Stopping Your Dog from Jumping

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. Eventually, you won’t be able to control the behavior because it becomes so normal to the dog as they age, and they could hurt someone else in the process.

It is vital that your training of your dog, including teaching it not to jump, begin as soon as you bring your pet 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.

Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump

Step #1 - Have a Command that Means “Off”

The first item is to institute and off command. If your dog jumps on anyone, including you, use this command immediately. Pick a word that you are comfortable with as a command, like “down.” You should speak the word consistently and firmly every time your dog jumps on a person. You ought to advise all who enter your home to use this specific command should the dog jump on them and the dog should quickly associate that jumping is not allowed.

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. Use your sit command as soon as your dog comes up to you. As the dog comes to learn this command, you can have it sit before it gets the opportunity to jump.

Step #3 - Eye Level is Best

When you are greeting your dog, you should bend or stoop down to be on the same level as your dog. 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. After you greet your dog and you stand up, if he attempts to jump again be sure to use the Off Command with a firm voice, followed by the Sit command so that your dog will be reminded that jumping will not be tolerated or rewarded.

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. Now, certain dogs will make the association more quickly than others. If your dog doesn’t seem to listen, be persistent, patient, and do not give up. But if your dog is inordinately hard headed and just not doing well with the training, perhaps it is time to seek professional assistance to determine the problem with your methods.