Rhodesian Ridgebacks are renowned for their courage, intelligence, and loyalty. Bred to track and corner lions in southern Africa, these magnificent dogs have a strong, athletic build, which, coupled with their zest for life, often results in their jumping on people as an expression of enthusiasm. However, considering their size and strength, this behavior can be challenging for owners and might even be risky, especially around small children or elderly folks. Here are five essential tips for teaching your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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. Ignoring the Jump
One of the most effective ways to discourage your Ridgeback from jumping is to simply ignore the behavior. If your dog jumps on you when you arrive home, turn your back and avoid any interaction. The idea is to show them that jumping won’t earn them any attention. Once your dog calms down and keeps all four paws on the ground, that’s your cue to give them the affection and attention they crave.
2. Teach and Reinforce the ‘Sit’ Command
‘Sit’ is one of the most basic and useful commands in dog training. Teaching your Rhodesian Ridgeback to sit when they’re excited, particularly during greetings, can counteract the urge to jump. Always reward your dog for sitting on command, using treats, verbal praises, or physical affection. This reinforcement will make it clear to your dog that sitting earns rewards, whereas jumping doesn’t.
3. Regular Exercise
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are an energetic breed and often jump because of pent-up energy. Regular exercise can help reduce their excess energy and, in turn, curb their jumping behavior. Long walks, runs, or play sessions can all help keep your dog physically satisfied and less likely to seek attention through jumping.
4. Structured Greeting Practices
Since jumping often occurs during greetings, structured greeting practices can be highly effective. Arrange for a friend or family member to approach your dog. If your Ridgeback jumps, the person should immediately step back and ignore them. Once your dog calms down and has all four feet on the floor, it should then be given affection and praise. Repeat this process until your dog learns that jumping results in being ignored, while calm behavior earns attention.
5. Consider an Online Dog Training Course
If the problem persists and you find yourself struggling to control your dog’s jumping behavior, you might want to consider an online dog training course. Such courses provide in-depth, step-by-step training guides that cover a range of dog behaviors, including jumping. You’ll learn about the underlying causes of these behaviors, how to address them effectively, and preventive strategies to avoid future issues.
Online courses can be extremely convenient since they allow you to progress at your own pace and fit the training into your schedule. They often include visual aids like videos, making it easier to understand and apply various training techniques. Even without mentioning a specific course, a simple search on the internet will provide you with plenty of options to choose from.
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, training your Rhodesian Ridgeback not to jump takes patience, persistence, and consistency. It’s not a process that will yield instant results. However, with your dedication and the right training methods, it’s an entirely achievable goal. And once accomplished, it’ll result in a well-mannered dog and a safer environment for everyone around.
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