Jumping is a common training challenge and is often an attention-seeking behavior. Unknowingly we “teach” our dogs to jump on us by rewarding them each time they do so by touching them (even simply handling them to keep them from jumping). ), play with them or simply talk to them. can still be rewarded for the dog.
The trick to dealing with jumping behavior is to carefully manage your dog’s behavior so they have less chance of jumping on people and when they do, make sure they aren’t being rewarded for doing so. At the same time, you need to teach the puppy what to do instead of jumping to get attention. Here are some helpful tips!
Teach your puppy an alternative to jumping
If your dog approaches you and tries to jump, immediately turn away from them; do not touch, push or scold. When they have four feet on the floor again, you can go back to them and give them a quiet compliment. If they approach you and choose to sit, treat them to.
When you or your guests enter your home, you can encourage them to “Find your toys!” When they find a toy and bring it in, reward them with play and attention. This helps energize your dog and gives them an alternative way to greet people!
When your dog approaches you, ask to “sit down” or “lay down” before they have a chance to jump up. Then reward them with a treat or play. If you have to ask more than once, turn away and ignore your dog or walk out of the room and close the door for a few minutes.
Teach the concept of “Off”. When the dog jumps on you, say “Off” and take two steps back until the dog’s paw touches the ground. If your dog’s paws are still on the floor, praise them. Then redirect them by saying “Find your toys.” If the dog jumps again, repeat the steps above or do a timeout.
When you go for a walk, ask your dog to sit whenever someone approaches him. Ask your dog to sit in front of at least 10 new people this week. When your child is sitting, reward him with a treat or toy. He is learning how to greet people is to sit in front of them. The exercises below also teach this excellently!
Management techniques
“Ignore” dog, that is, make no eye contact, say nothing, and stand still. Turning your back on them can also work. This helps take away the attention they’re trying to get when they’re jumping.
“Make them move” If your dog is on a leash, try to walk forward with them, then turn 180 degrees to let them move instead of standing still and jumping up.
“Redirect their focusWith a toy, gift, or verbal cue. If your dog is used to verbal cues, try using “down,” “to sit,” or “look at me“Shortly followed by a treat and attention.
“Land“Leave it by gently stepping on it until the dog is in place, then release it immediately and reward it immediately. This will give your dog a little “timeout” showing that when they are calm, they will be rewarded. Release is important! If you don’t release them once they’ve settled down, they won’t have a chance to learn that calm behavior wins them freedom. You can also do a kennel timeout if your dog is kennel-trained or in a dog-proof safe (no “chews” if your dog is in the chewing phase).
For more training and enrichment tips, visit ShelterHealthPro.com
