Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their size, strength, and friendly nature. These beautiful dogs, however, can sometimes develop a habit of jumping on people. If you’re looking to curb this behavior, here are five effective strategies that can help.
⚠️ Note: While the tips below should get you started, it’s important to realize that for best results, you should take your German Shepherd through a more complete dog training course. Consider looking into an online training course that specifically addresses jumping (we like SpiritDog’s “Focus” course or K9 Institute’s Dog Masterclass)
1. Embrace Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the practice of rewarding the behavior you wish to encourage. In this case, whenever your Bernese Mountain Dog greets someone without jumping, promptly reward them. This could be a treat, a toy, or verbal praise. By consistently rewarding their good behavior, your dog will associate keeping all four paws on the ground with positive outcomes.
2. Teach Basic Commands
Basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘off’ are valuable tools in managing your dog’s behavior. Start by training your dog to ‘sit’ before they greet someone, and reward them when they comply. If they attempt to jump, use the ‘off’ command, and gently guide them back to the ground if necessary. Regular practice and reinforcement will make these commands second nature and help manage your dog’s enthusiastic greetings.
3. Use the Ignore Technique
Jumping is often a way for dogs to seek attention. Ignoring your Bernese Mountain Dog when they jump sends a clear message that this behavior doesn’t garner the attention they desire. When your dog jumps, turn your back, avoid eye contact, and withhold any interaction. Once they have settled and all four paws are back on the ground, then you can give them the attention they were seeking.
4. Introduce Time-Outs
If ignoring the behavior doesn’t effectively curb the jumping, you might consider using time-outs. When your Bernese Mountain Dog jumps, calmly lead them to a quiet, safe area where they can settle down. This is not punishment, but rather a chance for your dog to calm down and understand that jumping disrupts their social interactions.
5. Consider an Online Dog Training Course
Finally, trying an online dog training course can be a valuable asset. These courses provide extensive knowledge and instructions from experienced dog trainers on how to manage various dog behaviors, including jumping.
One of the greatest advantages of online dog training courses is their convenience. You can learn at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home. These courses typically include video demonstrations, written instructions, and community forums where you can interact with other dog owners dealing with similar challenges.
Our 2 favorite courses that address dogs jumping on people are:
1. SpiritDog’s Focus Course (best on a budget)
The “Focus in Public – Out and About” course by SpiritDog Training, led by expert trainer Steffi Trott, is designed to help dog owners improve their pets’ behavior in public. The course includes 21 lessons covering topics such as achieving full dog engagement, training perfect heels, teaching dogs to settle on a mat anywhere, and playing fun games in public places. The course has lifetime access and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass” (best overall)
More than just a course that teaches your dog not to jump, this more comprehensive training class tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
In conclusion, teaching your Bernese Mountain Dog not to jump on people requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to positive reinforcement. Every dog learns at their own pace, so it’s crucial to be patient and celebrate small victories along the way. By consistently reinforcing the behaviors you want to see, your Bernese Mountain Dog will learn that calm and respectful greetings are the best way to interact with people. With these strategies and your dedicated effort, your Bernese Mountain Dog will soon learn to greet people politely, making them an even better companion.
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