Graham asks
What can I do to stop my dog getting bored?How to train a dog not to jump up
How to: stop your dog from jumping up
Advice by Britt Rosendahl, Dog behaviour and training specialist
1
First, identify when your dog is likely to jump up. That way you can be prepared for it by keeping your dog on lead or behind a baby gate – make sure you have plenty of treats ready.
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Is it out of excitement when you go out for a walk? Happy to see you and other people coming into the home? Or are they feeling slightly overwhelmed out and about?
2
When your dog is calm, practice behaviours you’d like instead of jumping, such as sit, stay, lie down, or settle.
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Be consistent in your approach. If you’re going to train your dog not to jump up, make sure there are no exceptions. It’s very confusing for a dog if they’re allowed to jump up on certain occasions but not on others.
3
Think “four paws on the floor”. Whenever all your dog’s paws are touching the ground, reward them by throwing treats on the floor.
4
If they jump, turn your back so their paws fall off you and pretend they’re invisible. If they choose to sit or continue keeping four paws on the floor, give them praise and attention again.
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Telling your dog off or pushing them down will wind them up even more, and may teach them that jumping up is a great way to get your attention or start some fun wrestling play.
5
If they keep jumping, walk away and use a baby gate or barrier to give both of you a break. When you let them back in, scatter treats on the floor to keep their focus down and help them relax. Then, ask your dog to “sit” or go “in your bed”. If they get it right, reward them with attention and a treat!
More information
Puppies and adolescent dogs struggle with their self-control, so they’re more likely to jump when they’re overwhelmed.
Small dogs are less likely to hurt people or knock them down when jumping up, for this reason, they can jump up for longer. This gives them time to learn it’s an effective way of asking for attention.
What your dog might be feeling
I’m jumping up because I’m so excited and might get some attention! When I was a puppy, this was so much fun to do, and it still is. Sometimes I do this when I’m nervous and It’s my way of dealing with feeling overwhelmed.
Three things you can do today
Teach them appropriate behaviours
Prevention
To change a dog’s behaviour, you need to stop them practicing it. You can avoid new people, put your dog on a lead and put up the stair gate when visitors come over.
Look at the bigger picture
Provide your dog with plenty of mental and physical exercise so they don’t get bored. A well-rounded dog is less likely to behave over the top.
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