by Darlene Norris
It's unbelievable, but some people actually encourage a dog jumping up on them. This is a big mistake, no matter how cute your new pup is. Puppy jumping may be cute when he's little, but it will become one of many dog behavior problems as he gets older and bigger. Even small canines are a nuisance when they jump on people. Stop dog jumping now with these dog obedience tips.
Prevent Puppy Jumping From Becoming A Behavior Problem Later
Obedience training should be part of your new pup's life right from the beginning. A very important basic command he should learn right away is the "off" command. You can use this command not only to prevent a dog jumping up, but also to keep him off the couch, countertops, and to prevent him jumping at the door. It's much easier to teach him this command, while he's young, so don't wait.There are three steps to teaching your pup to "off" command.
1. As soon as he jumps up on a person (or the furniture), say "OFF!" right away.
2. Snarl at him with an open mouth, showing him your teeth, and making direct eye contact. It's not necessary to growl. An open-mouthed silent snarl is how adult canines tell puppies to calm down, and your pup will instinctively understand what you're telling him.
3. Repeat this every time he attempts to jump up, until you don't have to say it twice. When you see that he's stopping himself from jumping, praise him. This exercise also establishes you as the pack leader. In the wild, subordinate canines would never jump on the leader, because it means that the subordinate is challenging the leader. The alpha dog doesn't tolerate this, and you shouldn't either.
Everyone in your family must also use this command. Your new pup needs to understand that everyone in the family ranks above him to prevent dog behavior problems later on.
Stop Dog Jumping On Visitors
Visitors can sometimes be a problem. Some people think it's cute to have a dog jump up on them. Explain to your visitors that you don't allow him to jump on anyone.
If you're expecting company, put your pup on a leash. When your guests arrive, if he jumps up, move quickly to step on the leash. This prevents him from jumping, and also pulls on his collar, which serves to correct his behavior. Alternatively, hold onto the leash. When he jumps, say "off," and firmly pull the leash to the side, which forces him to put his feet back on the ground.
Timing is important; pull his leash as you say "off" so that he learns that "off" means "no jumping." In either case, praise him as soon as all four feet are on the ground. Your visitors may think you're being too hard on him, but you're not. Establishing good habits when he's young will prevent dog behavior problems later on in life.
Remember that your whole family must be in agreement when training him. It's impossible for him to learn good habits if some people are encouraging the very behavior you're trying to avoid. A good dog training course is essential so that everyone in your household is working together. With a little effort from everyone, you can stop puppy jumping, and your new friend will be an obedient and well-loved member of the family.
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