If you asked any dog trainer to tell you one bad habit that a dog can have, many would say, jumping up. Having a dog that jumps up on people can be a big problem, therefore it is important to stop a puppy from jumping at an early stage. This is a make or break habit and it is one that often sees dogs surrendered to shelters since most owners feel that their jumping dog is completely unmanageable.
This is a sad story that I have heard countless times and when a dog jumps, it is actually not the dog’s fault at all but is, in fact, the fault of the owner. Jumping is a natural reaction that many puppies have and when they are excited or meeting someone new, they automatically jump to display their pleasure. If the puppy is not corrected, then the jumping continues until it becomes a formed behavior in the dog that is very difficult to break.
It is for this reason that it is very important to stop a puppy from jumping at an early age. Make it a rule so they know from the start that jumping is not allowed, no matter what the reason is.
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To stop a puppy from jumping, you need to establish some rules for everyone.
Paws never go on: No matter what, you should be clear that paws remain on the ground. If you are petting your puppy and he puts his paw on your hand or arm, stop petting him. When his paw goes back down, you can return to petting him. Make sure everyone follows this.
Puppy must always sit for a greeting: This can be very difficult when it comes to meeting strangers but put your puppy in a sit and let people know that if he jumps up, you will need to correct him. You may get a few grumbles but remember that this is your dog and not theirs.
Puppy never jumps for food: Lastly, your puppy should never jump for food. When treating, if he jumps to snatch the treat, remove your hand and don’t treat him. Also, place him in a sit, with the leash on, when it is time for meals and have him wait to eat until you give the go ahead.
The rules may seem simple but it is important to establish them to curb jumping before it starts. I have found that greetings is when a puppy really learns to jump so be extra vigilant around that area.
To stop a puppy from jumping, it is important that you are consistent and that you follow through. Don’t punish your puppy when he jumps but make jumping a very uncomfortable behavior for your dog.
When your puppy jumps up, it is important that you do the following:
1. In a firm voice, say, “OFF!” You don’t need to yell but it should be a voice that means business.
2. If you can, gently grab his paws and push him off of you or the area where he has jumped up. This usually works well when you are seated on a couch. When he is off balance, he will drop down onto all fours.
3. Ignore him for about a minute and wait. If he jumps back up, repeat number one and two.
4. If he doesn’t jump up, praise him for doing the proper behavior.
The key to stop a puppy from jumping is to tell him “off” and then place him off balance so he goes back to the ground. While pushing his paws off of you works, other ways is to take a step forward so your knee bumps into him and he starts leaning backwards. Most puppies hate the loss of balance and will drop down onto all fours.
Whichever way you use to stop a puppy from jumping, it is important that you don’t ever push your puppy over since this could injure his spine or joints, and you should never hit him for jumping up. Just be firm, let him know that you don’t like him up and praise him when he doesn’t jump.
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