Training Tips: Jumping

*Please Note: The solution below works for many dogs, but there is not a single answer for every dog. If you try this method, and are unsuccessful, please email us. We'd love to find out more about your dog, and build a custom solution to help you through this problem, successfully.

Jumping is a common problem that many owners, regardless of experience, have issues with. It can seem like a major problem if you have a large or otherwise intimidating dog. Thankfully, there are solutions. You will need an assistant, or two to help you with this. It will require consistency and ongoing training.

What you need:
1 bag of treats per door
Patience

Step 1. Place a bag/cup of treats just outside any doors that people walk through, before getting jumped on.

Step 2. Stand outside the door and get yourself a treat. Open the door and walk inside but ignore the dog. If the dog begins jumping on you, ignore the dog, COMPLETELY! This includes no eye contact, don't tell the dog 'NO' simply ignore the dog.

Step 2a. Be Patient. Your dog may jump for an entire minute or longer, but those dogs that jump the longest, usually pickup on this lesson, very quickly. If necessary, you can turn your back to the dog but we want to avoid the need to do this as we progress.

Step 3. When the dog has placed all 4 paws on the ground and is not yo-yo'ing to jump on you, give the dog a treat, and lots of praise.

Step 3a. If the excitement of treating/rewarding causes the dog to jump on you, repeat steps 1-3.

Step 4. Go back outside, and repeat until the dog remains on all 4 paws when you enter the door.

I recommend working on this in 15-minute sessions, no more than 3 times per day. It is important that you follow steps 1-3 every time you come home. Be prepared to be consistent. If you are carrying in groceries, and simply do not have hands available to reward the dog then put her/him in a room. Yes, it's that important!

Step 5. Ask a friend to follow steps 1-3.

It is important that you not yell at your dog to 'GET OFF' or 'NO' when your friend practices this – as your dog still considers this attention, and that's EXACTLY what he/she is seeking.

Step 6. Ask every person to complete steps 1-3, until your dog understands that jumping is not okay. If you are not able to do this, lock the dog in another room, or crate the dog.