Puppies usually jump on people because of their affiliate need for contact with the most biologically significant part of human body - that is the face. It probably has it roots in early development as witnessed in the neonatal pup jumping towards the face of the mother in an attempt to elicit food-regurgitation. In addition, if a dog is large enough, or if the owner bends to the level of the dog, the dog will lick a person's face as a further jesture of affilitation which, again, is a normal canine greeting response. Hence, it is easy to understand why some puppies choose to jump on people; nevertheless, this does not make the behavior justifiable - particularly when it is directed towards strangers or children.

Dr. Polsky will review the various behavioral techniques needed to curb this undesirable but yet common puppy behavioral problem. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the context in which jumping occurs with the realization that the habit can be changed only if the owner focuses principally on the reward of non-jumping behavior in specified contexts.