Incidence of dogs jumping on household members upon entering their home in comparison with holding food

Abstract

Little is known about dog jumping on people, which is one of the most frequently observed problematic behaviors in domestic dogs. The objective of the study was to assess whether in some period of their life dogs jumped on household members in two different contexts (after entering their house, while holding food); to evaluate dog-related factors in each of these contexts, and to identify behaviors associated with dogs jumping on owners. Dogs were 13 times less likely to jump on household members while holding food than after entering the house. Smaller dogs were 1.8 times more likely to jump on household members holding food than larger dogs. Neutered dogs were 3 times less likely to jump on household members entering their house than intact dogs. Dogs were 8.7 and 10.5 times more likely to lick their owner’s face when the owners were crouching than when standing upright after entering their house and while holding the dog’s bowl, respectively. In conclusion, the human body position, different context, dog’s size and neutering can affect dog jumping on people.