Not Everybody Likes Dogs - Stop your dog from jumping on the wrong people

It may seem strange for Dogs Allowed to be blogging about people who don't like dogs, but in many ways they are as, if not more, important to think about when you are taking your dog out in public. My crazy, lovely, adorable Flatcoat loves people and has learned which people love her. It's amazing to watch how she reacts to different people.

Gordon's Wine Bar last night proved the perfect example. We were standing at a barrel at Gordon's with our wine and Zorra was on a lead but was standing in the path between the rows of tables. Most people Zorra looked at and wagged her tail, but did nothing more when they simply walked passed. Others stopped and said hello, and she wriggled and licked them and generally got happy and excited. Nothing, however, could compare to her reaction to a man who actively wanted her to jump on him. I've seen this happen several times, Zorra gets excited because someone is giving her attention, and it escalates until she has her paws on the person's shoulders licking their face and ears. It usually happens because the person ASKS her to jump on them!

For many people, this is not the reaction they want from a dog. As a dog owner you have to be very aware of how people are responding to your dog's presence. Particularly with young, excitable dogs it is important to keep them under control whenever a new person comes to say hello.

1) Before taking your dog to a public place try to wear them out by taking them for a run or other exercise.

2) If your dog is particularly hyperactive keep treats to distract them when small children are around. Kids and dogs can be great together, but you can also put someone off dogs for life by scaring them when they are a child. Introduce your dog to children when they are puppies, if possible, so that they stay calm when they see them later in life.

3) YOU take responsibility for your dog. If your dog is too young or inexperienced to gauge people's reactions then you have to do it for them. If someone seems hesitant, then hold your dog back.

4) FIRST teach a dog NEVER to jump up, then when they are older and they can understand when someone is asking them to jump up they can be allowed to do so. Some dogs should never be allowed to do this, it all depends on the individual. I am blessed with a particularly socially-aware dog who can tell the difference, but not all dogs can.

5) Teach your dog to sit before they are allowed to say hello to someone, this will help your dog learn to control themselves.

The more crowded the place the better behaved your dog has to be. As dog owners we act as dog ambassadors every time we take our dog in public, please take steps to make sure you make a good impression! Also see our tips on getting your dog to behave in public.