Jumping up

Are you trying to stop dogs jumping up? Want to know why dogs jump up anyway? Well there's no magic, normally it's because they are happy to see you and they have not been trained not to jump up. If you have a loving dog, he just can't wait to get up and lick your face, that's all very well for him. But jumping up can cause a whole mountain of problems.

If you allow them to keep doing it, an accident can, and most probably will, occur. Your pup may be small now, but later on, he may be huge so stop bad habits forming by training them early. Even with a small dog, they can tear clothes, mark shoes and be generally be annoying.

If your dog is jumping up, do not pet him for it. Even if it's only to get him to go away. Do not push him off, or speak either, all of these actions will tell him it's okay because it's contact, it's a response. To stop your dog jumping up you must ignore him and use strong one word commands like 'Down'.

You can also turn your back and fold your arms, do not touch, talk or scold him. As soon as he stops jumping up, turn around, tell him to sit, and give praise when he does. This may take a few seconds, or a few minutes but you must be persistent and constant with him, as you must be with any training procedure. By doing this, every time he jumps, you do will understand that no reward is given for jumping up; however, rewards are given for sitting and staying down.

Follow these simple basic training steps and your dog will understand exactly what is expected of him. He will no longer feel the need to jump up, as he gets the attention he wants by sitting. Of course, when your dog greets you in this way, it is important to continue rewarding his good behaviour.

When training your dog not to jump up, take time aside to repeat these actions. Leave the room, return after a while and repeat the action. There is nothing more you dog dislikes than being ignored, if you want him to stop jumping up, you have to teach him that's what will happen if he does, shouting never works.