Does your dog jump on you?

I always ask that question,whether I’m talking to individuals or groups.  The reason I do that is because the answer is really important!  If it’s a dog with a behavior issue…doesn’t matter what behavior… aggression, separation anxiety, barking and lunging at other dogs, general out of controlness… at least 90% of the time the answer is YES.   That makes you wonder, doesn’t it?  What is the connection?  If your dog jumps on you when you walk in the door (for example), is it because he’s happy to see you?  Can’t he be happy with all four feet on the floor?   He’s excited, yes.  And excitement often leads to dominance.  Jumping is a dominant behavior.  If your dog jumps on YOU, he doesn’t see you as the leader.   And if you’re not it…guess who is?  Well, why is that important?  Let’s say your dog has an issue with growling and lunging at other dogs when you walk him.  He’s doing that because he thinks that’s his job.  The leader’s job is to protect!  If he is allowed to jump on YOU, he thinks he’s the leader.  What happens inside the house is connected to what happens outside the house.