Golden Retrievers are well-loved for their friendly and tolerant attitude. They are not just highly intelligent, but also eager to please, which makes them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. However, this affable breed can sometimes get a little too excited and develop the habit of jumping on people. While it might seem playful and harmless when they are puppies, it could be problematic and even dangerous when they grow up. So, here are five useful tips for teaching your Golden Retriever not to jump on people:
⚠️ 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. Begin Training Early
Like many dog behaviors, it is easier to prevent jumping in the first place than it is to break the habit later. If your Golden Retriever is still a puppy, it is the best time to teach them to greet people politely, with all four paws on the ground. But even if your Golden is already an adult, it is not too late. Golden Retrievers are fast learners at any age with the right training approach.
2. Ignore The Jumping
Dogs often jump up because they want to get our attention, and they’ve learned that jumping gets a reaction. When your Golden Retriever jumps up, try not to push them away or scold them, as they might still perceive this as attention. Instead, completely ignore them by turning your back and not making eye contact. When they realize that jumping doesn’t yield any attention, they are likely to stop.
3. Reward Good Behavior
Rewarding your Golden Retriever for good behavior is an effective way to teach them what you expect from them. When your dog approaches you and stays on the ground rather than jumping up, reward them immediately. Rewards can be in the form of treats, toys, praises, or simply a loving pet. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to repeat the good behavior.
4. Teach an Alternative Behavior
Teaching your Golden Retriever an alternative behavior is another excellent way to deter them from jumping. You can teach your dog to “sit” or “stay” when they approach people. Start by practicing this behavior without any distractions. Once your dog is confident in performing these commands at home, gradually introduce them to more distracting environments. With consistent practice, your dog will learn to sit or stay instead of jumping up when they meet people.
5. Try an Online Dog Training Course
If you’re finding it challenging to train your Golden Retriever not to jump, you might want to consider an online dog training course. These courses offer a wealth of knowledge and techniques to address various behavioral issues.
The main advantage of online courses is the ability to learn at your own pace. You can go back to tricky lessons as many times as you need, and you can fit training around your schedule, not someone else’s. These courses usually cover a broad spectrum of dog behaviors besides jumping, so they’re an excellent resource for any dog owner.
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.
Online courses can be particularly useful if you’re dealing with more severe behavioral issues or if you’re a first-time dog owner and unsure where to start with training. They offer the benefits of a dog training class from the comfort of your own home.
In conclusion, training a Golden Retriever not to jump on people requires patience, consistency, and a lot of positive reinforcement. Start as early as you can, ignore jumping, reward good behavior, teach them an alternative behavior, and don’t hesitate to seek help through online dog training courses. Each Golden Retriever is unique, so what works for one dog might not work for another. Be patient, keep trying different strategies, and eventually, you’ll find a method that works for you and your Golden Retriever.
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