After welcoming a puppy into your home, most owners can't wait to invite their loved ones over to meet their new four-legged friend.
And when their guests knock on their door, their puppy usually runs to greet them.
However, this is when most dogs learn to jump up at visitors - as they're usually rewarded with cuddles and kisses.
Battersea has revealed the most common reasons dogs jump up at their owners and visitors - and how to train them out of this behaviour.
A statement reads: "Your dog usually learns to jump up when they are a puppy. It can be tempting to encourage the behaviour when your dog is small, but once your dog is fully grown it can become a real problem.
Sign to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.
"Although your dog may just be being friendly, not everyone will appreciate them jumping up, and some people may find it quite intimidating.
"Timing, consistency and perseverance are key when training your dog not to jump up.
"When you first start you may find your dog jumps up more. This is because jumping up has been rewarded previously, so your dog might think they just need to work harder to get your attention. This is normal, so persevere and keep at it."
Don't reward your dog's jumping
Next time your dog jumps up at you, turn your back and completely ignore them. As soon as all four paws are back on the ground, turn around and reward your dog with positive attention.
Owners will need to keep this up every time their dog jumps up at them, no matter how repetitive it becomes.
A statement reads: "If your dog gets over-excited when you give them attention, consider using a food reward instead.
"If you choose food, then wait until all four of their paws are on the floor and then place a treat or scatter a few treats on the floor for them and encourage them to focus downwards."
Get others onboard with your training
When a visitor comes to your house, and your dog jumps up at them, ask them to turn their back to them and follow the same training steps.
To make your training even more consistent, owners could also try to encourage those they meet in the street to help them with their training in this area.
Divert their attention when they get frustrated
If your dog continues to jump up despite being ignored, owners should ask them to carry out "more constructive behaviour that your dog knows well, such as a 'sit'."
"Before someone says hello to your dog, try and ask your dog to sit, and ask the person not to give them attention until they do it. When your dog sits, reward them with treats or attention," the statement adds.
"As before, repeat this process every time your dog jumps up. Continue to ignore the jumping up behaviour and instead ask for the calm behaviour. Keep practising and your dog will soon learn that sitting gets attention and jumping up doesn't."
Put them on a lead and make them wait
If your dog still isn't getting it, owners can lead up their dogs and make them wait to greet people at the door or when out and about.
Alternatively, owners can keep their dog in a different room or behind a baby gate as visitors arrive. Once your guests are settled, you can bring your dog back into the room and they should be less excited about their arrival.
The statement explains: "Use treats to keep your dog focussed on you and ask them to sit as they greet the visitors. As always, make sure that they get rewarded for appropriate behaviour.
"You can also use treats to encourage your dog to keep all four feet on the floor and divert their attention down instead of leaping up at people."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
