Does your dog get so excited that they want to jump on everyone they meet? Some dogs are more reactive than others, but as long as you have the patience, even the most excitable dogs can learn how to stay calm. If you’ve ever noticed how calm a service dog is compared to yours, it’s not because they’re just a naturally calm dog—it’s because they’ve been trained not to react. Here’s how the relaxation protocol can help you stop your dog from jumping on people.
How Do You Train a Dog Not to Jump?
When Kaylee adopted a rescue dog from a shelter, he was so happy to be going to his forever home that he couldn’t stop jumping up and down. Kaylee was happy too, and they jumped for joy together.
But as time went by, Kaylee started to notice the same level of excitement every time they encountered another person out on their walks. It was getting more and more difficult to hold him back. And when Kaylee went to visit her family for the holidays, it was a total disaster. Her dog was jumping on everyone! He got dirt all over her cousin’s new white pants, scratched her five-year-old nephew, and almost knocked Grandma over with the force of his jumps.
What could she do? Is there any way to train a dog not to jump on people? Kaylee decided to ask her veterinarian for help, and they recommended a special training regimen called the Relaxation Protocol. Here’s how it works.
The Relaxation Protocol: Mat Training
Phase 1
Using a special rug or mat for relaxation training can help. It’s a lot like crate training—your dog will learn that the mat is a calm place, and that when they lie down on it they will get a treat. Place the mat on the floor, pat it, and use a command like “down” to get them to lie on it.
Instead of letting your dog crouch, train them to lie on their side in a “C” shape. Place the treat between their front paws so they are not tempted to get up. Use a command like “all done” to let them know when it’s time to leave the mat.
Practice this routine several times a day. As your dog starts to learn the commands, lengthen the amount of time between “down” and “all done.” It might be only 30 seconds at first, but gradually they’ll be able to relax for longer and longer periods. One day, they might even be so relaxed lying on their mat that they fall asleep!
Phase 2
At first, you will just stand next to your dog to keep them calm. But after some practice, you can start to do things like stretching, moving around the room, clapping your hands, opening the door, or even leaving the room. If they react and get up before the “all done” command, start over. Make them lie down again, give them another treat, and then give the “all done” command soon after. Let the session end on a positive note!
Once your dog has mastered the basics, try using their relaxation mat when other people are around. You can even take it with you on walks if it’s small enough to roll up and carry. Just remember to tell people not to interact with your dog if they’re jumping. We know that most people will say, “Oh, it’s okay, I love dogs,” but it’s important not to reinforce the jumping with a positive reaction.
Can Any Dog Learn the Relaxation Protocol?
Of course, this is a process that takes a lot of time and a lot of patience. But it’s worth it if you want to teach your dog to stay calm around other people. Even the most energetic breeds, like Aussies and Huskies can learn the relaxation protocol. And don’t think that old dogs can’t learn new tricks—if your dog has a few bad habits, it might take some extra time, but stick with their training regimen and eventually you’ll see some progress.
The relaxation protocol can also help anxious dogs feel more secure, and keep aggressive dogs from starting fights or attacking someone. Again, these dogs will need more extensive training than other dogs before they learn to relax, but it will be worth it in the long run. Patience and consistency are key, as with any training. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not calm, your dog will not be calm either. But if you work together, you can put a stop to unwanted behaviors like jumping up on other people.
Compassionate Veterinary Care in Gilbert, AZ
At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we love all dogs, and we’re here to provide the care and advice you need to keep your pet safe and healthy. If you ever have questions about training or feel like you’ve hit a roadblock, please feel free to ask our vets about it! Getting some behavior training advice from a vet could be just what you need. To make an appointment, call us today at 480-497-0505.
Photo by Rachel Moenning on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 1/19/24.