As a dog owner, one of the most common issues you might face with your German Shepherd is jumping on you, and people. German Shepherds are known to be active and energetic dogs, and they love to express their excitement by jumping up and down. However, excessive jumping can be dangerous for both you and your dog. In this article, we will discuss How To Stop German Shepherds From Jumping on you.
Possible reasons your German Shepherd jumping on you
Excitement:
German Shepherds are highly energetic dogs that love to play and run around. When they get excited, jumping up can be a natural response. They may be eager to greet you after a long day or excited to see a new person. If your German Shepherd jumps up when they see you, it could simply be a sign of their excitement and enthusiasm.
Attention:
German Shepherds are also highly intelligent dogs that crave attention and affection. If they feel like they are not getting enough attention, they may resort to jumping up to get it. This behavior can be especially common if they see other people or dogs getting attention.
Fear:
While German Shepherds are known for their confident and fearless nature, they can also be prone to anxiety and fear in certain situations. If they are feeling scared or threatened, they may jump up as a way to protect themselves. This behavior can be especially common in situations where there are loud noises, unfamiliar people, or other dogs around.
So How to stop GSD from jumping here is the guide below:
Effective Ways to Stop Your German Shepherd from Jumping on you

Ignore the Jumping Behavior:
One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd from jumping is to ignore the behavior. Dogs jump to get attention, so if you don’t give them the attention they seek, they will eventually stop. When your dog jumps on you, turn your back and cross your arms. Avoid making eye contact or talking to your dog. Once your dog has all four paws on the ground, praise them and give them attention.
Use Positive Reinforcement:
Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your German Shepherd to stop jumping. Whenever your dog greets you without jumping, reward them with treats, praise, or playtime. This will reinforce the behavior you want and help your dog learn that jumping is not acceptable.
Related: How to Stop a German Shepherd From Excessive Barking?
Teach Your German Shepherd to Sit:
Teaching your German Shepherd to sit on command can be an effective way to stop them from jumping. When your dog greets you, ask them to sit before you give them attention. Reward them with treats, praise, or playtime when they sit. With time and consistency, your dog will learn that sitting is a more acceptable behavior than jumping.
Avoid Encouraging the Jumping Behavior:
Sometimes, we unintentionally encourage our dogs to jump. For example, if you greet your dog excitedly and start petting them, it might jump up to show its excitement. To avoid encouraging jumping behavior, greet your dog calmly and quietly. Wait until they have all four paws on the ground before you give them attention.
Using a shock collar to stop jumping
I know some people are against using a shock collar to stop jumping but if you use it correctly this is an effective way to stop german shepherds from jumping and other bad behavior. I recommend you use a shock collar under the guidance of a professional dog trainer.
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Mistakes to Avoid When Training Your German Shepherd
Using Physical Punishment – Using physical punishment to train your German Shepherd is not only ineffective but can also be harmful.
Inconsistency – Inconsistent training can confuse your German Shepherd and make it challenging for them to understand what is and isn’t acceptable behavior.
Overreacting – Overreacting to your German Shepherd’s jumping behavior can make the problem worse. By giving them attention, even if it’s negative, you’re rewarding the behavior.
Related: How Much Does It Cost to Train a German Shepherd Dog?
Conclusion
Jumping is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become a problem if it’s excessive or dangerous. By understanding why your German Shepherd jumps and using positive reinforcement and other effective training methods, you can teach your dog to greet people without jumping. Remember to be patient and consistent in your training, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you need it.
FAQs
At what age should I start training my German Shepherd to stop jumping?
You can start training your German Shepherd as early as 8 weeks old.
How long does it take to stop a German Shepherd from jumping on you?
It depends on the dog and the consistency of the training. However, with patience and consistency, most dogs can learn to stop jumping in a matter of weeks.
Can I use a shock collar to stop my German Shepherd from jumping on me?
Yes, you can use a shock collar to stop a german shepherd’s jumping behavior.