French Bulldogs, affectionately known as Frenchies, are undoubtedly one of the most charming and amiable breeds. They have a unique blend of stubbornness and affection that can melt hearts, and their exuberance often translates into overly enthusiastic greetings. Although their smaller size might not make jumping as dangerous as it would be with a larger breed, it’s still crucial to teach your Frenchie not to jump on people. Here are five effective tips to help you with that:
⚠️ 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. Start Training Early
Whether you’ve adopted a puppy or an adult Frenchie, the best time to start training is now. Puppies can start learning basic commands from as early as seven weeks old. However, older dogs can learn too; the key is consistency and patience.
2. Ignore the Jumping
If your Frenchie jumps on you, the best response is to ignore them. Don’t make eye contact, talk, or touch them until they have all four paws on the ground. By doing so, you teach them that jumping doesn’t get them what they want—your attention. Remember, even negative attention like pushing them away or reprimanding can be rewarding to some dogs, so complete disinterest is often more effective.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
French Bulldogs respond well to positive reinforcement. When they greet you or others without jumping, reward them with praise, a pat, or a treat. The key here is timing—the reward should come immediately after the desirable behavior, which in this case is a polite, jump-free greeting.
4. Teach Alternative Behaviors
One of the most effective ways to stop a dog from jumping is to teach them to do something else instead. For instance, you can teach your Frenchie to sit or stand on all fours when they greet people. This alternate behavior should be incompatible with jumping—meaning, if they’re doing this behavior, they can’t be jumping at the same time. When they perform the desired action, be sure to reward them with praise and treats.
5. Online Dog Training Courses
If you’re finding it hard to curb your Frenchie’s jumping habit, it may be worth considering an online dog training course. These courses are generally designed by professional dog trainers and can provide a wealth of knowledge about dog behavior and effective training techniques.
With the convenience of online learning, you can progress at a pace that suits you and your Frenchie. The courses often cover a broad spectrum of dog training aspects, so not only can you address the jumping problem, but you can also learn other valuable training strategies to ensure your Frenchie is well-behaved in various situations. It’s important to ensure the training methods taught align with positive reinforcement strategies, which are the most effective and humane methods of training.
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 French Bulldog not to jump on people can be a challenge, but with the right techniques and a lot of patience, it’s definitely achievable. Always remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s all about finding what motivates your dog and using that to encourage the behavior you want to see. If you need additional support, don’t be afraid to seek professional help or consider an online training course. Happy training!
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