Expert: Jill Connor, Ph.D. - 10/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: Whenever my 5 month old cairn puppy sees or gets near other dogs all he does is pull pull pull... but for some reason (maybe coincidence) all the other dog does is just stand there while my cairn tries to jump up and say hi and such.... How can I stop this behavior and have my dog greet the other dog nicely by sniffing?

ANSWER: Your dog is attempting to get closer to the other dog; the other dog is showing NO sign of fear or avoidance, which means your dog is offering all the correct signals.  YOU, on the other hand, are apparently experiencing anxiety about this behavior and this is going RIGHT DOWN THE LEASH to your puppy.  If you would simply allow your dog to approach other dogs in a normal fashion (use an extended leash or a long training leash and get out of the mix), your dog will easily establish a natural communication with other dogs. He doesn't need to do it TO YOUR STANDARDS of "nicely".  You are preventing him from obtaining a natural posture in the relationship toward other dogs and you are without a clue.  Learn about dog body language, positive reinforcement training and the psychology of dogs.

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QUESTION: Ok, I thought that was right...

but some people are saying that other dogs might get annoyed... and he might get hurt? he's basically trying to jump up on the other dog in their face. one time this happened the other dog got a bit aggressive.

?

ANSWER: Jumping up to the adult is a normal puppy behavior.  Most adult dogs will respond appropriately and SOMETIMES this response is a warning (as in, "cut it out, kid".)  You need to ask the dog's owner, before allowing the puppy to interact, if their dog has a problem interacting with other dogs.  And observe the other dog's body language.  Raised hackles, ears forward, tail high over back, all accompanied by grumbling or growling, are signs of dominance.  While this does not mean your puppy is about to be eaten, it may mean the adult dog is about to administer the dog equivalent of a smack in the face (tooth knock to the muzzle.)  Use discretion when allowing your puppy to interact with other dogs; pre-screen the dog.

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QUESTION: Ok, one more quick question - will this go away as he gets older?

Also, is it because of excitement that he jumps on other dogs? Because other puppies at my puppy class don't usually do that, it's only my puppy :o

Answer
Your puppy may be more confident than the others in his class.  Jumping up toward adults is a very common behavior in puppies.  And yes, it will go away providing your puppy is not displaying the first suggestion of dominance.  You need to ask your class teacher (providing s/he is knowledgeable and not just someone making money from running a puppy kindergarten) to evaluate your puppy's temperament. You can also learn to do this yourself.  I suggest you read and learn about dog psychology and positive reinforcement training.  You'll benefit enormously because your dog will grow up with the appropriate training and leadership from you.