A dog that jumps up could be a terrible bother. Having been on the receiving end of such behavior many times I'll state with experience that any pair of big paws in the belly or chest is an unsavory experience.

The important thing to recollect with a dog that jumps up is that he isn't being bad. He is simply repeating a behavior that during the past has rewarded him. Jumping up can begin right from puppyhood where visitors like the fluffy dog at their ankles that clambers for attention. They automatically bend down and pick him up for a cuddle. This reaction provides the puppy instant reward for the behavior. Later as the dog grows the jumping up becomes less enchanting. It begins to hurt and if directed right it can knock the wind out of you. I once met a middle-sized dog who jumped up so high that she chipped my front tooth; she also broke an old women nose.

Despite the behavior becoming a real annoyance, in the dog’s eyes we continue to reward it. We push him off and tell him off. There is the reward, touch and voice; both raise his excitement levels and the behavior becomes worse than ever. The dog does not understand the transition between enchanting and agonizing, therefore you will need to learn how to train your dog to stop carrying out the behavior.

The most straightforward way to teach an established jumper is to introduce and reward an alternative behavior. Sit is an obvious choice but others include provide a toy or touch with one paw. First off inspire your dog in the alternative behavior by asking it of him and providing calm praise and a reward. Do this many times and in differing scenarios, then move on to asking it when you walk into a room and he comes to greet you.

By keeping things calm and carrying out the choice behavior with you first, you can then ask others to request and reward your dog for carrying out the more convenient behavior. Ignoring the jumping up might be necessary at the beginning, you can even need to hold the treat above your head if he jumps at first. By persisting with this behavior alteration and being consistent you will improve the behavior of your dog.

This article aims to show you the advantages of positive dog training and help you build a more sound relationship with your dog. For more information on how to train your dog with kindness please visit The Dog Trick Academy.