Written By Dan Evans, Founder Of Dog Coaching Academy
Over the past few years, I’ve lost count of the number of emails I get about dealing with jumping dogs. But today, I want to touch base on one of the more common questions I had recently, which is… “How exactly do I stop my dog from jumping up?”
It’s sad to say, but we don’t live in a perfect world. And while we’d all like nothing more to own a well-behaved pooch, the fact is that it’s not always going to be as smooth sailing from the get-go.
Now, nobody wants to deal with a dog that constantly jumps.
But unfortunately, it happens so often that it can feel like a constant battle to make sure your gentle, sweet pooch doesn’t jump up on everyone and everything in sight.
Not only that, but it can put a huge strain on the relationship you have with your dog, which can often result in expensive behavior training or in worst cases, even rehoming them.
I speak from personal experience when I say that nobody deserves to go through this frustration. So it’s essential to try and steer your dog away from this frustrating behavior before the unthinkable happens.
But here’s the problem…
Hiring a trainer to help stop your dog jumping up can be very expensive, and to be honest, you don’t really need to.
I’ll explain how in a minute. First, let me talk about WHY it seems so hard to get your dog to stop jumping…
See, the reason you are having so much difficulty stoping your dog jumping up is that you’ve been training them the outdated way.
It’s not your fault though. The fault really lies with all the bad dog training information that’s out there on the Internet and elsewhere.
Most people start training their dogs using verbal cues or commands like SIT, STAY, etc because that’s what they have been taught to do by numerous books on dog training and by all the videos they’ve seen on the Internet.
Here’s the problem – that’s exactly how NOT to stop your dog jumping!
Why?
Because the science of animal behavior says that using verbal cues to stop unwanted behavior like jumping ultimately sets your dog up for failure.
Dogs that are trained only using verbal cues never get trained properly. Or at least, the training doesn’t last long.
So what’s the best way to stop your dog jumping up?
The science is very clear on this – the best way to stop your dog jumping up is by using body language. Now, this doesn’t mean that you should never use verbal cues. What it means is that you should always START your dog’s training using body language. Later on, you can bring in a verbal cue to reinforce your dog’s training.
Let me give you an example of how this works…
One of the biggest mistakes most dog owners make is that they don’t give their dogs work to do.
And this is one of the many reasons that certain dogs (ie. service dogs) are so well-behaved.
Now, by “job” or “work”, I don’t mean that a service dog is always doing something physical in nature.
Instead, what I mean is that when you give a service dog the hand signal for the DOWN cue for instance, here’s how the service dog would have been trained to think:
“My owner has now given me the job of lying down. So I will remain lying down here in this exact spot until my owner tells me to do something else because the job that my owner wants me to do for her now is to lie down.”
So unlike most “normal” dogs who think of DOWN as just a trick that they have to perform for a few seconds after which they can do whatever they feel like, service dogs think of DOWN as a serious job that they have to do with commitment, dedication, and purpose until they get their next job from their owner.
As you can imagine, it’s a dramatically different mindset!
And this mindset is the reason service dogs are so well-behaved, and so many “normal” dogs (even if they know cues like DOWN or SIT) are not.
The good news is that you can train your dog to have the same mindset as a service dog as well.
And when you get this part right, getting your dog to stop jumping up becomes effortless.
So here’s the deal…
If you want to learn the secret to stopping your dog’s obsessive, annoying jumping habit while teaching them to have the same mindset as a service dog, the first thing I’d recommend doing is checking out the K9 Training Insitute’s free online dog training workshop.
Just to give you a little more insight, this free online dog training workshop goes into extensive detail on the best practices and techniques to stop unwanted behaviors like jumping by helping your dog develop the same level of calmness, obedience, and impulse control as service dogs.
It’s presented by Dr. Alexa Diaz (one of the top service dog trainers in the U.S.) and Eric Presnall (host of the hit Animal Planet TV show “Who Let the Dogs Out”).
The techniques described in the workshop have been a complete game changer for myself and thousands of other frustrated owners who implemented the techniques inside this free workshop.
This is because for the first time (at least that I know of) anyone has revealed the secret techniques used by the service dog training industry to train service dogs.
The best part?
These techniques work on ANY dog… regardless of age or breed.
From small breeds like Pomeranians and Chihuahuas to large breeds like English Mastiffs and Great Danes.
Even puppies as young as 6 weeks old, and untrained adult dogs as old as 13 years, have been successfully trained using the techniques inside this free workshop.
It’s not a live workshop – it’s actually pre-recorded, which means that you can watch it as many times as you like.
However, while the workshop is free, I am not sure how long it’s going to stay that way, so I’d recommend checking it out while it’s still available.
So if you want to discover how to stop your dog jumping in minutes, using the same tools and techniques that service dog trainers use to train service dogs, go ahead and click the link below to register for the workshop…
Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Stop Your Dog’s Frustrating, Annoying Jumping Habit In Minutes… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!Click Here To Register For The Free Workshop
Why Does My Dog Keep Jumping?
In some ways, jumping is the most natural thing in the world. Ultimately, it’s a form of expression.
While we express our emotions and thoughts through our words and our hands, dogs like to bark, growl, and yes, even jump.
The problem is, it’s a style of communication that’s not always appreciated. It’s especially not appreciated when it’s allowed to go unchecked.
And therein lies the problem.
A little jump from a small Chihuahua might be annoying, but it’s not necessarily dangerous.
But a bigger, stronger dog that’s allowed to get away with it could start to cause some serious damage. And that’s when the real problems start.
Even if your dog jumps in a friendly way, it’s still something that needs to be taught to stop. After all, a playful jump from a pup is one thing: a playful jump from a full-sized adult dog is quite another.
All jumping behaviors need to be treated as equal. It all needs to be discouraged.
That said, treating your dog as an individual by figuring out the root cause of their behavior is going to be crucial in determining the right modification technique.
For instance, a dog who jumps because they’re scared, for example, may need to be treated quite differently from a dog who jumps because they’re protective.
So before jumping to the solution, take a moment to consider what could be motivating your dog’s behavior.
Some of the most common reasons include:
They Want to Play
Puppies and young dogs don’t want to be cuddled all day long. They want to play.
So if you do anything to suggest a game (stroke them, clap your knees as though initiating a game, etc.), up goes the excitement.
Jumping like this has nothing to do with aggression. It’s simply an invitation to play.
They Haven’t Been Socialized
If your dog jumps up at visitors or strangers, it could be a sign that they’ve not been properly socialized.
If dogs aren’t exposed to a wide variety of people, pets, and situations from an early age. They won’t be able to tell the difference between what is and isn’t acceptable around anything unfamiliar.
Unfortunately, this can lead to unwanted displays of jumping.
They’re Possessive
All dogs are possessive to an extent (as are humans, when you think about it) but left unchecked, it can quickly develop into a problem.
While some dogs can get super possessive about high-value items like toys or food. Others can get possessive about people.
If your dog thinks they ‘own’ you. They may jump or display other undesirable behaviors at anyone who get in between you and them.
It’s a Habit
Jumping is part and parcel of being a dog. They don’t necessarily understand the consequences of their actions.
Typically, they think that jumping up at anyone or anything that’s in front of them is just part of the game.
Some owners are happy enough to let the behavior continue – after all, most of the time, jumping isn’t exactly dangerous.
The problem however is that MOST of the time doesn’t mean ALL of the time.
And if the behavior isn’t corrected, your dog will grow up thinking that jumping is just part of the same game as before.
This is also where the techniques found inside the K9 Training Institute’s free online dog training workshop really come in handy.
Not only will you learn how to stop unwanted jumping, but you’ll also discover simple, highly effective techniques to improve your dog’s behavior.
So if you haven’t had a chance to take a look, now would be the time…
Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Frustrating, Annoying Jumping Habit… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!
How to Stop Your Dog Jumping
Before you can stop your dog from jumping, you need to identify the root cause.
Although any kind of jumping should be discouraged, different motivations need different treatment.
Consider factors like your dog’s age, whether the jumping is generalized or happens only around guests, and whether your dog displays any other behaviors like fear or aggression.
When it comes to training, you need to think about the big picture. It might be embarrassing when your dog starts frantically jumping up at guests or strangers. But remember, the problem is the jumping, not the target itself.
If you want to address the problem, you need to address the problem, period.
For instance, trying to stop your dog from jumping up at a stranger isn’t going to work if you let them carry on jumping up inside the home.
Remember, dogs respond to consistency. So be mindful to keep working on discouraging negative behaviors (whether they’re playful or not) and encouraging positive ones.
Let Them Know It’s Not Appreciated
If a dog jumps, it’s very likely they’re trying to initiate play. Even though there’s no malice behind what they’re doing, they still need to learn that it’s not always appreciated.
Each time they jump, turn your back to them and end the game. Soon enough, they’ll connect the dots and realize that when they jump, the fun stops.
Once they understand that, you should see a dramatic improvement.
If you own a puppy that is starting to reach adolescence but is still hanging onto their playful jumping habit, apply the same strategy.
Providing you’re consistent with the message, it won’t take too long for them to cotton on.
Avoid Provocative Games
If a dog jumps out of boredom or because they’re looking to play, finding a new outlet for their energy is crucial.
Avoid playing games that encourage jumping. And stick to games that allow your dog to let off some steam without engaging in any undesirable behaviors.
Avoid Negative Punishment
If your dog jumps up, don’t use punishment as a corrective method.
This means no yelling, no slapping, and nothing that could hurt or frighten your dog.
Not only does behavior like this make your dog scared of you, but it also risks turning a playful behavior into an aggressive one.
Win Your Dogs Mind
Here’s one of the most important lessons that can be summed up in a few simple words…
…” It’s about winning your dog’s mind first”
See, dogs come in all shapes and sizes.
Some are naturally mild-mannered and calm…
…Some can be a little overbearing at times.
…And some are just downright Crazy with a capital “C”
But the one thing they all have in common is they respect the pack leader.
Now, if you’re one of the lucky few, your dog may already see you as the pack leader.
Other times, it may a little time and effort to steer them in the right direction.
And if you’re one of the very unlucky ones (as many are), getting your dog to stop jumping is about as easy as getting a toddler to take a nap after 6 cans of Redbull.
But no matter what your situation, getting your dog on the path to success will always come down to the same thing…
…Winning their mind.
Flashback to when I was a young inexperienced puppy parent.
It was one of the most stressful times of my life.
And here’s the thing…
It wasn’t that I was applying the wrong training techniques to my pup’s routine.
Far from it…
It was because I was missing the critical step of winning his mind first.
Once I got my head around this, everything instantly fell into place.
This is also why it’s a HUGE MISTAKE to train your dog without first getting to grips with this one core principle.
Now, instead of just giving you a few tips and sending you on your way. I think it would benefit you much more if I were to give you something actionable that you can start using immediately to see results.
So with this in mind, go ahead and check out the free online dog training workshop from the K9 Institute.
I’m confident that if you not only watch the training but actually follow the advice revealed inside the free workshop, you’ll start to notice the immediate effect it has on your dogs behavior for the better.
Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Frustrating, Annoying Jumping Habit… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!
Here’s What You’ll Learn Inside This Free Workshop
In the free workshop, you’ll discover:
– The secret methods that service dog trainers use to housebreak dogs
So that your dog never has accidents inside your house ever again.
– How service dogs are trained to never bark out of excitement
Contrary to what many people believe, you CAN’T stop a dog from letting you know that someone has come to your front door – they are simply hard wired for it. Instead, find out the “QUIET WAY” that you can teach your dog so that it still gets to alert you to strangers – without barking even once.
– Why service dogs behave so well when walking on the leash without pulling
So that you can leash train your dog just like a service dog.
– How service dogs are trained to ALWAYS come when called
So that your dog too will come back to you the moment you say its name in the dog park or anywhere else (no matter what it might have been doing at that time).
– How the pros train their dogs to stop jumping on people
So that your dog learns to calmly greet people who come over to your house.
– The secret methods that service dog trainers use to train their dogs to tune out distractions
So that your dog stays calm and doesn’t react at all when passing by other dogs.
– How service dog trainers train their dogs mainly using body language
So that you can get your dog’s attention in public situations without having to raise your voice or use verbal commands.
– How service dogs do more than follow commands – they read their human partners in demonstrable and extraordinary ways
And how your dog can too!
– Why the training techniques that work on service dogs also work on dog breeds that are typically not thought of as service dogs
This means that these techniques will work on your dog even if it’s a breed – like a Chihuahua, Rottweiler, Akita, etc. – that is usually not considered a breed suitable for being a service dog.
Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Frustrating, Annoying Jumping Habit… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!
What Others Are Saying About The Free Workshop
“Guess what, my Chihuahua is completely housebroken now! I used to have so much difficulty getting Frankie to not do his business all over my house. I used your methods to housetrain him and it has worked wonders on him!”
– Amanda Silver from Glasgow, Scotland
———-
“I used your tips to start training my Yorkshire Terrier puppy Grace a few weeks after I got her. With just a few days of training, I have managed to get Grace to come when called and stop pulling on her leash.
She is also completely housebroken now. I am so happy I discovered your site. I have had other dogs in the past, but none of them were as easy to train as Grace has been thanks to your site.”
– Cassandra Wallace from Scranton, Pennsylvania
———-
“My beautiful Doberman Sophie was completely out of control. With your workshop, I learned how to make it obvious to her what was not acceptable.
And she got it too. Amazing results.”
– Gina Meyer (Sophie’s Mom) from Galveston, Texas
———-
“I rescued a 3.5 year old German Shepherd from the shelter a few months ago. The poor thing had not been trained properly by his previous owners and was quite aggressive and skittish and used to bark for no reason at all.
I came across your site while searching for ways to train him and am so glad I did. Thanks to your workshop, he is now a lot calmer and friendlier towards everyone and the barking has almost completely stopped now.”
– Matt Jenson from Rockford, Illinois
———-
“I wanted to pass along a sincere thank you for helping out so much in Milo’s first year. He is almost 2 now and incredibly well-behaved.
I am incredibly grateful for your guidance and help. Thank you again!”
– Christina Appleton from Buffalo, New York
Final Thoughts
In a lot of cases, a dog that jumps is doing it out of play rather than aggression. But that doesn’t mean it’s ok to let it continue.
The sooner your dog learns that any form of jumping is not ok, the better.
Not only does it decrease the risk of those playful jumps turning into something more serious down the line. But it also makes it way less embarrassing around others.
Find the root cause and apply the solution. That might be easier said than done, but with a hefty dose of consistency and patience, you’ll get there.
Want To Learn 3 Simple Techniques You Can Use RIGHT NOW To Stop Your Dogs Obsessive, Annoying Jumping Habit?
Let me ask you this…
- Does your dog refuse to stop jumping?
- Do they obsessively jump up at strangers or visitors at every opportunity?
- Are they constantly jumping on the couch or counter surfing?
- Have you tried everything to get them to stop and failed miserably?