Jumping up on people can be an annoying and dangerous habit. It doesn’t take a very large dog to knock over a child or elderly person and your small dog’s jumping can scratch up arms and legs. Here are some tips to help discourage jumping:
# 1) Teach your dog the “Off” command. Ideally, this command should be taught immediately as a puppy. If not taught early, it will be more difficult to teach your dog later. When the puppy or adult dog jumps (whether on a person or furniture), immediately say OFF. Use a firm tone and direct eye contact. Praise when he stops the jumping. Make sure other family members and visitors understand this command as well and practice it consistently.
# 2) Teach a strong, fast and reliable “Sit” command. If your dog is sitting, he cannot be jumping! This is one of the most basic and important commands. If he does not respond readily to the sit command, then more training is necessary. Train him until he responds to it in everyday situations, such as greeting someone during walks.
# 3) Ignore your dog when he jumps on you for attention. Turn/walk away, do not give eye contact or speak or touch (push away). Most dogs are jumping for attention, and if jumping is ignored, they will try another method to get attention, preferably sitting. If you ignore the dog when he jumps, make sure to pay attention to him after he’s got all four feet on the floor and 5-10 seconds have passed since the jump. Dogs are great at learning patterns and if we give attention to the dog immediately after he puts his feet on the floor, he’s likely to learn a pattern of jump up-get off-get attention.
When training your dog not to jump on people, any time his front feet are on a person, it should be considered jumping. This means if he places his front paws on someone while the person is seated, even if done gently and slowly, it can strengthen the jumping behavior. Also, teaching other people not to give attention to your dog when he jumps can be difficult. It is best to be prepared with what to say to the person such as “he’s in training and needs to sit before you can pet him”. Be prepared to manage the situation, don’t wait to see if he jumps first (have treats to make the process easier and have him on a leash, so you have more control).
Be consistent and patient and use these tips to help your dog keep all “4 on the floor”!!
If you have any questions please call/text me at 480-652-4900, email: pkfabish@gmail.com or visit our website www.petservicesofoceanislebeach.com Happy Training!!
Kathy Fabish, Owner of Pet Services of Ocean Isle Beach
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