What do you think of this behavior???

[CertifiedAnimalLover]

I personally think that our little Jazzy Girl (just over 4 mos. old we think - she was a stray) is just finding an alternate way to greet me becuz our older and much larger dog (Tison - a boxer/pitx) takes up so much space she can't get a "word" in edgewise. Here is what she has been doing . . .see if you think I should be concerned or try to curtail the behavior in anyway:

When I come home and go through the usual greetings with our puppies, I usually sit down so I'm more on their level and can give them lots of hugs and kisses in return for their greeting. Lately though, when I go home, normally my son is in his room (playing those dastardly video games ) so, I go in and sit on the edge of his bed to say hello and then next thing I know, Jazzy girl jumps up, goes behind me, wraps her arms and paws around my neck and proceeds to lick and kiss me like I've been gone for months on the back of my ears and neck. She is very insistant on doing this and does not like to stop, even when you gently try to encourage another behavior or try to encourage her to settle down a bit.

I know the pit breed can be kind of high strung and I like that. But I'm kind of wondering if this may be some kind of alpha dog/pack thing. What do you all think?

[Barrett]

Lucy does this sometimes too. I think it's cute. When I sit on the couch she jumps on my lap, wraps her paws around my face and gives long wet slobber kisses. She actually holds onto me like she thinks I can't get away. No matter which way I try to turn my face to avoid her she can get me. It makes me laugh which makes her try even harder. As long as you don't mind your pup doing this and as long as the behavior doesn't change from simply being cute to being demanding or pushy I wouldn't worry about it. If you want her to stop give her the command "OFF" and have her sit to be greeted. I had every intention of making my dogs sit to be greeted in the beginning but they are so enthusiastic and happy when I get home...I can't help but hug and pet them the moment I walk in the door.

[CertifiedAnimalLover]

Originally Posted by Barrett

Lucy does this sometimes too. I think it's cute. When I sit on the couch she jumps on my lap, wraps her paws around my face and gives long wet slobber kisses. She actually holds onto me like she thinks I can't get away. No matter which way I try to turn my face to avoid her she can get me. It makes me laugh which makes her try even harder. As long as you don't mind your pup doing this and as long as the behavior doesn't change from simply being cute to being demanding or pushy I wouldn't worry about it. If you want her to stop give her the command "OFF" and have her sit to be greeted. I had every intention of making my dogs sit to be greeted in the beginning but they are so enthusiastic and happy when I get home...I can't help but hug and pet them the moment I walk in the door.

I can't help but hug and pet them the moment I walk in the door.[/quote]

I hear ya on that one! So far it is not troublesome at all. It really is just very cute I suppose. I just know how easily things can get outta hand and want to do a good job with her. They give the best greetings EVER!!! Thank you so much for stopping by and giving me your opinion, I really appreciate it!

[Raised By Wolves]

I have a hard time not encouraging exitement when I first get home, and Tia acts so happy to see me. It's like I've been gone for years! LOL! Most of the time, I manage to keep a grip on myself, until she calms down a bit. I do this for her good, not my own. What I want to do is squeel "Helloooo's!", and get right on the ground with her. It's very difficult not to do this! Sometimes, if she's wound up, we go out in the yard and play catch me -catch me, or go for a walk. IMO, even how we greet our dogs, establishes our position in how they view and relate to us. They're always watching...

I've also noticed, when one of her dog buddies is around, she will "assert" herself and try to make everything a "group hug" if the other dog is greeting me and receiving pets. Some people might say that my dog is acting "jealous". To me, it's seems more like a need to get in on the hug, as a form of pack bonding and greeting ritual. Tia's behavior is never aggressive towards her buddies, but Tia IS a dominant dog, by nature. I do need set clear boundries with her, or she starts acting nervous, and tries to control the situation. She had been abused before I got her and clearly needs to trust that I will protect her from harm and make good decisions.

Ooops, once I get started talking about my dog...Well, you know!

About what you asked about your Jazzy Girl:

From the view of someone who understands canine body language, there may be some dominant behavior signals going on, since she IS jumping up on you. The behavior of a 4 month old pup might not be "troublesome"...now. But what your youngster is "practicing" right now, (as puppy play), is a behavior which they may apply in a more serious manner as they get older. Especially if the practiced behavior is a dominant one.

I would recommend not allowing her to do this particular behavior. I know this will be hard for you, and I completely understand the cuteness factor here! But this is for your dog's own good in order for them to grow up with good social manners towards people.

Barrett's suggestion of using the "Off" command is a great place to start!

Puppy and/or basic obedience classes may be available in your area. If you check back to this thread, one of the other folks around here may recommend some books or even some gentle techniques for you to use.

Good Luck!

[flyndog]

Also, after teaching off, you should teach the pup an alternate behavior (maybe sit?) to jumping up and hugging you.

[CertifiedAnimalLover]

Originally Posted by flyndog

Also, after teaching off, you should teach the pup an alternate behavior (maybe sit?) to jumping up and hugging you.

Originally Posted by Raised By Wolves

I have a hard time not encouraging exitement when I first get home, and Tia acts so happy to see me. It's like I've been gone for years! LOL! Most of the time, I manage to keep a grip on myself, until she calms down a bit. I do this for her good, not my own. What I want to do is squeel "Helloooo's!", and get right on the ground with her. It's very difficult not to do this! Sometimes, if she's wound up, we go out in the yard and play catch me -catch me, or go for a walk. IMO, even how we greet our dogs, establishes our position in how they view and relate to us. They're always watching...

I've also noticed, when one of her dog buddies is around, she will "assert" herself and try to make everything a "group hug" if the other dog is greeting me and receiving pets. Some people might say that my dog is acting "jealous". To me, it's seems more like a need to get in on the hug, as a form of pack bonding and greeting ritual. Tia's behavior is never aggressive towards her buddies, but Tia IS a dominant dog, by nature. I do need set clear boundries with her, or she starts acting nervous, and tries to control the situation. She had been abused before I got her and clearly needs to trust that I will protect her from harm and make good decisions.

Ooops, once I get started talking about my dog...Well, you know!

About what you asked about your Jazzy Girl:

From the view of someone who understands canine body language, there may be some dominant behavior signals going on, since she IS jumping up on you. The behavior of a 4 month old pup might not be "troublesome"...now. But what your youngster is "practicing" right now, (as puppy play), is a behavior which they may apply in a more serious manner as they get older. Especially if the practiced behavior is a dominant one.

I would recommend not allowing her to do this particular behavior. I know this will be hard for you, and I completely understand the cuteness factor here! But this is for your dog's own good in order for them to grow up with good social manners towards people.

Barrett's suggestion of using the "Off" command is a great place to start!

Puppy and/or basic obedience classes may be available in your area. If you check back to this thread, one of the other folks around here may recommend some books or even some gentle techniques for you to use.

Good Luck!

You are all awesome and I appreciate the advice TONS!!!!!!!!!!!

[CertifiedAnimalLover]

this is how she "greets" us. I believe she is afraid we are going to leave her, like her previous owners did (twice). Do you think that is why she hangs on for dear life?

[Carrie]

A-w-w-w...too cute. I love that picture.

I don't know if she is hanging on because of her previous owners leaving....could be. I also don't think it's any form of dominance over you. If the dog was going to be "dominant," I doubt that that would be the time it would be doing it. Your dog is just flat out glad to see you.

I know that my dogs get quite excited when I come home from somewhere and the Chihuahuas tend to jump on my legs a couple of times, licking (of course) and my Doberman prances, sticks his rear up and throws a paw or two out onto my feet and stretches. If I bend down by his face, he gives me kisses.

Some people who don't like all this excitement ignore their dogs when they first come in. I can't do that. It's unnatural to me. I'd feel quite rude if I did that. LOL. I just let them do it and then walk around doing something and they calm right down. Or...I open the door and let them out in the yard to romp off their exhuberance. LOL.

[mulroony]

My shelby does almost the same. As soon as I am in the door she gets so excited, and usually I return the energy. I do try keeping her from jumping though, because she does jump and I want to curtail that so she can work as a therapy dog. I can be gone for 15 minutes and come back and it is like I was gone all day. I just think she is glad to see you. I know Shelby loves being held on my hip like a little kid. Yup my little princess...

[Carrie]

Mulroony, it sounds like you've got just the right mix. I agree that the dog shouldn't jump up and act like a maniac and if they do this, should be taught to contain their exuberance just a little. LOL. You're right. You wouldn't want the dog jumping up on someone else, not to mention yourself. I wouldn't allow my Doberman to jump up on me, but those Chi's....one only weighs 5 lbs and her little feet only come up to my mid calf. LOL. And she's back down in a second or two.

[mulroony]

Carrie - Yeah big dif between 5 and 50 when it comes to jumping. We have to curtail it w/ Shelby because her nails were allowed to grow out and when she jumps it can really hurt. Now we are dealing w/ both things and they are getting much better. We are lucky w/ jackson. He is so big and his hips are not very good so if he is jumping up it is only like 4 inches off the ground and the worst he can do is land on your foot

[CertifiedAnimalLover]

Originally Posted by Carrie

A-w-w-w...too cute. I love that picture.

I don't know if she is hanging on because of her previous owners leaving....could be. I also don't think it's any form of dominance over you. If the dog was going to be "dominant," I doubt that that would be the time it would be doing it. Your dog is just flat out glad to see you.

I know that my dogs get quite excited when I come home from somewhere and the Chihuahuas tend to jump on my legs a couple of times, licking (of course) and my Doberman prances, sticks his rear up and throws a paw or two out onto my feet and stretches. If I bend down by his face, he gives me kisses.

Some people who don't like all this excitement ignore their dogs when they first come in. I can't do that. It's unnatural to me. I'd feel quite rude if I did that. LOL. I just let them do it and then walk around doing something and they calm right down. Or...I open the door and let them out in the yard to romp off their exhuberance. LOL.

I'm so glad you enjoyed that picture. She is just precious and we love her so much! I'm also glad you don't see it as a dominant behavior and that it is her very happy way of letting me know she missed me :0) !!! I was hoping that's what would come of the question :0) Thank you VERY much!

[CertifiedAnimalLover]

Originally Posted by mulroony

My shelby does almost the same. As soon as I am in the door she gets so excited, and usually I return the energy. I do try keeping her from jumping though, because she does jump and I want to curtail that so she can work as a therapy dog. I can be gone for 15 minutes and come back and it is like I was gone all day. I just think she is glad to see you. I know Shelby loves being held on my hip like a little kid. Yup my little princess...

As I said above, I'm glad you all see it as a harmless thing and that our girl is just glad to see us. I love that you can be gone for only 15 minutes and they act like they've not seen you for 15 yrs :0) They are the absolute best. Thank you so much for your comment :0) I loved your last comment, "yup my little princess. . ." LOL that is fantastic! After what I heard on the news today I am so glad to meet the acquaintence of people who are as "certified" about animals as I.

[CertifiedAnimalLover]

Originally Posted by mulroony

Carrie - Yeah big dif between 5 and 50 when it comes to jumping. We have to curtail it w/ Shelby because her nails were allowed to grow out and when she jumps it can really hurt. Now we are dealing w/ both things and they are getting much better. We are lucky w/ jackson. He is so big and his hips are not very good so if he is jumping up it is only like 4 inches off the ground and the worst he can do is land on your foot

Originally Posted by Carrie

Mulroony, it sounds like you've got just the right mix. I agree that the dog shouldn't jump up and act like a maniac and if they do this, should be taught to contain their exuberance just a little. LOL. You're right. You wouldn't want the dog jumping up on someone else, not to mention yourself. I wouldn't allow my Doberman to jump up on me, but those Chi's....one only weighs 5 lbs and her little feet only come up to my mid calf. LOL. And she's back down in a second or two.

I agree with you both! Big world of dif there . . . 5 to 50 lbs. Right now Miss Jazzy Girl is clocking in at about 34 lbs. (she's gained 20 in the last couple months or so since we got her from the pound). I usually just gently try to get her to calm down and try a new "trick." Thank you so much!!!