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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Ollie
Murphy ARP
Murphyis a handsome, laid-back boy with a sweet and affectionate nature. Murphy is friendly and personable, he enjoys spending time with people. Murphy loves food, and is very food motivated, treats are sure to be the quickest way to win him over. Murphy may be suitable to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 10 and over.
This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
George
Crippa
Scooby
Audrea
Sonny ARP
Sonny is a most dashing and spirited gentleman of the greyhound world. Handsome, charming, and impossible to ignore, Sonny carries himself with the confidence of a true gentleman while still embracing a delightfully puppyish enthusiasm for life. Friendly and outgoing, he seeks connection with eager eye contact and a desire to please that is most endearing. Known to be quite the conversationalist, Sonny enjoys "speaking his mind" with cheerful chatter, all while his signature waggy "helicopter" tail ensures no entrance goes unnoticed.
With his lively and excitable nature, Sonny would be best suited to a home that can indulge his active spirit and zest for play. His enthusiasm can make him a little erratic on the lead at times, but with guidance and patience, he will shine as the perfect companion. Sonny may suit living with or without a canine friend of similar size and would do well with children aged 10 years and older. A home with a backyard would suit him splendidly, offering the space he needs to frolic and burn off his boundless energy.
Sonny 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.
Xandi ARP
Sweet Xandi is a pretty and gentle soul who is looking for a patient, understanding home where she can build her confidence at her own pace. Having previously lived inside and even enjoyed sleeping on her owner's bed, she is familiar with home life and appreciates the comfort and security of being close to her people. Quiet, sweet and personable, Xandi is easy to handle and forms lovely connections through soft eye contact and her affectionate nature. While she can be timid and a little anxious in new situations, she always tries her best and responds beautifully to kindness and reassurance.
As an introverted and submissive girl, Xandi will likely take a few days to come out of her shell in a new environment, but once she feels safe, her loving personality begins to shine through. She would thrive with an owner who can give her the time, patience and encouragement she needs to settle in and feel secure. Xandi may suit living with or without a canine companion of any size and could be well suited to a home with children aged 15 years and older who can respect her gentle and sensitive nature.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Eddie ARP
Lovely black Eddie is a calm and easy-going gentleman who takes everything in his stride. Quiet, sweet and laidback, he has a friendly and confident nature that makes him a pleasure to be around. Having previously lived inside a home, Eddie is familiar with household life and is ready to settle into his next chapter with ease. He enjoys spending time with his people and has a personable charm that helps him make friends wherever he goes. With his gentle temperament and relaxed outlook, Eddie would make a wonderful companion for a variety of homes. Whether joining you for a leisurely stroll or simply relaxing by your side, he is happiest when sharing life's everyday moments with those he loves. Eddie may suit living with or without a canine friend of a similar size and could be a lovely addition to a family with children aged 5 years and older.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Intex ARP
The lovely Intex is a delightful girl with striking white markings and an equally beautiful personality to match. Social, friendly and confident, she enjoys meeting new people and charms everyone she encounters with her affectionate and outgoing nature. Intex loves being involved in whatever is happening around her and is always ready to share a cuddle, leaning into family life with enthusiasm and grace. With her personable temperament and easy-going outlook, Intex is sure to make a wonderful companion for a variety of homes. Whether she's spending time with her people, making new friends, or simply relaxing by your side, this sweet girl is happiest when she is part of the action. Intex may suit living with or without a canine brother of a similar size and could be a lovely addition to a family with children aged 5 years and older.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.