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 Help, our dog is driving us crazy! Whenever guests come into our home, the dog, (she’s a big Golden Retriever) jumps on them. We’ve heard that pushing her down or kneeing her in the chest would get her to stop, but it seems to excite her even more. What can we do now?

Thanks,

D. M.

 

Dear D. M.,

In the canine world jumping is perfectly acceptable; it is a doggie greeting, much like shaking hands is to humans, so it is difficult for the dog to understand why we don’t like it. It can also be confusing when sometimes we think it’s great when they jump on us and other times we’re annoyed. One of the most important things is to be consistent in your approach. Because this is such an attention getting behavior, pushing or kneeing her can be a reinforcing and fun game! Rather than exhausting yourself because of behaviors you do not want, it is far better to teach her what you DO want (for example sit or lie down) and then reward her for being such a good girl.

This is a game where you and your guests can win!

F. B.