jumping at strangers

Question
my 18 month old labrador is really quite well behaved but unpredictable when walking on lead. most people he will just walk by, but occaisionally & randomly he will suddenly jump at someone. Fine if they like dogs but can be embarrassing if they are frightened as he is very big.He would neaver bite or hury anyone & is not aggressive.

Answer
I totally concur that your dog is not trying to hurt anyone.  He's still a puppy and labs are very social, people-oriented dogs.  He's most likely just trying to say hello in the only way he knows how.  Of course, in our world, his way is not acceptable and he needs to learn the difference.

Here are some articles that I think will be helpful.  Teaching him to give you his undivided attention when people walk by, teaching him to maintain a sit when they walk by, are ways to keep him focused on you and not on the other people.


http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/Attention.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/AutoWatch.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/LeaveIt.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/JumpingUp.pdf