How to Stop Your dog from Jumping
Many dog owners are faced with the common problem of their dogs jumping. When your dog is a puppy, people think that it is adorable when they jump, making bad behavior a common occurrence without realizing it. 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 crucial that you begin training your dog as soon as it arrives in the 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. The key is that you should start the training as soon as the dog enters your home, regardless of the dog’s age at that time, this early action will firmly establish to your dog that you are the alpha and the boss, and will help to deter him from creating undesirable habits to begin with.
Step #1 – Have a Command that Means “Off”
Making a specific off command is one of the first things you should handle. When your dog jumps on you or other people, you want to have a single word Off Command that you can use to remind your dog not to jump. 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
Training your dog to sit is a fundamental training command and it can also be advantageous when dealing with jumping. 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 – 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. Your dog will be less likely to jump up onto you because you will be at eye level with them already, making them very happy. In other words, bending over to meet your dog does away with the need for jumping in the first place. 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 – Time Out for Dogs
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. Your dog desires your attention wholeheartedly, and by placing him in the kennel, you are letting him know that if he does not follow the rules he will be placed away from you and your attention.
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 trick is to maintain consistency in your commands and not be discouraged if the dog does not appear to listen. 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.
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