If your dog jumps on people, don’t worry. Your dog is not the only dog and a lot of other dogs also jump in glee to greet you or visitors. Even though it might seem normal, it really tends to be a bit uncomfortable and inconvenient. This behavior can go out of hand if not looked upon properly. With a few simple tips and techniques, you can teach your furry friend not to jump on you.
Why Do Dogs Jump?
Dogs will always jump whenever they are very excited or want attention. Oftentimes jumping is the quickest means of grabbing someone’s attention and unfortunately that is not the best behavior to be showing around certain guests. Once you understand the reason for your dog jumping, you can come up with a reasonable solution.
Step 1: Use a Leash to Gain Control of the Situation
The first action step in preventing your dog from jumping is to use a leash for control. A leash enables you to have full control over your dog’s behavior and movements as you can prevent any jumping by gently guiding them. Here’s how a leash can be used for control.
How to Use the Leash for Control:
- Clip a leash onto your dog’s collar or harness. Make sure that the leash is adjustable enough to allow your dog some freedom but not so loose that you lose control.
- As soon as your dog starts to jump, slowly step on the leash so that their jumping movements are limited.
- Do not pull or yank on the leash as this may cause strain or complication for your dog. Just don’t allow your dog the height and use the leash to step on it.
- At this point, all you are trying to do is control your dog’s jumping and limit any attempts at getting too close to you or other individuals in your vicinity.
- Once your dog is standing on the ground, make sure to praise and appreciate them for the positive behavior displayed
Step 2: Reward Calm Behavior
Positive reinforcement is perhaps the most essential factor during training. Rewarding a dog increases the likelihood of repeating the intended action. If jumping is the behavior you would like your dog to stop, then rewarding calmness can help achieve that.
How to Reward Calm Behavior:
If your dog is jumping, wait until they face down and all paws are on the ground. As soon as your dog jumps down, offer them a toy, or treats, or praise them.
To ensure your dog understands what calm action triggers reward, you must give it immediately after the action is completed, praise for calmness.
Also, make sure to reward your dog every single time he does not jump. Offering a reward when your dog displays calmness will reinforce that behavior even further.
Instead, offer a variety of motivational rewards depending on the dog’s attention span. If treats worked one time, they may expect a different toy or praise next time.
In essence, make sure to always reward the desired behavior, remain consistent providing rewards to calm behavior and you will see the change you desire.
Step 3: Teach the “Off” Command
Having established control with the leash, and are rewarding calm behavior, let us add the “Off” command to the dog’s skill set. The purpose of the “Off” command is to ensure that your dog does not jump on you, guests, or furniture.
How to Teach the “Off” Command:
- Begin by explaining the command by saying “Off” in a calm, yet firm voice. For instance, when your dog jumps, say “Off” very clearly and firmly.
- If your dog does not understand what the command implies, it is quite okay to repeat the command until they understand.
- In the event your dog continues to jump after two, three or more “Off” calls, you can slowly pull the leash down until your dog complies. Kindly pull the leash instead of yanking it so you can pull the dog without hurting her.
- Immediately after your dog places her paws back on the ground, shower her with praises. Praises say that remaining on the ground is the intended behavior while rewards act as reinforcement in this case.
- After some time, your dog learns that the purpose of the “Off” command is to stop excess jumping and responds to the command more willingly.
Step 4: Consistency and Patience Are Key
Teaching a dog a new trick requires a lot of attention and time, and the no jumping command is no different. It is crucial that during every phase of the training, the owner stays consistent. The dog must understand that any kind of jumping during walks, in the park, or home, is not tolerated.
How to Stay Consistent and Patient:
- Ensure that you practice the leash approach, rewarding calm behavior, and the “Off” command when your dog jumps, no questions asked.
- Dogs take time to learn, so be prepared for a few sessions before seeing a positive outcome. Practicing patience and seeing the results may take a little while.
- Try not to get too frustrated if your dog is not responding to the “Off” command. The leash is handy for guidance and positive reinforcement should be given for any good behavior.
- Most importantly, have patience with your dog. When they’re first getting used to learning the commands given to them, there will be more jumps and a lack of response. With consistency, your dog will begin to respond to commands as he learns.
Preventing your dog from jumping is not that hard of a goal to set, and with these four practical steps, he can learn to practice better manners. Using a leash for control, rewarding calm behaviors, teaching the ‘Off’ command, and being patient and consistent will definitely lead your dog to success.
Bear in mind that there is a possibility of differing training outcomes for every dog due to age, temperament, and prior experiences. But with the correct methods, tools, and resources, not only is it possible to stop your dog from jumping, but both of you will benefit from a more relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Celebrate the minor milestones, stay persistent, and have some patience. It won’t be long before you have a perfectly trained dog who does not jump inappropriately.
