Effective Strategies to Manage Your Dog's Jumping Behaviour

Jumping up is a common issue for many dog owners. While some delight in the enthusiastic greetings of their pets, others find this behaviour troublesome. If you're looking to curb your dog's jumping in a gentle yet effective manner, here's a guide that might help, whether through self-training at home or by enrolling in a puppy school.

Understanding and Addressing Jumping Up

Jumping up is often an expression of a dog’s excitement and desire for attention. It can occur anytime you enter your home, during walks, or at the dog park. The key to addressing this behaviour is to not react directly to the jumping but to reward your dog when they display calm behaviour.

Techniques to Manage Jumping at Home

• When You Arrive Home: Resist the urge to push your dog away when they jump up, as this can be interpreted as attention. Instead, stand still, avoid eye contact, and give a clear 'sit' command. Reward your dog when they comply and repeat if necessary. Over time, your dog will learn that sitting, rather than jumping, leads to rewards.
• With Visitors: Since dogs naturally want to greet newcomers, prepare by keeping treats or a favourite toy near the door. Instruct your visitors to ask your dog to sit before entering and reward them for compliance. Alternatively, distract your dog with a toy as guests arrive to prevent jumping.
• While Walking: If you stop to talk to someone, ask your dog to sit and provide treats to keep them calm and focused during the conversation.

Training Options

• Professional Training: If adjusting your dog’s behaviour at home is challenging, consider seeking assistance from professional dog training services in Sydney. Experienced trainers can offer tailored advice and strategies.
• Puppy Training Classes: These classes are excellent for teaching proper socialisation skills and can prevent undesirable behaviours such as jumping on visitors.
• Agility Classes: These can be particularly effective as they teach dogs a specific 'Jump' cue, helping them understand when jumping is appropriate.

Dealing with Persistent Jumping

‍For dogs that jump to see over obstacles or in response to distractions like birds, you might need to block their view or seek professional guidance to manage these impulses effectively. Remember, if your dog exhibits jumping along with growling or showing teeth, this could signify aggression, necessitating immediate professional intervention.

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