Dog Training - How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up
Ever heard the command "Down Fido" from desperate dog owners towards a determined dog? Yes, no doubt you have.
The case of a dog that jumps up is a common problem with many owners.
As with many if not all dog behavior problems, to address the issue you first have to understand why they jump up in the first place.
There are generally three reasons why a dog will jump up: 1.
In an attempt to assert their dominance over you.
When a dog meets another dog they will often try and jump on the other dogs shoulder in an attempt to get the other dog to lie down and thus assert its dominance over the other dog.
2.
Just plain old delighted to see you.
This often stems from puppy stage, when puppies jump over each other to get their mothers attention.
3.
Often when a dog jumps up on its owner, the owner too is excited to see them and rewards them with treats such as claps, walks, play, etc.
They soon learn that by jumping up, they will receive treats and the behavior continues.
While some owners like to have their dog jump on them, especially when they are greeting them, it can be dangerous if they jump on other people.
However, the last thing you want to do is to 'train' them not to be excited or happy to see you.
Addressing The Problem The three best ways to address the problem of jumping up when your dog greets you are to: 1.
Try and stop them from jumping up in the first place.
Put your hands out in front of you to provide a barrier between you and them.
2.
Lift your knee up to unbalance them.
They will fall down back onto four legs.
3.
Turn your back and ignore them until they have calmed down.
If your dog has some sort of training it will quickly learn not to jump up.
As with all training techniques, do not introduce voice commands until they respond correctly to the physical training.
They must learn the command that corresponds to the correct action.
Only after they get down should you introduce the voice command.
You will need to be patient and consistent with the training.
If your dog is particularly problematic, you may need to physically force them down and hold them down until they calm down.
You may need to repeat this process until your dog learns.
What Not To Do There are four key things that you should never do when your dog jumps up: 1.
Do not be over excited yourself.
This will only excite them further and convince them their behavior pleases you.
2.
Do not forcefully push your dog away (unless of absolute necessity but you should also hold them down if doing this).
They will interpret this as a playful act and respond by pushing back harder.
3.
Do not lose patience.
Keep trying and be consistent.
4.
Do not allow your dog to be in front of you when opening the door to visitors.
You need to establish yourself as the Alpha Male.
Make sure they are behind you and tell them strongly to stay down.
The case of a dog that jumps up is a common problem with many owners.
As with many if not all dog behavior problems, to address the issue you first have to understand why they jump up in the first place.
There are generally three reasons why a dog will jump up: 1.
In an attempt to assert their dominance over you.
When a dog meets another dog they will often try and jump on the other dogs shoulder in an attempt to get the other dog to lie down and thus assert its dominance over the other dog.
2.
Just plain old delighted to see you.
This often stems from puppy stage, when puppies jump over each other to get their mothers attention.
3.
Often when a dog jumps up on its owner, the owner too is excited to see them and rewards them with treats such as claps, walks, play, etc.
They soon learn that by jumping up, they will receive treats and the behavior continues.
While some owners like to have their dog jump on them, especially when they are greeting them, it can be dangerous if they jump on other people.
However, the last thing you want to do is to 'train' them not to be excited or happy to see you.
Addressing The Problem The three best ways to address the problem of jumping up when your dog greets you are to: 1.
Try and stop them from jumping up in the first place.
Put your hands out in front of you to provide a barrier between you and them.
2.
Lift your knee up to unbalance them.
They will fall down back onto four legs.
3.
Turn your back and ignore them until they have calmed down.
If your dog has some sort of training it will quickly learn not to jump up.
As with all training techniques, do not introduce voice commands until they respond correctly to the physical training.
They must learn the command that corresponds to the correct action.
Only after they get down should you introduce the voice command.
You will need to be patient and consistent with the training.
If your dog is particularly problematic, you may need to physically force them down and hold them down until they calm down.
You may need to repeat this process until your dog learns.
What Not To Do There are four key things that you should never do when your dog jumps up: 1.
Do not be over excited yourself.
This will only excite them further and convince them their behavior pleases you.
2.
Do not forcefully push your dog away (unless of absolute necessity but you should also hold them down if doing this).
They will interpret this as a playful act and respond by pushing back harder.
3.
Do not lose patience.
Keep trying and be consistent.
4.
Do not allow your dog to be in front of you when opening the door to visitors.
You need to establish yourself as the Alpha Male.
Make sure they are behind you and tell them strongly to stay down.
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