties are very intelligent and eager to please and as long as you show him consistently what you want he will do his best to oblige!

Good luck, he’s a great looking pup.

Comments for Jumping

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Jun 15, 2011

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Kane
by: Melissa

Thank you for the advice, that is good to know I will make sure to tell my vistors that. He is a great dog and listens very well but he just gets excited when he sees new people! ButI am going to try all these great things you all suggested. Thanks again!


Jun 12, 2011

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Hi Melissa,
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem, my little boy is 9 months old.

You have some good advise above but in addition, I ask my guests not to greet him until he is calm and submissive. By that I mean no talk, no touch and most important no eye contact. The moment he makes eye contact he is set on jumping.

I think it’s a teenager thing but one that should be corrected. 😉

Good luck! 🙂


Jun 11, 2011

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kane
by: melissa

Thank you so much and definitely take your advive. I love your website, without it i would have been lost! Thanks again!


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