Donna Green is an East Devon based, professionally qualified pet behaviour expert. She offers dog training and animal behaviour advice to help owners understand their pets better and tackle behavioural problems.

In her latest column, she describes how she dealt with a dog that wouldn't stop jumping up at people.

A large problem I have found among pet dogs is the lack of basic training and manners. Many people choose to attend some form of puppy training but after this it all stops. It is essential with all dogs that training continues throughout their lives. I do not mean formal training classes, I recommend asking your dogs to complete a behaviour, as simple as a recall, and reward them when they have achieved this. This does not necessarily mean a food reward, just a 'Good dog' is sufficient.

In 2006 I was asked to advise on a case whilst living abroad. The dog in question was owned by a young gentleman who worked for an airline. He house-shared with some colleagues who helped care for Sam, a one-year-old Desert dog, but were finding his unsociable behaviour difficult. I was advised that Sam had received basic training but was a jumper.

I arrived at the property and met with Sam and his owner. Whilst we were discussing the behaviours Sam proceeded to jump at me, to the point of reaching my face. I rotated my body to dissuade this behaviour, but he jumped at me for 40 minutes non-stop.

During this time, I asked his owner to distract him and show me some 'tricks' that he knew, for example, a sit. Sam would not be deterred. After the 40 minutes he sat down next to me and I immediately rewarded him with a treat. The jumping continued for another 20 minutes, stopped and I rewarded him. This sequence was repeated a number of times and Sam, obviously tired by now, was beginning to learn the sequence as the length of sequence reduced every time. I then worked with him on some simple exercises to improve their bond and reduce the jumping.

Why it's important to train dogs not to jump at people

Jumping up by dogs is not only socially unacceptable, but it can also be dangerous. If your dog jumps at people when you are out for a walk they can be reported for dangerous behaviour. They do not necessarily have to hurt anyone; they just have to cause fear in an individual. Being reported for this can result in a visit by the authorities and having your dog assessed for their temperament and behaviour. This may result in certain things you have to do when you are in a public place with your dog, for example, kept on a lead at all times.

Jumping is a common problem that should be addressed as early as possible. It may be difficult when you have this small, bundle of fluff, but they grow up. Teach your dog a 'sit' and once this is reliable, encourage them to perform this when meeting people. Try not to show your dog attention when they jump at you, but only when all four feet are on the ground. You can start to introduce a 'no feet' cue before they meet people. Timing with this is so important, as well as lots of practice.

Disclaimer: if your pet is experiencing problems contact a qualified behaviour counsellor so they can design a programme suitable for you and your pet and work closely with you.

For more information, visit Donna's website.