Many dog owners are faced with the common problem of their dogs jumping. When your dog is a puppy, people think that it is adorable when they jump, making bad behavior a common occurrence without realizing it. However, as the dog gets bigger and older that charming habit becomes a dangerous one, as well as a one that is very difficult to break.

When you first get your new puppy, training should begin right away. Remember, it is never too late to start training your pet, whether it is a puppy or an older dog, as long as you don’t get frustrated and stick to the plan. The key is that you should start the training as soon as the dog enters your home, regardless of the dog’s age at that time, this early action will firmly establish to your dog that you are the alpha and the boss, and will help to deter him from creating undesirable habits to begin with.

Ways to Stop Dog Jumping

Step #1 – Create an Off Command

An off command is the absolute first thing you will want to consider and create. This command is to be used every time you dog jumps on you or a member of your family. The word “off” is good, but you can use “down” or another word of your choice. You should speak the word consistently and firmly every time your dog jumps on a person. You ought to advise all who enter your home to use this specific command should the dog jump on them and the dog should quickly associate that jumping is not allowed.

Step #2 – Train Your Dog to Sit

If you want to find other ways to keep your dog from jumping, you should show your dog how to sit. When the dog is coming towards you, before he even has the chance to jump on you, command him to sit. As the training proceeds, you will soon have your dog sitting when he greets you, rather than jumping on you and ruining your clothing or knocking you over.

Step #3 – Look Him in the Eye

Get down at your dog’s level when you say hello to him or her. Not only will this make your dog feel happy and well-loved, but it will also take the point out of jumping since you will already be eye to eye. Your dog will have no need to jump if you bend down to see him. After you greet your dog and you stand up, if he attempts to jump again be sure to use the Off Command with a firm voice, followed by the Sit command so that your dog will be reminded that jumping will not be tolerated or rewarded.

Step #4 – Use a Time Out

Should you have difficulty with your dog responding to either the off or the sit command, going into a time out period may be necessary. You can put your dog in time out in their crate if you feel your dog is blatantly misbehaving and not listening to your commands. Your dog desires your attention wholeheartedly, and by placing him in the kennel, you are letting him know that if he does not follow the rules he will be placed away from you and your attention.

Consistency is important, and if you are able to consistently follow these steps you will soon find that your dog has stopped jumping. It is natural that some dogs will learn this faster than others, so you may also need to be patient. If your dog doesn’t seem to listen, be persistent, patient, and do not give up. If you find that your dog is particularly stubborn and he continues to resist the lesson and continue jumping, then you should probably seek the services of a professional dog trainer who can help you determine exactly where the breakdown is in your training methods.

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Filed under: Advantage for Dogs

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