Dog Training Tips

No Jump Training

So you want to train your pooch not to jump on you, simple enough, where do you start? I guess the first question is how do you teach the absence of a behavior? After all "no jumping" is nothing at all, it is void of behavior or is it? It may help you train him if you understand why he is jumping in the first place. Well, for your attention of course its a game the "jumping game". He knows when he jumps you pet him, say hi or something else that makes it worth it to him. Basically you have taught him to jump on you and you didn't even know it. And you thought you could never train your dog. To be fair dogs also come by this naturally because this is how they greet each other. So it's not all your fault.

The best way to train your dog to stop jumping is to give him what he wants. Your attention. Just don't give it to him when he jumps on you. Think of another greeting that you find pleasing and teach him that. Make sure that the new behavior is impossible to do while jumping.

I had a pig I taught to spin in circles when she greeted me. I admit it was a bit odd but it kept her from head butting me for a treat. People would ask me "what's wrong with that one?" I'd reply, "Oh, nothing she's just spinning."

To make it easy we will just teach your dog the "sitting game". If you think about it a dog can't jump on you when he is sitting can he?

*Note: the best treat of all is cooked liver. I cut it into small cubes about the size of a crouton.

Take a treat between your finger and your thumb and hold it above your dogs head. If he is jumping on you click and treat him when all four paws are on the floor. You will notice that after he has been clicked and treated for this a few times he will waste less time jumping. At this point take a treat between your finger and thumb and hold it above your dogs head again but this time slowly ease your hand back until he sits. When he sits quick "click" and give him the treat.

I like to toss the treat a couple feet away from him so he has to get up and go get it. By doing this he moves out of the sitting position so he has to think then sit again. Most dogs will sit when you hold a treat over their head because it is the easiest position to take and still keep an eye on the tasty treat.

Once he has got the idea and will repeatedly sit, click, walk over and get the treat and then come back an sit he is ready for the next step. Now take a few steps back and act kind of happy to get him a little excited. Your pooch may jump on you at this point "habits of the old game" just ignore him if he does. Suddenly the light bulb will go on in his head "hey I know the rules to this game" and he will sit. Click then treat. By Job he's got it! Keep playing after all it's fun to play when you know the rules.

Note:, you can ruin this and get him back to playing the "jumping game" by petting him and giving him attention when he does jump on you. After all it's all a game he plays to get your attention. If he does jump on you, simply turn and walk away. Don't play the jumping game! Instead wait a minute and then play the sitting game outlined earlier.