A frequent problem many people have is their dog’s jumping. Although a undesired behavior, it is frequently uncorrected since many people see it as cute when the dog is little. Regrettably, as the dog grows, this becomes more hazardous for the person on whom they are jumping and it is harder to correct.
It is crucial that you begin training your dog as soon as it arrives in the home. Remember, it is never too late to start training your pet, whether it is a puppy or an older dog, as long as you don’t get frustrated and stick to the plan. Again, the trick is to begin the training process as soon as your dog comes home and this will not only reinforce your position as master but also aid in keeping negative behavior from developing into a habit.
Step #1 – Create an Off Command
An off command is the absolute first thing you will want to consider and create. If your dog jumps on anyone, including you, use this command immediately. The word “off” is good, but you can use “down” or another word of your choice. Use your off command consistently, when the dog jumps up onto you. Your dog will learn at an even quicker rate if you have other people use the same commands when your dog jumps up onto them, showing your dog that no one approves of that type of behavior.
Step #2 – Train Your Dog to Sit
Training your dog to sit is a fundamental training command and it can also be advantageous when dealing with jumping. As the dog nears, issue the sit command at once. As the dog comes to learn this command, you can have it sit before it gets the opportunity to jump.
Step #3 – Look Him in the Eye
Get down at your dog’s level when you say hello to him or her. Not only will this make your dog feel happy and well-loved, but it will also take the point out of jumping since you will already be eye to eye. Your dog will have no need to jump if you bend down to see him. When you finish acknowledging your dog, if it jumps up for more attention, demonstratively use the off command and then the sit command to make it known that jumping is not allowed.
Step #4 – Giving Your Dog a Time Out
Some dogs are more insistent on jumping than others, and if your dog proves to be particularly determined to jump then you may want to start practicing time outs. If your dog insists on jumping on you and ignores your commands, put him in his crate or kennel in a time out. You will cut off the attention that your dog is seeking by putting him in a time out when they misbehave, showing them that you will not stand for that type of behavior and you won’t positively reinforce it by spending more time with your dog.
You can show your dog that you don’t approve of jumping and keep him from continuing that type of behavior if you are consistent with the plan. You will find that every dog learns at a different rate. The important thing is to continue with the Off Command you have decided on, and the other steps listed here and follow them all consistently until your dog finally learns the lesson. If you find that your dog is particularly stubborn and he continues to resist the lesson and continue jumping, then you should probably seek the services of a professional dog trainer who can help you determine exactly where the breakdown is in your training methods.
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