Jumping Up
Many owners become frustrated with dogs when they behave in a way that seems anti-social.
Dogs that constantly jump up on their owners or visitors can cause serious injury if they cause the person to become unbalanced and fall and this behaviour can frighten people who are not used to dogs, especially large dogs such as greyhounds.
Why do dogs like to jump up on people?
Jumping up to greet people is thought to originate from the puppy behaviour of jumping up to greet adult dogs. The puppies jump up to lick the corners of the adult dog’s mouth which triggers a regurgitation of food which the puppies can then eat. Licking at the faces of other dogs often continues into later life as a form of submissive greeting. Because our faces are well off the ground, jumping up at a human is the dog’s way of trying to get closer to our face.
This behaviour may seem very cute in a tiny puppy, but it loses its appeal when the dog is a hefty 40kg adult, or when the dog has muddy paws from being outside. Jumping up on people is also a problem if the dog catches the person off balance, as it could potentially lead to a fall.
Unfortunately we often encourage and reinforce this behaviour over time. When puppies are small and cute, or when dogs are new to a household we often let them jump up on us and reach down and give them a pat or cuddle. They simply assume this is an acceptable way to greet humans after all they get lots of attention and interaction when they do jump up. This can occur with adult dogs too, especially those that are excited. The greeting behaviour of jumping up is reinforced with pats and attention.
Some people try to push the dog down with their hands, or end up yelling and making a lot of noise to try to stop this behaviour. The problem with these two options is the dog may see it as a game – I jump up and you push me down –lots of fun! They still have your 100% attention, and you are still interacting with them so they are getting reinforced for a behaviour that you really don’t want.
So how can we coach a polite greeting that does not involve the dog jumping up?
Dogs cannot be expected to understand how we would like them to greet us, so it is up to us to show them what we want. For most people, their preferred greeting is for the dog to sit in front of them. We need to make it very clear to the dog that he will get no attention unless he is sitting. Because some greyhounds find sit very difficult to master – the other alternative is ‘four feet on the floor’ – a ‘stand’.
You need to look at this as a training exercise – you will need to set up some greetings, so that you can coach and train the correct response. It is probably not a good idea to start trying to train this when you first come home from work, as your dog will be too excited. Instead, work on greeting the dog when he is a little more settled.
Start with one person holding the dog on the leash. Have a second person approach the dog and greet it, they can say ‘Hello, Spot’ as if they were meeting the dog. If the dog goes to jump at them, the person that is approaching the dog quickly turns their back and walks a few steps away. The person holding the leash does nothing – no jerking or pulling – they do not need to even say anything. They are simply there to stop the dog from following the ‘visitor’ as they walk off.
This greeting is repeated as many times as needed. The person approaches, and if the dog jumps up, the person turns their back and walks away. Eventually the dog will offer a sit or just stand there, and this is the moment that the ‘visitor’ can quickly reward the dog with a treat, and a pat and cuddle.
You will need to practise this regularly (a few times each day is a great way to start), but the more that you do it the quicker the dog will offer the four on the floor response or a sit. By turning their back on the dog the dog does not get any attention, not even any eye contact, and the fact that the person walks away, also provides a consequence for the dog – you jump up, I will leave.
Once your greyhound is showing some improvement, you will then have to practise this with a variety of people, all of whom do the same thing. Ask friends and family to help you. You will also have to practise the greeting behaviour in different locations – on your walks, outside the shops, and anywhere else your dog may greet people. If everyone that the dog greets does the same thing, your dog will soon understand that there are never any pats or attention unless all four feet are on the ground.
If your dog does greet someone politely with out being ‘set up’ to do so, you can also reward the dog yourself. Just make sure you remember to carry some treats the dog really likes. If you see someone about to greet the dog, you can then either give them a treat and ask the person to give the dog the treat when he does the right thing, or you can reward the dog yourself.
At home you can also practise at doorways as this is another place where many people have a lot of problems with the dog jumping up on them. If your dog jumps up on you as you go out into the backyard, or as you come through the gate, practise the same routine here. Open the gate or door, if the dog goes to jump up, walk away and shut the gate behind you. Then open it again, shut it, open it, shut it, until the dog offers ‘four on the floor’ or a sit. Then you can quickly reward the dog with a treat and go and give him all the cuddles and pats he wants.
If your dog is really over the top when you first come home, sometimes they need to settle a little before they can muster the emotional control to be able to achieve a polite greeting. In this case, do not go and greet your dog for the first 10 minutes or so after you come home. You can just ignore him and go about unpacking your things. When he seems to settle a little, then go out and work on your greeting behaviour. For dogs who like to play, another option is to keep a few toys or ball near the gate or back door, and immediately throw one as you come through into the yard. The dog will learn to expect the toy, and will focus on chasing after it rather than ‘mugging’ you.
What if I want my dog to jump up and greet me?
This is fine, as long as YOU ask the dog to jump up on cue, and don’t reward attempts to jump up by the dog at other times with pats and attention.
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Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
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Lucy
Angel ARP
Angel is a lovely female greyhound with a sweet, friendly nature and an outlook that’s as sunny as her name suggests. She is outgoing and confident, greeting people with warmth and charm, and she adores human affection. Angel enjoys being part of the action, whether that’s following you around the house or leaning in for pats —she’s a true people-dog who thrives on connection and companionship.
Angel maybe suited to a home with adults or families with children aged 10 and over who can return her affection respectfully. She may be ok to live as an only dog, soaking up all the love, or along side a compatible medium to larger male canine companion. With her affectionate personality and easy confidence, Angel is ready to bring joy, love, and gentle fun to her forever home.
Angel is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Ben ARP
Listen up! Ben is on the hunt for his forever home! Whilst he is still young and lacking a little bit of confidence in the world, we have no doubt he will shine as a pet in the right home. Due to his quiet and cautious nature we think he will be better suited to a home with teens or just adults, eithe by himself or another calm, respectful and polite dog of any size to show him the ropes and a backyard to relax in is a must. Are you sweet Ben's new family!?
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and not other dogs currently in our care.
Peter
Alice
Rocky ARP
How pretty is Rocky? He has the whole world in his paws with hat adorably cute head tilt! Rocky is a very friendly, outgoing and confident boy who loves treats and is happy to hang out with his people. He can be enthusiastic at times when playing with other dogs so he may be better suited to a home with a robust medium or large canine companion, or may even suit living as an only dog. He may be happy living with children aged 10+ and full time workers.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Paddy ARP
Meet Paddy, a handsome male greyhound with a polite, gentle manner and a friendly, personable nature. He is a calm and thoughtful boy who enjoys human company and greets everyone with quiet charm. Paddy is affectionate without being demanding and has a lovely way of making people feel at ease, whether he’s leaning in for a pat or simply relaxing nearby. His easygoing temperament makes him a pleasure to have around.
Paddy would be well suited to a home with adults, elderly adopters, or families with children aged5 and over who can interact with him kindly and respectfully. He can live happily as an only dog or with a compatible medium to large canine companion.With his calm energy and good manners, Paddy may also suit apartment living,provided his exercise and comfort needs are met. He’s ready to settle into a loving home where he can relax, enjoy companionship, and be cherished.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Josie ARP
Josie’s has just come back from a vacation far away and ready to settle into her new forever retirement home! We think she may suit living with other male dogs medium or larger and children 10 and over. She may also suit living as an only dog and with full time workers.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Bessie ARP
Little brindle gal Bessie is now in the market for her new forever home! She isn’t really fussy about what she needs as she is a quiet, easy going and sensible little lady but she would love some people to dote on her till the end of her days at the very least. We think she may suit homes with children 10 and over and maybe another male canine companion of any size. She may even like to live in an apartment or with an elderly person! Like we said, she is pretty easy going!
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.
Winx ARP
Meet Winx, a beautiful female greyhound with a calm, polite nature and a heart full of sweetness. She is gentle and personable, taking her cues from the people around her and doing her very best to please. Winx can be a little anxious in new situations, but reassurance and kind guidance go a long way—once she settles, her affectionate and thoughtful personality truly shines. She enjoys quiet companionship and will happily be by your side, soaking up the comfort of a predictable routine.
Winx would do well in a home with adults, elderly adopters, or families with children aged 10 and over who can respect her sensitive side. She would be happiest as an only dog, or with a compatible medium to large canine companion who matches her calm energy. With patience, love, and a peaceful home, Winx will reward her people with loyalty, grace, and a gentle presence that makes every day a little brighter.
This dog is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). ARP dogs are kept with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting them. As such, you will not be able to meet any other dogs, as you otherwise would be able to.