Why Does My Dog Jump and Bite Me?

Many guardians allow their dogs to just about anything if it makes them happy. While ensuring the happiness of our dog is commendable, this is not something which will benefit them. On the contrary, dogs need boundaries, routine and discipline. It helps them to feel secure in their environment, respond appropriately to stimuli and have a balanced character.

This is particularly important when they are a puppy. The behaviors and boundaries they learn while young will lead to acquired behaviors once they reach maturity. This can be applied to jumping on us and biting. If we tolerate it when they are young, we should not be surprised they continue when they are older.

Many of us will even encourage jumping and biting behavior when they are young. We hold a treat up for them to catch, provide affection and initiate play sessions. When they are older and their bite is more powerful, these behaviors can be dangerous, but the dog will not realize they are doing anything wrong.

It is important to note that biting is not always a sign of aggression in dogs, especially with puppies. Dogs use their mouths to explore their environment and communicate with others in their group. When a dog jumps up and bites their guardian, it is usually due to excitement, playfulness, petitioning for something or simply to express happiness. A happy dog will often bite their guardian while playing since this is what they do with other dogs.

Although these are normal behaviors, it is very important we teach them boundaries when living with us. In doing so, we can respect the dog's nature and ensure we have a safe environment for everyone at the same time. This can be done with redirection. When a dog wants to jump up and bite us, we step back and let them know it is not allowed. We then give them a toy or similar accessory which they can bite, redirecting these natural behaviors to something more benign.

It is vital we do not use scolding or punishment to teach these boundaries. Doing so will instill fear and insecurity, leading to future behavioral problems. Redirection shows that their natural instincts are not wrong, but they should only be expressed in certain ways. Fortunately, dogs want to be given these boundaries and will be a much happier dog with healthy limits.

Setting healthy limits should be done as soon as the dog arrives in our home. It is easier when they are a puppy, but we can do it with adult dogs also. To better ensure we treat them in the right way, you can take a look at our article on common puppy training mistakes.

Boundaries are not only set in the home. Like humans, dogs also need to learn social skills to understand how to live in a community. Neither children nor puppies are born with knowledge about the codes of communication and conduct in their respective societies. Learning to interact in a secure and friendly manner will allow them to enjoy a happy life with others.

Socializing a dog means allowing them to develop its confidence and assimilate resources. Confidence is important because it means they will not be frightened of harmless stimuli. When a dog is insecure, they can perceive such stimuli in the wrong way, resulting in behavioral problems such as aggression. Assimilating resources is similar. They should know their food, toys, beds and other accessories will not be taken away, so they do not have to worry when other animals approach.

Dogs with poor socialization will find it difficult to manage their emotions and control their behavior. This lack of control leads to behavioral problems, most of which stem from not knowing how to act in the presence of others. When they see another dog, they may jump up and bite you as a sign they are scared, the biting in particular being a sign of desperation. In some cases, they may even show aggression due to their insecurity.

If your dog has not been socialized or has been socialized poorly, it can lead to these unwanted behaviors. While the most important socialization period occurs when dogs are puppies, adult dogs can be socialized with the right interventions. Take a look at our video below to learn more:

An overexcited dog will be easily agitated by various stimuli. These can be people, food or just about anything that sparks their interest. For example, when we pick up a leash or toy, the dog may jump and bite us to show their excited anticipation of a walk or play. This can be especially problematic if we are simply moving these objects and have no intention of carrying out their associated behaviors.

We may not always be aware of the stimulus that provoked overexcitement. Dogs have very keen senses, so they may smell or hear something we cannot which makes them jump and bite. This can make it appear as if they are jumping and biting for no reason at all, although it is simply that the reason is hidden from us.

Some dogs not only get excited at their guardians, but they can do it when they see other animals. Whether in the home or outside, this can spook the other animals or lead to conflicts.

Although we may love to see a free expression of their canine traits, ensuring the dog does not get overexcited is for their own safety as well as for the safety of others. Large dogs can knock people over and even small dogs can hurt vulnerable people by accident. This is why we need to set limits on excited behavior and reinforce a balanced character.

Learn more about how to deal with this problem in our article explaining how to stop a dog biting when excited.

Dogs can become stressed easily given the right circumstances, but some are more prone than others. This is especially the case with dogs that have experienced trauma in the past. This could be in the form of neglect, abuse or even abandonment, something common in rescue dogs. Some dogs have hormonal issues which influence anxiety levels, potentially due to metabolic disorders or disease. Others may be prone to stress for no discernable reason.

Stress has a harmful impact on the health and behavior of dogs. It is a risk factor for several diseases, since stress on a dog's organism can significantly weaken the immune system. It can also act as a trigger for multiple behavioral problems such as:

• Destruction of objects: a stressed dog has a lot of accumulated tension. Sooner or later, they will resort to whatever is within their reach to relieve it. This is why one of the most obvious manifestations of stress in dogs is destructive behavior. The dog uses the act of destruction as a valve to release pent-up tension. It is not a moral behavior and should not be construed as such by guardians.
• Hyperactivity: it is also very common for stressed dogs to be hyperactive. They may start running around the house, jump up on people or even bite them due to overexcitement. These are all signs the dog needs to expend more energy. Their physical activity and mental stimulation need to be optimized.

Before moving on to the next cause, we would like to point out that stress is also a risk factor for aggression in dogs. It is a complex behavioral problem that can be associated with different factors, including health problems. If your dog has suddenly becomes stressed or aggressive, frequently adopting a defensive posture, we advise you speak to a veterinarian immediately. They can rule out a health problem as the cause and recommend an ethologist to deal with the behavioral issues.

Take a look at one metabolic disorder which can influence behavior with our article on hyperthyroidism in dogs.

Another reason that may explain why your dog jumps on you and bites you is the need to get your attention. When a dog tries to get our attention all the time or does so in a problematic way, it could be a sign there is a problem with their care. For example, if their feeding routine is not being respected, they may become insecure about their next meal. A lack of physical and emotional stimulation is also a common reason for demanding attention.

It is interesting to note that this cause is related to the others. Dogs that have been well socialized and educated, tend to use softer resources to get your attention. For example, they may approach and touch you with their paw or simply bring a toy. Dogs that are overexcited, stressed or poorly socialized will be more likely to jump up and bite you.

Another factor that can lead to this behavior is when the dog is left alone at home for many hours. This is especially the case if their environment is not well enriched. While certain dogs are more prone to separation anxiety than others, every dog should have the opportunity to progressively learn to manage being alone before being left on their own for a long time. Environmental enrichment will help them to stay stimulated while you are away and avoid destructive behaviors associated with anxiety.

Hopefully we have been able to provide some insight into why your dog is jumping on you and biting. If you are unable to do so, you will need to speak to a veterinarian to help you diagnose the problem. While the advice of a veterinarian or a qualified ethologist is paramount, we can provide some general tips to stop or prevent dogs jumping and biting you.

Avoid premature separation

This is a key point that we have not yet mentioned. During their first months of life, puppies learn from their mother the basic and fundamental codes of communication and social behavior of dogs. It is at this point their most important socialization period begins.

If we interrupt this learning by separating the mother from her puppies prematurely, we increase the likelihood of difficulties in later life. It is common for them to develop aggressive behaviors associated with play, including biting when playing.

Keep in mind that the end of the weaning period of puppies does not mean that the puppies are ready to be separated from their mother. In fact, it is ideal for them to remain with their mother and siblings until they are two-to-three months old.

Promote good socialization

In addition to learning the basic skills of being a dog from their mother, puppies need social learning to live harmoniously with different stimuli, environments and individuals. The most sensitive period of socialization runs from the first two-to-twelve weeks of the puppy's life. It is a crucial period since problematic behaviors learned during this time are difficult to stop when adults.

Although it is not recommended to walk puppies outside before completing their first cycle of vaccinations, socialization can be started by introducing them to other healthy, vaccinated and dewormed dogs and animals. This can also apply to people outside their household. Once the vaccination schedule for the dog is complete, the process can be continued by allowing the puppy to interact with a wider variety of individuals during walks.

Educate them from the beginning

As with socialization, dog training and education is a continuous process throughout the life of the animal. It is best to start it from the moment they arrive home. Although it is ideal to start training a dog from an early age, the same applies if you decide to adopt an adult dog.

From the first days at home, the dog must understand what behavior is acceptable and what is not. This will help to avoid assimilating bad habits. It is also highly recommended that you begin to teach the puppy or adult dog some basic dog commands, such as coming when called, sitting, waiting, etc. Before you start walking on the street, it is a good idea to get them used to using a leash and a harness, as well as remaining calm by your side.

Reinforce balanced behavior

The dog must understand that there are limits to the expression of their emotions. The best way to achieve this is not by scolding them or punishing them for feeling excited. In a context where the dog is already euphoric, jumping on you and biting you, trying to reprimand them is actually dangerous for both of you.

Instead, focus on reinforcing positive behaviors. Examples include as offering your dog a reward or treat every time they exhibit balanced behavior when they see you with the leash in your hand or when you go for a walk.

Correctly point out inappropriate behavior

If you need to point out to your dog they have done something inappropriate, simply tell them to stop the activity immediately. For example, if you are playing with your dog and they jumps up and bite you, immediately stop the game. Every time your dog plays with you in a friendly way, offer them a reward such as a treat, a toy or petting. This reinforces the correct way to behave and to encourage them to continue learning.

Yelling and physical violence will not stop your dog from jumping and biting. In fact, they can have the opposite effect as your dog may become stressed, frustrated and feel threatened.

Stimulate them physically and mentally

Last but not least, remember that optimizing your dog's physical and mental stimulation is key to preventing all kinds of behavioral problems. Beyond a solid routine of daily walks, play, feeding and general interaction, it is highly recommended that you evaluate the benefits of introducing your dog to a canine sport. An example is canine agility training. You will also need to invest in good environmental enrichment for the dog.

Bear in mind that training is one of the most complete forms of physical and mental stimulation you can offer your dog. If you have trouble with this process, it is a good idea to speak to a qualified canine trainer to help establish a training schedule. This will help with the dog's behavior and improve the bond you have together.

If you want to read similar articles to Why Does My Dog Jump and Bite Me?, we recommend you visit our Behavioral problems category.