Dogs jump on people as a form of greeting, in an attempt to get close to the person's mouth.

One of the ways in which dogs greet each other is by licking the lips and mouth of a returning family member.

Another reason is play.

Many owners encourage jumping on them during roughhousing, chase games or retrieving.

If this is the case, and the owners are objecting to the behaviour at other times, they must be consistent in discouraging jumping.

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