When a jumping dog is a good thing!

If you can’t get your dog to stop jumping on people, your real problem may be a dominant dog.  These two dog behavior problems are more closely related than most dog owners realize.

Dog Psychology 101

Watch two dogs when they greet each other.  They don’t jump all over each other the first time they meet, do they?  No, each dog stands still and lets the other one sniff him.  This is the doggy equivalent of shaking hands.  It’s only after they know each other that they’ll run around and play together.

You should understand that dogs are pack animals, and every pack has its leader.  One way the alpha dog asserts his dominance over the other pack members is to jump on them and put his front paws on the other animal’s shoulders.  Is this starting to sound familiar?

The other dogs in the pack NEVER jump on the alpha dog.  This is a sign that the other dog is challenging the leader for dominance.  The leader has to respond to this challenge immediately if he want to stay the leader.

When you allow your dog to jump up on you and put his paws on your shoulders, you’re reinforcing his idea that he’s in charge, not you.

Dog Training Tips For Getting Problem Jumping Under Control

Your dog should know the “Sit” command.  Always have him sit before you pet him.  You’re the leader, and he should get attention on your terms, not his.

If your dog is already jumping on you, these dog obedience tips can help to get him under control.

• When you see him coming, turn sideways and block him with your hip.
• Don’t give him attention by pushing him down and yelling “NO!”  He’ll think you’re playing with him.
• If he does manage to get his paws on you, turn your back to him.  Make a point of ignoring him.  When all four feet are on the ground, tell him to “sit” and “stay.”  When he obeys, praise him.  Don’t allow him to move until you release him.
• If your pet is demanding your attention and just won’t quit, squirt him in the face with a spray bottle.  Stop giving into his demands.

Being Consistent Leads To A Well-Trained Dog

Consistency is the key when training your dog.  If one person in your home thinks this behavior is cute, or is encouraging it, you’ll never get him to stop jumping.  Everyone in your household must have the same goal, which is teaching your dog to be a well-mannered member of the family who knows where he fits into his world.

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Keep your fence jumping dog home where he's safe!

You may think your fence jumping dog is a canine Houdini.  NOTHING can keep him in the yard.  He believes a fence is nothing more than a small bump in his road to freedom.

But a dog who jumps fences can meet a bad end.  Many of these furry escapees end up on the wrong end of a car, which is a tragic end to your pet’s excellent adventure.

Here is dog training advice that will help control this dog behavior problem before it gets the best of your companion.

1.  Pay More Attention To Him

A dog who jumps fences gets all kinds of attention.  His owner is chasing after him, calling him, and trying to catch up with him.  The neighbor may be yelling at him, or trying to help catch him, too.  What a great game!  Your dog loves it!

If the only time your canine friend gets your attention is when he’s doing something naughty, rest assured that he’ll keep doing it!

2.  I’m Bored, Mom

Make your yard a fun place for him.  He should have a digging pit that he can excavate to his heart’s content.  If he’s by himself for a portion of the day, give him a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter or a treat.  This will keep him happily occupied for a while.

Remember that dogs are social animals.  Leaving a dog along in a yard all day with nothing to do invites dog behavior problems.  He’ll find a way to entertain himself that may include figuring out how to get over that fence.

3.  Does He Have Dog Separation Anxiety?

One reason for chronic fence jumping in dogs is that he’s looking for you.  If your dog is too attached to you, he could be having a canine version of a panic attack when you leave him alone.

4.  He’s Looking For A Girlfriend

Male dogs normally roam around, looking for females.  Neutering him before he’s a year old will help to keep him home where he belongs.  If you have a female, have her spayed to prevent male dogs from hanging around your yard when she’s in heat.

We all love puppies, but there just aren’t enough homes to go around.  Having your dog neutered or spayed prevents pet overpopulation.

5.  He’s Not Getting Enough Exercise

Many dog owners mistakenly think that dogs get enough exercise from running around the yard.  Canines are very high energy animals, and they need a lot more physical activity than they can get in a fenced yard.

A long walk every morning and evening will burn off some of that excess energy.  Take him to the dog park every day so he can run and play with his doggy friends.  Remember that a tired dog will be napping, not plotting his next escape from your yard.

Fence Jumping Is A Self-Rewarding Behavior

Stopping a fence jumping dog can be challenging because it’s self-rewarding.  What this means is that every time he escapes, he’s getting what he wanted.  This guarantees that he’ll keep doing it.  It’s up to you to teach him that his own yard is a better place to be.

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