Labs, known for their exuberant and friendly nature, are popular as family pets. However, their enthusiastic greetings often translate into jumping on people, which can be problematic. It’s essential to curb this behavior, not just for etiquette, but also for safety reasons. Here are five tips to teach your Lab 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
The best time to start training your Lab is during puppyhood when they’re most receptive to learning new things. However, if you’ve adopted an older Lab, don’t worry. With persistence and patience, you can also train adult dogs to stop jumping. The key is consistency. Make sure all family members and visitors understand and follow the rules so as not to confuse your pet.
2. Encourage Four on the Floor
Rather than simply discouraging jumping, you should actively encourage the behavior you want to see: all four paws on the floor. Whenever your Lab meets you or someone else without jumping, give them a treat or praise them immediately. Over time, your dog will realize that keeping its feet on the floor leads to rewards.
3. Ignore the Jumping
Dogs often jump to get attention. If your Lab jumps on you, don’t scold, push, or knee them. Any attention, even negative, can be interpreted as a reward. Instead, cross your arms and turn your back. The moment your Lab’s feet touch the ground, turn around and praise them. This technique reinforces that jumping will get them the opposite of what they want: your attention.
4. Use a Leash or a Tether
A leash or tether can be a helpful tool during the initial stages of training. If you’re expecting guests or going out in public, keep your Lab on a short leash. This not only prevents jumping on others but also gives you the opportunity to correct their behavior immediately. As your Lab improves, gradually give them more freedom, but be ready to revert to a restricted setting if necessary.
5. Consider Online Dog Training Courses
If you’re having difficulty training your Lab not to jump, you may want to consider an online dog training course. These courses provide structured, step-by-step guides to various training methods and can be a valuable resource. They often cover more than just jumping, helping you address other behavior issues as well. Online courses also offer the convenience of learning at your own pace and revisiting material as needed. Choose a course that utilizes positive reinforcement training for the most effective and humane approach.
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.
Remember, patience and consistency are the keys to successful dog training. It’s normal for progress to be slow and non-linear. Some days might be better than others, but don’t get discouraged. By sticking to these tips, and possibly taking advantage of online resources, you can successfully teach your Lab not to jump on people. Ultimately, the goal is to create a safe and respectful environment for both your pet and the people around them.
Toledo, United States.