How Can I Teach My Labradoodle Not to Jump on People?
A Labradoodle’s friendly nature is one of the many reasons people adore them. They’re affectionate, social, and always eager to greet anyone who walks through the door. However, that excitement can quickly become a problem when your Labradoodle starts jumping on people. While it may seem harmless at first, it can be uncomfortable or even unsafe, especially around kids or older adults. The good news is that with patience and consistency, you can teach your Labradoodle not to jump while still allowing them to show their enthusiasm in a polite and controlled way.
Why Do Labradoodles Jump on People?
Jumping is a natural behavior for many dogs, especially outgoing breeds like Labradoodles. When your dog was a puppy, jumping might have been their way of trying to reach your face or get attention. Every time you smiled, laughed, or petted them in response, that action reinforced the behavior. Over time, your Labradoodle learned that jumping brings attention, even if it’s not the kind you want to give.
They may also jump as a way to release excitement when you come home or when they meet new people. It’s their way of saying “hello,” but without proper guidance, that excitement can turn into a habit.
Why It’s Important to Correct Jumping Behavior Early
If you don’t address jumping early, it can quickly become part of your dog’s routine. An excited 10-week-old puppy might be cute when it hops up for cuddles, but a full-grown Labradoodle can weigh 50 pounds or more and easily knock someone down. Correcting the behavior early helps your dog understand boundaries and learn polite greetings. It also reduces anxiety in guests who may not be comfortable around large, energetic dogs.
Teaching calm behavior also makes your Labradoodle easier to handle in public settings such as parks, vet visits, or playdates with other dogs.
Teaching Your Labradoodle an Alternative Greeting Behavior
The best way to stop your Labradoodle from jumping is to replace the behavior with a calmer one. The “sit for greeting” method works well because it gives your dog something positive to do instead of jumping.
Start by practicing the “sit” command in a quiet environment. Once your Labradoodle sits reliably, begin using it during greetings. When you or a guest enters the room, only give attention or treats when your dog sits. If they jump, ignore them completely—no talking, no pushing away, no eye contact. Wait until all four paws are on the floor, then reward the calm behavior.
Consistency is key. Every person in your household should follow the same routine. Over time, your Labradoodle will learn that sitting calmly gets attention, while jumping gets ignored.
How to Manage Excitement During Greetings
Labradoodles are social and thrive on interaction, so controlling their excitement takes patience. One effective strategy is to keep greetings low-key. When you walk through the door, don’t immediately greet your dog. Wait a few seconds, let them settle, and then give calm praise or a gentle pat once they’re relaxed.
If visitors are coming over, let your Labradoodle stay in a separate area until they calm down. You can use a leash or baby gate to control the environment. Once your dog is calm, allow them to approach guests slowly. Remind your visitors to avoid encouraging jumping by keeping their attention focused downward until the dog is sitting politely.
Training Tools and Techniques That Help
Leash training can be an excellent way to manage greetings in the early stages. Keep your Labradoodle on a leash during interactions so you can gently redirect them if they try to jump. Reward them immediately when they stay calm. Positive reinforcement tools like clickers or high-value treats work especially well for Labradoodles since they’re intelligent and food-motivated.
Avoid using punishment or harsh corrections. Yelling or pushing your dog away can confuse them or increase excitement. Calm redirection always leads to better results.
What to Do If Jumping Persists
If your Labradoodle continues to jump despite your efforts, it may be due to inconsistency in training or excessive energy. Make sure everyone your dog interacts with follows the same rules—no petting or talking until they’re calm. Also, provide plenty of physical and mental exercise to help release extra energy.
If the problem persists, consider enrolling your Labradoodle in obedience classes or hiring a professional trainer. Sometimes, a few guided sessions can help you identify small mistakes in your approach and refine your technique.
Conclusion
Teaching your Labradoodle not to jump takes patience, but the effort is worth it. By rewarding calm behavior and staying consistent, your dog will learn that polite greetings earn the most attention. Over time, you’ll notice a big difference—not just in their behavior, but also in how relaxed and confident they become around guests.
Every Labradoodle has a playful side, but with gentle guidance, that energy can be directed in positive ways. If you’re looking for more tips on training, care, and raising a well-behaved Labradoodle, All About The Doodles is here to help. From behavior advice to grooming and health guidance, we provide trusted insights to help you and your Labradoodle enjoy a happy and harmonious life together.