PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — One annoying behavior that many dog owners are likely familiar with is jumping. And while dogs may not mean any harm, not all pet owners and their guests appreciate it when a dog jumps on them.
According to Carol Erickson, animal advocate for the Pennsylvania SPCA, a dog that jumps up on you as soon as you come inside is not an attempt at dominance. It is usually a dog showing exuberance.
“Biologists say that dogs have evolved this particular greeting of humans as a ritual to communicate specifically with humans,” Erickson explains. With other dogs, dogs can use their tails and ears to communicate. “So they communicate in different ways and developed this ‘jumping on you’ behavior.”
While jumping up is considered normal dog greeting behaviorbut that doesn’t mean people always like it.
To prevent dogs from jumping up when you come in, Erickson recommends throwing a treat on the floor or grabbing a toy for your dog before they start jumping. “Give them warm attention while they’re sitting, and then let them relax later.”
According to Erickson, if you sometimes allow your dog to jump on you and sometimes don’t, your pet can’t tell whether the behavior is acceptable or not.
“Remember, if you don’t want them to jump, think of something they can do that won’t make them jump,” Erickson says.
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, please contact the PSPCA at adoptions@pspca.org or call 215-426-6300.
