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. However, as the dog gets bigger and older that charming habit becomes a dangerous one, as well as a one that is very difficult to break.

It is vital that your training of your dog, including teaching it not to jump, begin as soon as you bring your pet home. Puppies are undoubtedly easier to train and that is why it is ideal to start early, however a patient and consistent owner can train any dog of any age. 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 – Create an Off Command

Making a specific off command is one of the first things you should handle. 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. At every instance of the dog jumping on you, forcefully use the off command. 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 – Teaching Sit

If you want to find other ways to keep your dog from jumping, you should show your dog how to sit. When the dog is coming towards you, before he even has the chance to jump on you, command him to sit. As the training proceeds, you will soon have your dog sitting when he greets you, rather than jumping on you and ruining your clothing or knocking you over.

Step #3 – Look Him in the Eye

When acknowledging your dog, bend down to be on its level. 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. Eliminating the desire to jump by stooping down to greet them will help to break the habit of jumping. 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 – Use a Time Out

Should you have difficulty with your dog responding to either the off or the sit command, going into a time out period may be necessary. When the dog jumps up and does not adhere to your commands, put them in their crate or kennel. The dog really only wants your attention, so a time out is very effective in negating the bad behavior by having the dog associate the constraint with the denial of your attention.

Consistency is important, and if you are able to consistently follow these steps you will soon find that your dog has stopped jumping. You will find that every dog learns at a different rate. The trick is to maintain consistency in your commands and not be discouraged if the dog does not appear to listen. 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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