Pet care

A dog that jumps up on people can be a real headache for many owners. Some people find it funny or even endearing, but for many others, especially children, the elderly or anyone wary of dogs, this behaviour can be dangerous and stressful. That is why it is important to teach your dog that jumping up on people is not acceptable. In this article we look at why dogs jump up, what the consequences are and how to break the habit effectively.

 Why do dogs jump up on people?

Dogs jump up on people for a variety of reasons. One of the main ones is simply to get attention. Dogs are social animals and they need contact with people. Jumping up can be their way of expressing joy, excitement or a wish to play. Another cause is a lack of proper training. If a dog was never taught as a puppy that jumping up is unacceptable, it can easily become a habit.

What are the consequences of a dog jumping up on people?

A dog jumping up on people has consequences both for the dog and for those around it. For the dog it may be a way of expressing emotion, but for people it can be unpleasant and even dangerous. Those who are afraid of dogs may feel threatened and stressed. Children and the elderly are at risk of injury, such as scratches, fractures or other trauma. On top of that, a dog jumping up on people can lead to conflicts with neighbours or others, which sours relationships in the community.

How to stop a dog jumping up on people

Teaching a dog not to jump up on people takes patience, consistency and the right training methods. Below are several effective techniques that can help.

The “four paws on the floor” method

One of the most effective approaches is the “four paws on the floor” method. Every time the dog jumps up, you stop interacting with it and turn away. As soon as the dog has all four paws on the floor, praise and reward it. This way the dog learns that jumping up gets no positive response, while standing on four paws is exactly what you want.

Using cues

Another effective method is to use cues. You can teach your dog “sit” or “down”, which will signal that it should stay on the ground. When the dog obeys the cue, praise and reward it. The dog will learn that following cues brings a positive response.

Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training methods there is. It means rewarding the dog for desirable behaviour. When the dog is standing on four paws, praise and reward it, for example with a treat or a game. The dog learns that keeping four paws on the floor is desirable and pays off.

Avoiding punishment

Punishment-based training means penalising the dog for unwanted behaviour. This approach is not recommended, as it can cause stress and anxiety in the dog. It is far better to focus on positive reinforcement and reward the dog for the behaviour you want.

Enough physical and mental exercise

Dogs that are properly tired out, both physically and mentally, are less inclined to jump up on people. So it is important to give your dog enough exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks, play and training sessions help burn off excess energy and reduce the urge to jump.

Consulting a trainer or vet

If your dog keeps jumping up on people despite all these methods, it may be time to consult a professional trainer or a veterinarian. A specialist can help identify the causes of the behaviour and suggest effective training methods.

Summary

A dog that jumps up on people can be a problem for many owners. With the right training methods and some patience, however, you can teach your dog that jumping up is not acceptable. The key is to focus on positive reinforcement and reward the dog for desirable behaviour. Making sure the dog gets enough physical and mental exercise will also reduce its urge to jump. If the dog still jumps up despite everything, it may be worth consulting a professional dog trainer. With the right approach and patience you can successfully stop your dog jumping up on people and give it a happy, safe life.

What is the difference between paralysis and paresis of the limbs in dogs?

Paralysis is the complete inability to move a limb, meaning the animal cannot move it at all. Paresis is a reduced range of movement. The term is also used to describe reduced muscle strength. Paresis can be an intermediate state between normal limb function and  paralysis. Most owners associate both conditions with an orthopaedic problem, but more often they are neurological and linked to damage within the nervous system. 

What can cause paralysis and paresis of the limbs in dogs?

Both problems may require help from a neurologist as well as an orthopaedic specialist. There are many possible causes, so the history given by the owner and a specialist examination play a key role. The most common problems include:

• spinal cord injury
•  genetic defects
• osteoarthritis
• neurological diseases 
• infectious diseases

The size or breed of the dog makes no difference, as this problem can affect small and large dogs alike. 

How are paresis and paralysis diagnosed? 

The best first step is to contact a neurologist straight away. After examining the dog, the vet may order additional neurological tests such as an MRI or CT scan to obtain a detailed picture of the brain, spinal cord and spine. Assessing the limb’s range of movement and whether the patient can feel pain is crucial here.

Additional blood tests are carried out if an infectious disease is suspected, as this too can cause paresis or paralysis.

How is a dog with paralysis or paresis treated?

Treatment depends on the diagnosed cause of the condition. Sometimes surgery is needed, while in other cases medication alone is used. Physiotherapy for dogs is an invaluable aid in cases of paresis or paralysis. An animal physiotherapist will devise an exercise plan suited to the patient’s condition to better support the muscles of the affected limb. 

If the changes cannot be reversed, there are special wheelchairs for dogs, as well as support harnesses and slings. 

Summary

Depending on what caused the problem with moving the limb, vets may be able to reverse it. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, which is why assistive devices exist for such dogs.

Whatever may have happened, if you notice your dog having trouble moving, take it to a vet for examination straight away. Paresis is a symptom that is easy to spot, and sometimes the time between the first sign and medical attention is critical. If any of the problems described above occurs, do not wait, contact our clinic.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process in which the tissues gradually weaken, the cells in the joints change and the joint loses its ability to function properly. The condition often affects older cats, while larger breeds such as the Maine Coon, Persian or British Shorthair may suffer from it at an earlier age.

How to recognise joint disease in your cat

Unfortunately, the disease is often hard for owners to notice, because cats hide pain for a very long time. The best approach is to compare your cat’s behaviour with how it behaved, say, a year ago. The most common changes include:

• reduced physical activity
• reluctance to play
• “hesitating” before jumping up onto something
• reluctance to jump down from a height
• stiff movements
• longer naps
• lying for long periods  in one place  

It is important not to put a drop in your cat’s activity down to age alone. It is true that at a certain age cats can become calmer, but the cause may also be pain.

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed in cats?

If you notice any worrying behaviour in your pet, take your cat to the vet for an examination.

The best way to check for osteoarthritis is to take X-rays. The examination can be carried out by an internal medicine vet or an orthopaedic specialist. The vet will take into account the history given by the owner, palpation of the limbs to check for thickening around the joints, and the imaging results.

The condition can be brought on, for example, by excess body weight, in other words obesity. Heavier cats may develop problems with their musculoskeletal system sooner. 

How is osteoarthritis in cats treated?

The aim of treatment is to reduce pain and halt the inflammatory process in the joint. The vet can choose from various treatment options, including painkillers or a monthly injection that blocks both of the processes mentioned above. Bear in mind that even with cartilage-support supplements, we may not be able to reverse existing changes to any great extent. Unfortunately, the disease is progressive, just as it is in humans, so the treatment may be adjusted over time to make it more effective. 

Summary

Detecting the disease at an early stage greatly improves a cat’s day-to-day comfort, which is why keeping a close eye on your pet is so important. For a cat already diagnosed with joint disease, it is a good idea to adapt its surroundings, for instance by making it easier to get up onto raised surfaces. Water and food should be placed in easily accessible spots around the home. A suitable bed for such a cat will be soft enough, or a special orthopaedic one. 

We encourage you to book an appointment at Zviropolis if you suspect your cat has joint problems or have any further questions about its health and wellbeing.